From caring for patients to championing local voices: Sheena’s story
After 40 years working in the NHS, retirement can leave a significant gap. Sheena could have quite happily put her feet up, but she was not ready to stop completely.
Having seen first hand how care is delivered and how much difference good support can make to people and their families, she still wanted to feel useful and give something back.
“I wasn’t ready to stop completely,” Sheena says. “I still wanted to help people in some way.”
Volunteering with Healthwatch North Yorkshire has given her a way to stay connected to healthcare and social care while continuing to support local people.
Listening where it matters most
Each month, Sheena volunteers at Harrogate Hospital and at libraries in Harrogate and Knaresborough, where she meets people from all walks of life.
Some want to talk about challenges they have faced with appointments or care. Others are looking for information and advice to help them make informed decisions. Many simply want someone to listen.
“It is about listening,” she explains. “People appreciate being heard.”
For Sheena, these conversations are one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering. They help ensure people's experiences are understood and that concerns, ideas and positive experiences are not overlooked.
Alongside regular contact points, Sheena also attends community groups and events, helping raise awareness of Healthwatch and encouraging people to share their views and experiences.
Recently, she delivered a workshop at a local hospital, helping more people understand how they can share feedback and find trusted information and advice.
Visiting care homes
Sheena is also part of the Enter and View programme, visiting care homes alongside other trained volunteers.
These visits provide an opportunity to hear directly from residents, relatives and staff about their experiences of care and daily life within the home.
She values being able to highlight what is working well while helping identify opportunities for improvement.
By listening to different perspectives and feeding this back, volunteers help build a fuller picture of people's experiences of care across North Yorkshire.
“Volunteering for Healthwatch has filled a void left by retirement after 40 years in the NHS. Representing the patient voice makes it so worthwhile.”
Why volunteering makes a difference
For Sheena, volunteering has brought purpose and connection in a new chapter of life.
“Volunteering supports my mental wellbeing. I enjoy the community events and meeting people. It is always interesting to hear people’s perspectives on care delivery. I enjoy promoting the work that Healthwatch does.”
Volunteering has allowed her to stay connected to an area she cares deeply about, continue helping others and remain involved in her local community.
Her experience shows how a listening ear, a conversation and a little time can help ensure local people feel informed, heard and valued.
For anyone considering volunteering, Sheena's story shows that retirement does not have to mean stepping away completely. It can be an opportunity to use a lifetime of experience in a different way while continuing to make a positive difference locally.
