Find out about the role of our volunteers

The more information we gather about health and social care services, the more influence we have over shaping how health and social care develops to meet the needs of our community. Volunteers act as the eyes and ears of local people, raising issues of concern.

In 2023/24, our North Somerset volunteers contributed...

370 hours!

Volunteer spotlight: John

"I have been a Healthwatch North Somerset volunteer for quite a long time. When I joined I was already a member of the North Bristol Trust Patient Experience Group and by joining Healthwatch, I thought that it would help me bring more public feedback to the meeting than I could on my own. And it did!"

"Since then I have enjoyed meeting other Healthwatch volunteers and listening to their experiences, as well as trying a variety of roles as a volunteer. I belong to various feedback and task and finish groups in North Somerset, as well as working at understanding the new Integrated Care System and tabulating the details of all the various providers in the system."

What do Healthwatch volunteers do?

Over the last year, our volunteers have taken part in a huge range of activities, such as:

  • representing us at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Patient Experience Group
  • participating in the Sirona People's Council
  • joining our Prioritisation Panel
  • helping us improve digital inclusion
  • attending suicide and self-harm prevention project meetings
  • accompanying us to community and engagement events
  • Enter and View representatives

Find out more

Click here to visit our 'Volunteer' page for information about how to apply.

Investing in Volunteers accredited

Click here to find out more about the Investing in Volunteers accreditation.