Everyone has a story: Sally’s volunteering story
When Sally joined Healthwatch North Yorkshire, she was looking for something meaningful to do with her time. She wanted to use her existing skills in a new setting while continuing to contribute to her local community.
“I wanted to volunteer for an organisation that gave me new experiences while using my existing skills and knowledge.”
What she found was not only new experiences, but a real sense of purpose.
“It feels good to know that the time I give is helping something important.”
Listening to people's stories
One of Sally’s main roles is speaking to people at community events and listening activities. These conversations give people the opportunity to share both positive experiences and the challenges they have faced when accessing health and social care.
“Sometimes people just need someone to listen properly. You can see how much it means to them.”
For Sally, these conversations are what make volunteering so rewarding.
“You realise very quickly that everyone has a story. Being able to take that story forward is a real responsibility.”
Whether someone wants to share concerns, recognise good care or talk about a personal experience, Sally believes it is important that they feel listened to and understood.
Making a difference
The experiences volunteers hear help build a picture of what matters most to local people.
“You might not see the end result straight away, but you know you are part of the bigger picture.”
While volunteers may not always see immediate outcomes, Sally values knowing that the conversations she has can contribute to improvements over time.
“Health and social care affect everyone at some point. If sharing experiences can help make it better, then it’s worth doing.”
She also appreciates the opportunity volunteering has given her to meet people from different backgrounds and learn more about the experiences of others.
“You meet people from all walks of life. It’s broadened my perspective and helped me feel more connected to the community.”
Why volunteering matters
Volunteering has allowed Sally to use her skills in a new way, meet new people and help ensure local experiences are heard.
“I enjoy helping people and making a difference. The health and social care sector is so important for everyone and I appreciate the opportunities that Healthwatch has given me to speak with different people and promote local voices and opinions.”
For Sally, the most important lesson from volunteering is a simple one: everyone has a story. Taking the time to listen can help people feel heard, valued and understood, while helping build a better understanding of what matters to communities across North Yorkshire.
