John's Volunteering Story

I became a volunteer for Healthwatch Milton Keynes in April 2019. Prior to that I was an Enter and View representative for my local Healthwatch in London. Nadine Lynch was the Enter and view co-ordinator when I joined Healthwatch Milton Keynes. I was involved in the Enter and View project at The Campbell Centre (acute inpatient Mental Health Unit). This proved to be very challenging but worthwhile. It has spurred me on to do a project about Young People's Mental Health. I am proud to say that I have produced a young child’s story book which has just been published.  Nadine has since left and Nikki Rawlings will be taking on her role. I am very much looking forward to working with Nikki.

I am also the Healthwatch representative at the Mental Health Partnership Board. This Board is made up of service users and service providers coming together and sharing what is going on in this area. The providers and the users get an insight as to what is going on in each other’s world. It also allows service users to inform the providers of any problems that may have arisen. These meetings are very well attended.

I would recommend anybody who has time available and wants to improve patients health and care environment to start volunteering for Healthwatch Milton Keynes. Maxine, Tracy, Anna and Dee are a great bunch to work alongside.