"Volunteering with Healthwatch is a great opportunity to make a difference and influence the quality of local health and social care services. There is great support for people who volunteer with Healthwatch Derbyshire, both from staff members and from fellow volunteers."

"I joined Healthwatch Derbyshire as a volunteer over a year ago while studying psychology at university. They have offered me so many opportunities, and have provided me with skills that I can utilise later in life such as research skills, confidence, and various software skills. They've been extremely flexible and understanding around my studies, allowing me to work from home and complete tasks within a reasonable time frame.

All work produced by volunteers is appreciated by everyone within the organisation. Overall Healthwatch Derbyshire is a great organisation to work with, and I am proud to say that I am a volunteer!"

"I applied to Healthwatch Derbyshire as I felt my knowledge and skills would help with their aim of ensuring local services are provided in the best way possible. I am proud to have played a key role in the mystery shop at Chesterfield Royal Hospital which prompted changes to the hospital’s outpatients departments, and to have worked on a project looking at Home Care Services."

"During my time as a volunteer, I have been most active as an Enter and View Representative. This was very interesting and rewarding. It took me to parts of the county I would not otherwise have visited and led me to a far greater understanding of the care system and provision in Derbyshire.

The training and support given by Healthwatch to volunteers gives us the knowledge and confidence to carry out our role.

I would encourage anyone with an interest in any aspect of health care to consider seeking to be a Healthwatch volunteer. It is a really worthwhile experience."