Healthwatch Darlington's 'Volunteers of the Month' June 2020
This month we selected not one but two volunteers to receive our 'Volunteer of the month' award. We felt it was important to recognise a volunteer from our Health Connectors and Youthwatch Darlington, especially during these uncertain times.
All of our volunteers dedicate their time and energy to support Healthwatch Darlington and we are thankful for each and every volunteer.
Our 'Volunteer of the month' award shines the spotlight on volunteers who have stood out for their enthusiasm and commitment.
We are pleased to announce that Faith Miller from our Health Connectors and Amy Adams from Youthwatch Darlington have been selected for June 2020.
Faith Miller - Health Connector
Faith joined Healthwatch Darlington as a volunteer in summer 2019. Faith shares her analytical skills and psychology background to support our projects and in that time she has dedicated time to research, data analysing, attending outreach sessions and speaking to service users in Darlington.
Faith's warmth and kind nature means service users find it easy to talk to Faith and she's become a valued member of our volunteering group.
How did you first find out about volunteering at Healthwatch Darlington?
I found out about Healthwatch from another volunteer who was told about Healthwatch by Teesside University's volunteer service.
Why did you decide to join the team?
I decided to join because I wanted to be involved in health and social care activities, including research projects, occurring in my local area.
What has been a highlight of your volunteering experience so far?
I loved going into GP practices and interviewing different professionals about their roles within the surgery.
Do you have any tips for anyone considering volunteering for Healthwatch Darlington?
There is a role for everyone at Healthwatch. The roles for volunteers are very varied and there is no pressure to do anything that doesn't suit you. A huge effort is also made to stay in touch with you so that you feel part of a team and always welcome and appreciated. I have found that my confidence has grown considerably over the last few months and the skills that volunteers develop are very relevant for future employment too.
Thank you so much Faith! You have been invaluable in helping us keep on top of our research projects during COVID-19. We really couldn’t do what we do without your enthusiasm, expertise and dedication to Healthwatch Darlington. Well done, you are so appreciated by all the team!
Amy Adams
Amy joined as a Youthwatch Darlington volunteer in October 2019. Amy shares her views, ideas and time to support our young volunteering group and their activities to improve health & care for young people in the town.
In the time we have got to know Amy she has become more confident at supporting our work and sharing her ideas. Amy has visited health services, attended events, supported social media and helped out during the pandemic. She has become a fantastic representative for other young people in the town.
How did you first find out about volunteering at Healthwatch Darlington?
I first found out about volunteering at Healthwatch because of Step Forward Tees Valley! They helped me get an application and whatnot. It was a really simple process and it was so worth it.
Why did you decide to join the team?
To gain more experience and skills for the future ahead.
What has been a highlight of your volunteering experience so far?
Probably the Volunteers Fair, that was so fun, going around and taking a look at the other stalls, what other people do, chatting to them about what they do. I really liked it and it was nice learning about the other organisations!
Do you have any tips for anyone considering volunteering for Healthwatch Darlington?
Don't worry if you're not very sociable, there is a lot you can do here even without socialising a lot, you will still be able to get your input in, and you'll still get the feel-good factor!
Congratulations Amy! Our ray of sunshine, always happy and eager to help and none more so than during these uncertain times. We are so grateful for your dedication to Youthwatch and helping to ensure that young people’s voices are heard. Thank you Amy, you’re awesome!
A massive congratulations to both Faith and Amy on their 'Volunteer of the month' award for June 2020. Their award reflects their passion for helping others and for supporting Healthwatch Darlington's work.
It's been a pleasure getting to know both Faith and Amy across the last 12 months and working with them on our projects and activities. Faith has been an incredible support to both our GP and Children & Young People's Mental Health project and her knowledge is invaluable. I have loved watching Amy grow in confidence as a volunteer. Her enthusiasm and positivity radiates across our team of staff and volunteers. I always look forward to hearing Amy's ideas and watching her support Youthwatch Darlington's social media campaigns. Thank you both, you should be proud. - Jemma Austin, Senior Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator.
