It’s Volunteer’s Week! Read the story of some of the amazing volunteers who make up Healthwatch Ambassador’s Network.
The Healthwatch Southwark Ambassador’s Network was formed in 2020 in partnership with Southwark Council as a response to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in an effort to reach all communities in Southwark, to learn what was impacting seldom heard groups, and ensure everyone in Southwark had access to and could understand accurate information.
The program has since broadened to cover a diverse range of topics such as mental health, vaccinations, cancer prevention, cost of living support and more. Following a community champions model, Ambassadors and their communities are put front and center of the project.
There are now over 130 volunteers who make up the Ambassador’s Network, all with their own skills, passions and expertise. Read some of their inspiring stories below!
Freda’s Story
Freda has recently joined the Network and jumped right in! She regularly does outreach at Nunhead and Dulwich Library with fellow Ambassadors. She ensures she has the right information to share with residents and her outgoing personality keeps residents engaged and interested in the information shared! Freda and Tina, together, form Opulence Passion and will be hosting health and wellbeing events in Southwark.
Tina’s Story
Tina joined the Network over 2 years ago and has attend almost every training and information meeting! She is a Mental Health First Aider and is committed to sharing essential health information to her local community, while also bringing fellow Ambassadors together to collaborate! She listens to what is going on in her community and makes sure to get the right information to them. She regularly does outreach at Nunhead and Dulwich Library, where she shares information and advice to residents and shows them how to do a health check.
Freda and Tina are currently planning health and wellbeing open days for local residents in Peckham.
Saran’s Story
Saran has been an active member of the Ambassadors Network since the beginning and has attended almost every training and information meeting. Her dedication to learning about Southwark health services and information and sharing with her community is inspiring! She has also attended community events, such as the Cost of Living Roadshow, Southwark Council Health and Homelessness event, Crisis Rescue Foundation Event, where she shared public health information and services and supported the events wherever needed.
Franklin’s Story
Franklin has attended many Ambassadors trainings such as Make Every Contact Count, Mental Health First Aid, and Groundswell Health and Homelessness. He organises a breakfast meeting evening Saturday morning with an average of 50 people in attendance. For the past two years, he has shared Covid-19 information to them and any other information from the Southwark health Ambassadors meetings. Franklin also manages a food bank project on Old Kent Road.
Ese’s Story
Ese is passionate about engaging with local residents and learning about new health topics. She has attend health and wellbeing events and pop-ups to share information on NHS services, vaccinations, heart health, and how migrants can register for GP services and access other health services. During the pandemic, she encouraged vaccine uptake with mothers in her community and responded to any concerns or questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Saidat’s Story
Saidat actively learns new health and wellbeing topics and shares the information through many activities! She is current running a elderly hub for people in the community that feel lonely or have no one to talk to as much, where they can build bonds and take part in a range of activities such as board games.
She organises women only dancing therapy on Wednesday and Fridays. She also organises weekend sessions for families with children so that they can play and interact with others and do a range of activities such as time tennis, 8 pool, art and craft, reading and a range of games. Saidat is making different in the lives of many people in the community by putting a smile on their faces.
