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Community Engagement Panel
The panel includes patients, carers and interested members of the public within Worcestershire. Anyone over the age of 18 can join. Everyone on the panel brings different skills and life experiences.
We aim to make sure our services are the best they can be, for everyone.
We meet to discuss ideas, give feedback, share insights, and develop new skills. For example we review patient documents to check they are simple and can be understood.
We support all services within the Trust which includes, community care and hospitals, children and young people’s services, mental health, learning disabilities, sexual health and emergency dental care.
The panel takes place once a month, usually online on Microsoft Teams. But we do like to meet up twice a year in person too. We have no more than 15 members at one time to make sure everyone has the opportunity to comment and give views.
We are currenlty recruiting new members.
Are you interested in getting involved? Contact katherine.wood4@nhs.net
Location: 2 Kings Court, Kings Court Business Park, Charles Hastings Way, Worcester WR5 1JR
I have been working as a Volunteer Patient Representative for the Trust for a number of years. The engagement with many and different personnel at junior and very senior level has been extremely invauable. This period has provided many opportunities to broaden and further develop my knowledge, skills and abilities and as such I am a member of specific committees, work streams as well as participating in recruitment and selection interviews. Gordon
If you cannot commit to a monthly meeting but would like to help why not visit the 'Get Involved' website page to see other ways you can join the conversation.
I joined the panel in the summer, so am a relatively new member. I have found it very interesting, and enjoy the outside speakers. Online meetings are an excellent way of participating, and I have been made very welcome. Christina
Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up?
You will need to complete the Volunteering Registration Form. This will then be emailed to Kathryn.richards3@nhs.net who will support you with the paperwork required.
How will volunteering help me?
Volunteering can help improve both your physical and mental health. It can improve wellbeing, increase happiness, reduce loneliness and ease depression. It can also support people going through life transitions. We can support further learning with a range of training opportunities.
Do I have to be a current patient/service user?
No. Many of our participation partners and volunteers aren’t current patients/service users.
What age do I have to be?
You would need to be over 16 to get involved or volunteer within most of our opportunities. But, we have a youth board for those aged 14-25, who want to get involved in developing services at a strategic level.
How much time do I need to give?
You can give as much time as you would like from 3 hours per month upwards. You can discuss with us what arrangement works for you and the role you are applying for.
Will I be paid?
Most of our participation partners are not paid for their time. We do make sure you don’t lose out financially so will cover agreed expenses, such as travel or parking.
A small number of volunteers are offered payments if certain criteria is met within the role description. This includes certain strategic, decision-making roles that involve accountability and leadership. These roles are clearly identified and advertised to all participation partners when available.
Will I be trained?
Yes, we have a full induction and training process. There will be an induction to your specific role so that you are confident in what we are asking you to do.
Once I start how will I be kept in touch with?
All participation partners will receive a newsletter via their email. This will include updates on news and opportunities across the Trust.
You will be managed and supervised in the place where you volunteer.
How do you reward and recognise participation partners?
The Trust holds an annual Staff Awards night to celebrate it's staff. This includes one category dedicated to Trust volunteers and participation partners.
What happens if I become unwell, or don’t want to continue with my role?
Please do not worry as we fully understand that this may happen. You can opt out of the programme at any point or take a break.
If you are interested, contact us for a chat at whcnhs.volunteers@nhs.net or call Kate Richards on 07849 308546.