Liz talks about why she volunteers

In 2017 I took early retirement and looked for opportunities to volunteer in the health and social care sector, an area which I am passionate about. Our son has complex special needs and volunteering is an opportunity to give something back to the community that supports us.

Healthwatch Surrey has been a conduit for making a difference. Healthwatch can amplify patients’ needs and experiences in a way which truly influences commissioners and service providers. And, as I volunteer with Healthwatch I really can make a difference to services I care passionately about.

As a volunteer I enjoy talking with people using local health and social care services and helping Healthwatch Surrey use their stories to highlight service access and/or quality issues. I feel valued being part of the Healthwatch Surrey team and a critical friend to commissioners and service providers.

I have enjoyed championing improvements in sexual health services in Surrey and helping Healthwatch Surrey to work with commissioners to drive improvements to services.