Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services across the borough.

The organisation works to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use services and to speak out on their behalf.

 Volunteers play a vital role in helping people have their say, and this Volunteers Week, Healthwatch are highlighting the work of two people who give up their time to make a difference.

Frank Pitt, 73, is a former electrical engineer and has been a volunteer for six years. He signed up after hearing about us from a local diabetes support group. During that time, he has shown a keen interest in Enter and Views and has also helped keep the website up to date.

Frank said: “I’ve visited care homes, hospitals and spoken to people there about how they are finding their services. It’s really important that people have the opportunity to tell us what they think is right or wrong and then we can feed it back to make a change.”

Another volunteer is Denice Morgan, 64, who is a lay minister. She’s been with Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin for five years and often helps with engagements and supporting new volunteer recruits.

She said: “I have a big interest in justice and healthcare and I think the two should go together. I wanted to do something that would give people the chance to have their say on local services that matter to them.

“Things can get swept under the carpet unless people stand up and say ‘I don’t think this is right’. I really enjoy visiting care homes and hospital wards and getting the chance to speak to new people.”

Barry Parnaby, Chair of the Board at Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to Frank, Denice and all our amazing volunteers who give up their time to help make health and care services better for our community.”

If you’d like to find out more about Healthwatch, or volunteering with them, visit https://www.healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk/volunteer.