International Volunteers Day

International Volunteers Day (IVD) is a global celebration of volunteers. It takes place every year on December 5 to shine a light on the impact of volunteer efforts everywhere. This special day promotes the work of volunteers at all levels, including local, national and international.

Here at Healthwatch Cheshire, even through the COVID-19 pandemic volunteers have been engaged and have made impacts all across Cheshire and further afield by taking part in initiatives such as Healthwatch Across Cheshire, Citizens Focus Panel, A&E Watch, refugee assistance, proofreading and much more.

Volunteers have also made an impact on local groups by donating items of clothing, over 1,500 books, CDs, and DVDs, iPads and stimulating twiddle muffs to help people in Care Homes, board games to assist mental health groups, and providing assistance at COVID-19 vaccination sites across Cheshire. These have helped the homeless, refugees, mental health groups and the elderly. The support given by our volunteers is incredible, and is really appreciated and valued.

Graeme, Healthwatch Cheshire volunteer – “Volunteering for Healthwatch was suggested by a friend when discussing retirement over two years ago. The Social Care world was new to me and I’ve learned so much from the patients, carers, and the Healthwatch volunteers and staff. The work is varied, interesting and allows me to maintain some of the skills I used at work.”

Jackie, Healthwatch Cheshire volunteer – “I chose Healthwatch Cheshire because I believe their purpose and ethics are much needed in the present day climate and patients’ voices need to be heard and that the research and reports are needed for the right long term decisions to be put into place for the benefit of all.”

Our volunteers represent Cheshire but also assist further afield. With our links with local universities and colleges, we have provided opportunities to students from South America, Europe and Asia, bringing different experiences and approaches.

Marrisa, former Healthwatch Cheshire volunteer – “My experience as a volunteer was very rewarding, it allowed me to grow as a person and get to know the different realities that the people of the area were going through. After graduating from university, I moved back to my country, Ecuador.  Since May 2021 I have been working as a University lecturer in anatomy and physiology. I believe that my role as a volunteer in Healthwatch Cheshire was key for improving my confidence and carrying out my current job with the vision of helping and training health professionals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of others.”

Peace, former Healthwatch Cheshire volunteer – “My volunteering experience with Healthwatch Cheshire was a delightful one as it not only gave me practical knowledge but also hands-on experience. I have always wanted to gain an understanding of how the Health and Social Care Services operates, fortunately for me; Healthwatch Cheshire together with the Volunteer Coordinator, David Crosthwaite, provided the avenue for me to do so.

Working with your organisation enabled me to acquire good communication and interpersonal skills from interacting with members of the communities and service users, as well as good monitoring and evaluation skills from inspecting the facilities.

Since I left the UK and Healthwatch Cheshire in 2021, I have been able to work with 2 different Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria; they include ActionAid Nigeria and Ipas Nigeria. Presently, I work as a Retention Support Volunteer at ActionAid Nigeria.”

Jannat, another former Healthwatch volunteer, is currently working in Bangladesh supporting refugees and liberties for all after spending nearly 3 years volunteering with Healthwatch Cheshire.

Find out more about how you can become a Healthwatch Cheshire volunteer.