A journey of making a positive impact on lives: Volunteering with Healthwatch Greenwich
Growing up as a kid, I cannot quite remember what I dreamt of becoming—a pilot, a medical doctor, or an engineer. But one thing I was sure about even then was making impact in my immediate environment.
Eventually, it became clearer to me after my high school that I derive invaluable joy when I be of help or put smiles to people’s face. And one way I have been able to achieve this is by going beyond my circle to render help either to those less privileged or use my time and skills to support individuals in need.
Coming to the UK in 2022, one thing that was part of my plans was to join a volunteering organisation in my immediate environment, so that I could actively participate in programmes aimed at helping and supporting people.
One thing I must appreciate about HWG is their dedication not only to the people we support but also the safety and knowledge enhancement of volunteers like me.
Getting to know Healthwatch Greenwich (HWG) during my search was a great relief. They have been a perfect embodiment of what I stand for and what I aimed to achieve. The onboarding process was excellent; we were all trained, and our minds were prepared for the responsibilities of the job within the borough.
One thing I must appreciate about HWG is their dedication not only to the people we support but also the safety and knowledge enhancement of volunteers like me. They actively enrolled us in various online trainings, demonstrating their commitment to improving health and social welfare in the borough. Kudos to the management for their fantastic work!
Words can never justify my feelings when I first went out to volunteer for HWG. Although I was a little shy, the training and several meetings prior to going out in the community had prepared me for the day.
After the session, it felt great, like we really made a difference. Seeing how both HWG and I shared the same passion was energising. It inspired me to do more and help even more people.
So far, my experience with HWG has been full of fun, learning, and making a positive impact on lives. Trust me, everyone would love to be a part of this family.
I will conclude my reflections on volunteering with HWG with this quote: 'Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.' ~Author Unknown.
Sadeko Samson is volunteer with Healthwatch Greenwich
