We are looking for Community Listener volunteers to help us be the eyes and ears of health and care locally and to listen, gather and share people’s stories.
A ‘Community Listener’ gathers local voices and helps to transform health and social care in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
Who we are
Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay is the local independent champion for people using health and social care services. We listen to people’s views and experiences of local services like GPs, Hospitals, Dentists and Care Homes. We then and encourage those in charge to use what we have heard in decisions that affect local people.
We work for positive change in health and social care in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay as well as highlighting good practice within services. We also want to make sure that people across the county have equal access to health and social care services. including those who are less likely to have their voices heard.
We rely on volunteers to help make services better for everyone. Here’s how you can help us achieve this by becoming a Community Listener volunteer with us:
LISTEN
You'll help local voices be heard by listening to what people think about health and care services in their community. From family, friends, and neighbours to community groups and local networks, anyone with a story to share is someone we want to hear from.
GATHER
As a Community Listener you will be out and about, connecting with people in your local area. This could mean gathering feedback at healthcare services such as GP surgeries, hospitals, and care homes or other places like community centres, high streets or even engaging with conversations on local social media.
SHARE
The key to your role is recording the stories people tell – whether good, bad or a bit of both – and sharing them with us. We’ll then make sure these stories reach the people making decisions about local services.
You will need to:
- Feel comfortable talking to people who may have a difficult story to share
- Have good listening skills
- Be able to take notes or record what you hear clearly and accurately
- Be non-judgemental and uphold our principles on equality and diversity
- Be interested in health and social care
- Be organised and reliable.
What you will get out of this volunteering role?
- Making a difference: Volunteering gives you an opportunity to make a difference to health and social care services in your community.
- Improve your employability: Many of our roles include working with people at a variety of levels, from health service users to Chief Executives! Volunteering proves to your future employer that you have developed necessary skills and are a committed person.
- Have fun!: Volunteering can be fun and fulfilling, allowing you to experience opportunities not usually available to you and to meet new people.
- Gain experience & knowledge: Volunteering gives you a chance to gain experience in a field you may like to work in. We can provide a reference for those completing a project or volunteering for three months or more.
- Access training: Many of the volunteer roles will include useful training and experience which can add value to a CV.
How to apply
To find out more about volunteering for Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay please call free on 0800 520 0640 or click on one of the links below:
Volunteers - Healthwatch Devon