Volunteers’ Week takes place from 1st to 7th June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity. It is also a chance for us to say thank you for the fantastic contribution our Trustees and Ambassadors make in helping us collect and represent the voice of the people of Essex.
This year’s theme is about volunteering for all – celebrating the huge range of people who give their time in so many ways. We asked our Vice-Chair, Samantha Glover, to share her thoughts as to why she volunteers for us and what it means to her.
‘I have been volunteering with Healthwatch Essex since the very start.
During this time, I have been part of the pathfinder which helped design what Healthwatch Essex would look like. I was also part of the launch event nationally in Westminster, alongside Jeremy Hunt and I have been a board member, director and now Vice Chair.
From the very first advert I read which described what Healthwatch Essex wanted to achieve, I knew I wished to be part of this organisation in any way I could. Watching the charity grow and develop into what it is today has been a joy. I have learnt so much from the wonderful staff and the public they engage with. People from all walks of life have shared their stories with us and it’s a humbling privilege and one which we take very seriously. We help that story make a difference to others who live and use services in Essex.
Having worked in frontline health services for 15 years now and having studied health and social care to Masters Level I bring knowledge and experience to my role in Healthwatch Essex. But more importantly being a born and bred Essex Girl makes me passionate and committed to having the best community we can, with services I am happy for my family and friends to use, that I trust and have faith in.
Healthwatch Essex has given me so many opportunities and challenges, they have invested in me and given me opportunity to grow and develop. I am never prouder than when I get the chance to sing the praises of the hard- working staff of the charity and those that so generously share there lived experience to support it.’
Samantha Glover, Vice-Chair at Healthwatch Essex