How was your overall experience?
I've met so many people who I otherwise might not have and learnt so much. I find the commitment of the volunteers and staff really inspiring.
What attracted you to volunteering with Healthwatch?
In 2018, I began studying a PhD in the history of the NHS at the University of Warwick. I was attracted to volunteering at Healthwatch for two reasons. First, I wanted to learn more about issues in health and social care really affecting people’s lives in the present day. Second, I hoped my knowledge of policy and history could be used to hold decsions makers to account for their decisions affecting people in Coventry.
What skills were you able to gain?
I gained skills in stakeholder engagement. The legislative background and 'critical friend' role of Healthwatch meant I learnt to challenge policymakers in a constructive manner. My confidence in oral communication and formulating questions was also improved immeasurably.
How did it help you?
Meeting local groups via Healthwatch was useful when I came to organise NHS history community engagement workshops for my PhD project. Volunteering helped me maintain a current working knowledge of health and social care. Finally, when I applied to do a secondment in Parliament, being able to refer to prior experience of challenging policymakers in a politically impartial environment gave my CV a real boost. More than those things, it was nice to feel part of something positive that was working to improve people's experiences of care in Coventry.
It was nice to feel part of something positive that was working to improve people's experiences of care in Coventry.