To find out more about our volunteering roles, see 'Ways to Volunteer' below.
To complete in an Application Form, click on the 'Fill in an application' green button, top right under 'I would like to volunteer'.
New Healthwatch Surrey Annual Report 2020/21 - Our Year in Review
In the last year, despite the challenges of engaging remotely, local people have shared over 5,000 experiences of health and care services with us, and we have provided information and advice to almost 2,500 people. We have heard much praise and thanks for the great progress of the vaccination programme and for the ongoing efforts of NHS and social care staff in such challenging circumstances. We have also heard feedback when things haven’t gone so well, or when people have struggled to access care. We have shared what we are hearing via our monthly bulletins, a range of reports, and regular meetings with partners across Surrey.
New 2021-22 Workplan and Priorities
In the year ahead we will be prioritising our work around mental health, care at home, and access to care. We will continue with our ongoing agenda-free listening programme across Surrey; empowering and supporting local people to get involved with local services; and our provision of information and advice to enable local people to get the best out of their health and social care services. In all of this work we will have a particular interest in reaching those who are less well-served by services, live in areas of deprivation, who may be at risk of health inequalities, face barriers to access or to having their voices heard.
Volunteering with Healthwatch Surrey
Who we are
Healthwatch Surrey is an independent organisation that listens to what local people have to say about health and social care. The Healthwatch Surrey contract is delivered by Luminus Insight CIC, which holds a number of voice contracts in Surrey.
We listen to people’s views and concerns and share with decision makers, to influence and improve how local services are run.
We keep an eye on changes to services and make sure that local people are consulted in decision making and in the design of local health and social care services.
What will I do as a volunteer?
Our volunteers attend community events and fairs to talk to local people about the work of Healthwatch Surrey.
They also meet local people through engagements arranged by Healthwatch Surrey. They listen to what local people have to say about health and care services, and accurately record their views, both good and bad. They signpost people to other organisations that can help them where necessary.
Volunteers help us to identify local community groups such as carers groups, veterans’ groups and faith groups who are meeting in Surrey. They inform our Volunteer and Engagement Officer about these, who will contact the group and arrange a suitable time for us to attend and listen to people’s experiences.
How does this make a difference?
Healthwatch Surrey work closely with the Care Quality Commission, Surrey County Council, and those planning and delivering NHS services in Surrey to provide feedback from patients, escalate concerns and work to improve services based on the feedback our volunteers have listened to. We particularly want to hear from communities especially at risk of health inequalities to ensure everyone has a say in the care they receive.
This role will suit someone who:
Is interested in health and social care
Enjoys talking to people
Is a good listener
Has a caring attitude
Is confident and outgoing
Can accurately record information
Enjoys working as part of a team
Is organised and reliable
We would especially like to hear from you if you are already linked up with voluntary, community and/or faith groups in Surrey.
Where will I be volunteering?
Our volunteers go to a range of places throughout including hospitals, care homes, GP surgeries and other community settings in their local area to hear their views. You are able to stay local to your home, or if you don’t mind travelling then you can attend engagements in other areas of Surrey as well.
Will my expenses be paid?
We reimburse volunteers for travel expenses.
What time commitment will I be expected to make?
Volunteering with us is flexible and it is your choice how often you come out with us on engagement. Our volunteers typically give 2 to 3 mornings or afternoons a month, however you can give more or less of your time if you wish.
Some community groups may meet evenings and weekends and you can go to these if they fit in better with other commitments.
What training will I need?
Training in safeguarding, equality and diversity, engagement and signposting will be provided for this role. The training is online and can be taken at a convenient time for you. You will also be supported by a member of our team at each engagement, as well as receiving ongoing support from our Volunteer and Engagement Officer.
Additional training and support may be offered depending on what type of engagement events you volunteer for.
You may be required to undergo a standard DBS check to complete your volunteer role.
What are the next steps?
If you have any questions about volunteering with us, please contact our Volunteer and Engagement Officer: volunteers@healthwatchsurrey.co.uk
Healthwatch Surrey is an independent organisation which gives people in Surrey a strong voice to help improve, shape and get the best from local health and social care services.
For more information about Healthwatch Surrey visit our website.
