Volunteers play a vital role in helping people have their say on health and social care. Volunteering with us can help you develop skills, gain experience and make a difference to your community. 

June Adamson

(authorised representative)

I started volunteering with Healthwatch Sunderland in February 2017.  I like meeting new people so hosting information stands at various venues and speaking to groups about Healthwatch and our role.

I have taken advantage of the training opportunities which have been available to me since I stared and I am a fully trained Enter and View volunteer.

Due to volunteering I feel my confidence has improved, I have new friends and I have been able to use the skills I have, but haven't used for a long time.

When I am not volunteering I enjoy looking after my grandchildren and spending time with my extended family.

I started volunteering with Healthwatch Sunderland in February 2017.  I like meeting new people so hosting information stands at various venues and speaking to groups about Healthwatch and our role.

I have taken advantage of the training opportunities which have been available to me since I stared and I am a fully trained Enter and View volunteer.

Due to volunteering I feel my confidence has improved, I have new friends and I have been able to use the skills I have, but haven't used for a long time.

When I am not volunteering I enjoy looking after my grandchildren and spending time with my extended family.

Tom Canning

I became a Healthwatch Champion as I was looking for more volunteering opportunities to fill in some of my spare time. I like meeting new people, so after the application and induction process, I started my role here at the beginning of April 2017.

So far I have helped out at information stands in local health centres, where I get to meet a lot of different people and ask them how our Sunderland health and social care services are doing. I have taken part in several training courses which I have particularly enjoyed and included; Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding Adults.

In my leisure time, I enjoy studying all aspects of architecture.

Gill Charman

(authorised representative)

A former volunteer with LINk I joined Healthwatch in 2013 and regard myself as one of the original volunteers.

My main interest is Enter and View and I love visiting the care homes to get people's opinions of life there. I have also manned Healthwatch information stands at various venues in the area.  I enjoy talking to and listening to people about their health issues and signposting them to other services in the city.

I am a member of the U3A (University of the Third Age) and get fully involved in their activities.

Since my partner died, my constant companion is my dachshund George and despite his short legs we enjoy long walks together.

Audrey Hodgson

(authorised representative)

I’ve always liked talking to people and Healthwatch gives me the opportunity to do that. I joined Healthwatch in 2019 after a Healthwatch volunteer friend suggested that I would enjoy the ‘work’ that she did, and I do, I love it. 

So far I’ve helped host a few information stands, which gave me the opportunity to get the views and opinions of the general public on their local healthcare services. I’ve also as a result of being a Healthwatch volunteer had the opportunity to take part in patient led assessments of local hospitals, a very rewarding experience and a real eye opener to the problems faced in our NHS. 

In my spare time I’m a member of the U3A, and participate in a number of activities including Kurling, a local history group and quizzes. I also love walking my dogs and I’m in a group which has regular meets for walking and chatting.

Gaynor Mitchell

(authorised representative)

I joined the Healthwatch team as a Healthwatch champion in October 2019. I have a disabled son and over the years I have appreciated the advice and support I have received from independent organisations and I know the peace of mind that knowing your loved one is receiving good care brings as is the case with our son.

I am delighted to have new opportunities with Healthwatch to talk to people about their individual experiences both good and bad so this information can be passed on to Health and Social Care services.

As a volunteer with Healthwatch I have received e-Training online in ‘Safeguarding Adults’ and ‘Safeguarding Children’ and enjoyed a visit to a Care Home and talking to residents also attending the SEND conference too.

I look forward to many more opportunities with Healthwatch in the future.

I am interested in Botany and enjoy Pilates classes, walking and jogging – slowly.

Pauline Scott

(authorised representative)

I have been volunteering with Healthwatch Sunderland since February/March 2017, undertaking surveys in GP practices, participating in the 'enter and view' work at care homes and working on information stands. In addition, I have also participated in a few ad-hoc projects which have been really interesting and informative. I feel that volunteering has benefited me by gaining new experiences, insights and learning through the training received.

In my spare time I enjoy Yoga and Pilates and go to regular classes on a weekly basis.

Grace Weir

(authorised representative)

I became a Volunteer Champion back in spring 2016. During this time I have been out and about in the community engaging with members of the public to find out what they thing about the health and social care services on offer in our city. I really enjoy conversing with people and have plenty of opportunities to do this in my role here at Healthwatch Sunderland.

In my spare time I enjoy walking and going along to my local gym.

Andrea Lambell

(authorised representative)

Amina Wholrab

Chidera Rejoice Patrick

I am a masters student studying Public Health at the University of Sunderland. I became a volunteer for Healthwatch Sunderland in 2022.

I am passionate about health improvement and since the organisation looks to improve health and care services across Sunderland, I decided to join them and also develop skills that will help me in my career growth.

Volunteering is something I enjoy doing especially when it involves communicating with other people and Healthwatch Sunderland gives me that opportunity.

I have volunteered in evaluating the sexual health clinic in Sunderland Royal Hospital and attended training sessions.

In my leisure time, I like to spend time with friends and family and surf the internet.