Healthwatch Darlington volunteer Lorraine shares her volunteer story
Volunteering with Healthwatch Darlington is really important to me, because like everyone, I need to feel useful and able to make a contribution to my community.
Please tell us your highlights as a volunteer with Healthwatch Darlington
The best experience I have had with Healthwatch Darlington was our visit to the Home and Hospital Teaching Service; it was nothing like I expected since it was not at home or in hospital but in a small school. I expected students with medical illnesses but instead found a group of teenagers with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and so much more. I loved talking to the students because they were so open and vocal about their health and care experiences.
They were brilliant young people and the visit was a real eye opener.
I have loved working on the research for Healthwatch Darlington's 'Children & Young Peoples Mental Health' project. It's been great to speak with so many young people and get their real opinions on what matters to them and the support they get or don't get.
Can you explain why volunteering at Healthwatch Darlington helps you?
I know I have skills and lots of experience that I have gained but in my retirement , opportunities to share my skills and experience are very limited. But not with Healthwatch Darlington. I feel I can and do make valued contributions to our discussions and research. Everyone is great at recognising and acknowledging everyone's opinions and talents. It really suits that I do not have to make a regular commitment every week and I can choose to support as I am able with no pressure.
Can you share your experience of adjusting to life during the pandemic?
During the pandemic I had days when I was down and depressed, reluctant to get out of bed, no motivation, feeling overwhelmed. I was really supported by my close friends and also staff at HWD.
However I realised that I didn't need to be overwhelmed; there was no rush to do things, no one was coming to visit so was it vital to rush and do all the housework?? I wrote a list of things that needed to be done and a list of things I wanted to do and just chose one thing at a time. I could read, knit, listen to music -often at the same time-, garden, paint, phone friends and it didn't matter if I didn't get it all done; tomorrow was another day.
Right now very little matters except staying safe and well, family and friends and helping others.
