Find out about the role of our volunteers

The more information we gather about health and social care services, the more influence we have over shaping how health and social care develops to meet the needs of our community. Volunteers act as the eyes and ears of local people, raising issues of concern.

In 2021/22, our volunteers contributed...

255 hours!

Volunteer spotlight: Kritika

Kritika is a dentist from India and a recent public health graduate from the University of Bristol. This is what she had to say about volunteering with Healthwatch Bristol.

"Having qualified in the health sector, I have a deep interest and developing passion for enhancing the health of individuals, and analysing health needs and disparities amongst population groups. This is what motivated me to volunteer with Healthwatch Bristol."

"I have attended community events such as Pride and the Bristol Recovery Festival, where we collected feedback from people about their experiences of health and social care services. I have also been involved in research around the menopause, and women's experiences of accessing support from health services for menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms."

"In the future, I am looking forward to assisting with the ongoing digital inclusion project, which empowers older adults to use online health services. I strongly believe that a proactive approach, engaging with the public, and getting involved with stakeholders helps in achieving the shared objective of improving the overall health and wellbeing of people and in shaping the services provided."

What do Healthwatch volunteers do?

Over the last year, our volunteers have taken part in a huge range of activities, such as:

  • representing us at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Patient Experience Group
  • participating in the Sirona People's Council
  • joining our Prioritisation Panel
  • helping us improve digital inclusion
  • attending suicide and self-harm prevention project meetings
  • accompanying us to community and engagement events
  • Enter and View representatives

Find out more

Click here to visit our 'Volunteer' page for information about how to apply.

Investing in Volunteers accredited

Click here to find out more about the Investing in Volunteers accreditation.

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