Healthwatch volunteer chatting with a lady

Volunteering with us

Whether you want to help give a voice to people in your community or develop your professional skills in a health and social care environment, there are many benefits of volunteering for us.

Get in touch

Why volunteer with us?

  • Make a difference in your local community by giving people the opportunity to speak up about their health and social care. 
  • Make new friends as you become part of the Healthwatch team. 
  • Boost your CV as you develop new skills and confidence in the workplace. 
  • Use your skills to contribute to the success of Healthwatch across West Sussex. 

How much time is involved? 

Our volunteering roles are flexible and fit around your schedule. Our work is project based and you can choose which projects and work activities you would like to be involved in to suit your lifestyle and interests. 

We will always work closely with you to ensure your volunteering role fits with your other personal and social commitments.     

How to join us! 

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please email jo.tuck@healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk or fill out our 'Contact Us' form. 

Lady in a black and white polka dot blouse

What kind of roles are available?  

Visiting services 
This includes roles such as Enter and View Authorised Representatives and mystery shoppers.  

Community Engagement and Outreach 
Speaking to people in the community via hospital, library, shopping centre stalls, Healthwatch West Sussex and community events.  

Administration support 
Data entry of Healthwatch West Sussex intelligence and support with basic administration, including some proof reading and sense checking of internal and external documents to give feedback on design, content and language. 

Board member/Advisory Group member  
Working to ensure the governance of Healthwatch West Sussex is robust to ensure effective Healthwatch delivery.  

Representation  
Attending meetings on behalf of Healthwatch West Sussex to share intelligence with providers, commissioners and feedback essential information to Healthwatch.  

Champion and Ambassadors  
Acting as the ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ of what is happening within the West Sussex community. Some champions might have a specific geographical area they are assigned to or a topic theme that they focus on promoting and hearing about. 

Research 
Helping conduct research including surveying people (in person or via telephone) to find out their experiences as well as supporting the analysis of data and report writing.  

Lady standing in front of a Healthwatch banner

Who are we looking for? 

We are looking for people that can engage with local communities and listen to their views and help gather people’s experiences of using health and social care services from all communities in West Sussex.  

  • Being a positive ambassador for Healthwatch West Sussex and uphold its reputation and values.  
  • Receive information from Healthwatch to be shared in your community or workplace.  
  • Refer people to Healthwatch West Sussex to have their voices heard or be signposted to the correct service or information.  
  • Work with other Healthwatch volunteers and staff members to identify relevant community events and social groups in West Sussex.  
  • Help us to consult with local people through face-to-face, online or telephone surveys.  
  • Hold engagement and information stands in communities such as libraries, community centres, shopping centres, hospitals, GP Surgeries, and dentists.  
  • Contribute to Healthwatch projects, planning and overall delivery through the collection, recording, and feedback of information.   
  • Attend any training relevant to your volunteer role.  
  • An interest in health and social care is beneficial, but not essential.  
Lady in a black suit wearing a yellow scarf

We are looking for people who can demonstrate or would like to develop the following skills and abilities:   

  • Effective communication skills with the ability to ask questions and actively listen Enjoys meeting with and talking to members of the public  
  • Empathy towards people   
  • Able to work as part of a team Able to use social media platforms  
  • Organised and reliable with a flexible approach who can work independently  
  • Understand confidentiality and comply with GDPR principles  
  • A strong commitment to equality and diversity  
Two ladies from Healthwatch smiling at the camera

How will we support you? 

We want you to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience volunteering for us. You will be supported by Jo, Our Volunteering Lead, and the Healthwatch West Sussex Team, throughout your time with us.   

 We also offer/provide:  

  • Healthwatch West Sussex volunteer handbook  
  • Regular contact and volunteer networking meetings  
  • Full training, including an induction to Healthwatch West Sussex 
  • Reimbursement of reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses  
  • Acknowledgement of your work in our reports and publications  
  • Promotion of your achievements through our social media channels  
  • Featuring volunteers on our website and e-newsletters