How can I become involved?
The Shadow Healthwatch Croydon welcomes everyones participation at any level. Some of the different ways you can become involved include:
Become a Healthwatch member
Membership means you will be able to stay in regular contact with the activities of the Shadow Healthwatch, receive information and contribute expertise as a local resident, patient, service user, carer or local group advocating for health and care users.
Represent the concerns of a particular group or issue
You may have a particular speciality (e.g. diabetes, disability, etc.) and you can link up with others who share your concerns. You can then meet in small groups and prepare reports for feedback from your group to Steering Group. The Shadow Healthwatch may then take forward your key themes and incorporate them in its workplan.
Become a Croydon Healthwatch Researcher
You can complete our Community Volunteering Qualification (CVQ) and help us to take a range of research and auditing roles; visiting health and care premises as ‘Authorised Representatives’, assessing patient experience and aspirations; using a range of participatory research techniques.
Volunteer with the Healthwatch Outreach & Information Team
Outreach work will play a huge part in the work of the Healthwatch. You can volunteer to assist the Healthwatch team to ensure regular involvement in the work of the Healthwatch. This would include assisting us with a variety of communication methods including publications, events, electronic media and mailings.
Staying in Touch
You may not have too much time available but are keen to attend some specialist public or community meetings organised by the Healthwatch. Your views can still be captured in this way and you will receive feedback on the outcome of the issue raised. You can also always reach us by phone on 020 8253 7090, email on localvoices@croydonlink.org.uk or on the web at www.talk2croydon.co.uk/CroydonLINk or www.croydonlink.org.uk .Whatever your level of involvement we appreciate its worth and hope you take part to make your views heard.