Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do

From talking to people about their experiences of health and social care, to writing reports, to updating our social media - volunteers are vital to our work. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a regular commitment, we've got a volunteering role to suit you. 

Current volunteering opportunities

Take a look at our current volunteering opportunities

  • Advisory Group Member - The Advisory Group Member will provide informed advice and perspective to the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire Officers, ensuring our priorities and workplan are grounded in 
    community needs and effectively address health and social care inequalities within North Northamptonshire. The group will act as a critical sounding board, leveraging members' experience to strengthen Healthwatch's advocacy and research efforts.
  • Enter & View Volunteers - An Enter and View Volunteer listens to people’s experiences of health and care services, including patients in hospitals, those visiting their GP Practice or people living in residential homes to understand what is working well and what can be improved. They achieve this by attending that service and using a combination of interviews, observations and informal chats to gather information which can then be used to influence change to ensure the service meets the needs of the staff it employs and the people that it serves.
  • Community Listener - Are you a great listener who loves helping people find the answers they need? Join our team as a Community Listener Volunteer and play a vital role in helping local people navigate the sometimes-confusing world of health and social care.
  • Volunteer Researcher - You will work with staff to support the research function of Healthwatch North Northamptonshire as we gather people’s views and experiences of using different health and social care services. Depending on your experience this can include planning and implementing research activities, supporting in the production and implementation of surveys, focus groups and other research methods, recording and analysing data, as well as assisting in the production of research reports. 
woman wearing a stripy jumper sitting in a room full of people

Community Listener

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire is the independent champion for local people, playing a crucial role in ensuring health and social care services meet community needs. As a new service, Healthwatch North Northamptonshire is dedicated to the North Northamptonshire area only. This specific focus allows the service to develop a deep understanding of the unique character and needs of residents at our local footprint.

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire empowers individuals and communities to share their experiences, thereby influencing improvements in health and social care services across the area. 

Our work is guided by core values including: 

  • Independence
  • Consistency
  • Relationships & Trust
  • Impact
  • Outcomes Focused

Are you a great listener who loves helping people find the answers they need? Join our team as a Community Listener Volunteer and play a vital role in helping local people navigate the sometimes-confusing world of health and social care. 

Overview of the Role 

  • Accessing the right health and care information can be a difficult challenge for many. As a volunteer, you will be the guide, helping community members find the up-to-date information and signposting they need to access the correct services and support, either online or over the phone.
  • Your role is a key part of what Healthwatch does, ensuring people have the right information, especially in a world where things are constantly changing

What You'll Be Doing 

  • Providing essential information to the public that has been checked and/or provided by the Healthwatch team
  • Searching for relevant information and confirming its suitability with a staff member before sharing it
  • Recording the feedback you get from people you are talking to

We're Looking for Someone Who... 

  • Truly enjoys listening and communicating with people from all different backgrounds
  • Is comfortable volunteering and can use their own initiative
  • Has access to the internet/email (but not essential)
  • Is happy to ask for help when they need it! 

How We Will Support You

  • We want your volunteering experience to be positive and rewarding. You will receive full training and have regular contact with a member of the Healthwatch team for ongoing support and guidance. You'll also receive the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire volunteer handbook. 

Time Commitment and Application 

  • Our volunteering roles are flexible and designed to fit around your existing personal and social commitments. We will always work closely with you to find a schedule that works best for you
  • To apply for this role, please email our Healthwatch Service Manager, Claire, on claire.neilson@healthwatchnn.org.uk or give her a call on 07512 898229

Information Packs

Get in touch

Talk to us about our volunteering opportunities and we can work with you to find something that suits you. 

Contact us