A leading independent champion for people who use health and social care services in Sunderland celebrated International Day of Happiness.
International Day of Happiness took place on Thursday 20 March, and Healthwatch Sunderland and their team of volunteers came together to honour the occasion and discuss what makes them happy.
Wendy Hadlington, Engagement Officer at Healthwatch Sunderland, said: “International Day of Happiness offered an opportunity to spread positivity and meet together with our fantastic team of volunteers, staff and supporters to connect with one another.
“We also took the opportunity to say thank you to our volunteers for their commitment to supporting Healthwatch Sunderland and local communities.”
Meeting at the Hope Street Xchange, Sunderland, the team of dedicated volunteers, staff from Healthwatch Sunderland, friends, family and members of local community groups enjoyed games, quizzes, sharing stories and a general catch up.
This year’s day of celebrating happiness is more important than ever, as many of us have faced unprecedented challenges, wellbeing matters more than ever. In these difficult times, let’s take action to be happier and kinder, together.
Healthwatch Sunderland is supported by a team of 24 volunteers, who offer their own time to engage with communities in Sunderland.
Throughout 2020-21, Healthwatch Sunderland’s volunteers contributed an amazing 511 hours of support to the organisation, which has massively supported the work they do.
When asked what makes her happy, Grace Weir, a Healthwatch Sunderland volunteer, said: All the little things make me happy, like a piece of cake from a neighbour, talking over the back wall, walking along the coast everyday and buying small items from Ebay.”
To connect with Healthwatch Sunderland or find out more about their work, visit www.healthwatchsunderland.com