Volunteers' Week: Susan Robinson

This Volunteers' Week, we are putting the spotlight on some of our amazing volunteers, from across our projects and services. We recently had the pleasure of talking to Susan Robinson, who is a Champion and volunteer for our Stockton-on-Tees Community Wellbeing Champions service. Read all about her experiences as a volunteer for us, below.

"As a volunteer, I help gather feedback from the public about their experiences with health and social care services. This can involve attending community events, speaking with service users. I also support outreach activities and help raise awareness about the champions role.

I’ve always believed in the importance of having a voice in healthcare and my job role only enhances that belief, becoming a champion offered me a meaningful way to help others be heard. I wanted to contribute to improving local health and social care services and felt this was a great way to make a real difference in my community.

What I enjoy most is the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Listening to their stories and knowing that their feedback could lead to positive changes is incredibly rewarding. I also appreciate the supportive team dynamic and the opportunity for further training and feeling part of the bigger picture.

One moment that stands out was when a person I spoke to at a community event later told me that sharing their experience helped them feel heard for the first time. It reminded me how powerful simply listening can be, and how important the champions role is in giving people a platform.

A particularly positive experience was being part of Wellington Square initiatives which have led to real improvements in a local area and services. Acting on the feedback we collected which has been taken seriously and acted upon is incredibly fulfilling—it showed that our work truly matters.

If you're think about volunteering for the team, I’d say go for it! It is a fantastic way to give back, meet new people, and be part of something that genuinely improves lives. Whether you have a lot of time or just a little, your contribution can make a big impact."

Interested in joining us as a volunteer? You can find out more about our volunteering opportunities here: www.pcp.uk.net/volunteers