Wandsworth Care Alliance

International Women’s Day Spotlight: Nina’s volunteering journey supporting community voices

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How did Nina start volunteering?
Nina started volunteering through a friend who was involved with the work of Healthwatch during the Covid period. Her friend was helping Healthwatch carry out a survey on new mothers and their maternity experiences. Knowing Nina’s background and skill set, her friend felt she would be a great fit to help with the surveys.

Nina is an antenatal teacher with experience running programmes and organising training, and she holds an MA by research.

She began volunteering with Healthwatch on the Enter and View team and has continued to support the team when needed, contributing to various surveys such as the early discharge from hospital survey. Nina has also volunteered with Wandsworth Care Alliance, helping to collect data for the team following a referral from Max at the Healthwatch Wandsworth team.

What motivated Nina to volunteer?
Nina was motivated to volunteer with Healthwatch Wandsworth because she was interested in the topic of parents and maternity experiences, and it connected well with her research background. She explains that a friend recognised that she could contribute and would likely enjoy the work, which encouraged her to get involved.

Although she had not specifically planned to volunteer with Healthwatch Wandsworth, the opportunity came up at the right time and felt like the right thing to get involved with.

What challenges did she notice while volunteering?
Through her volunteering with WCA, Nina recognised the challenge was not speaking with people but rather getting through to them, as many organisations and individuals are busy. She acknowledges that this can be difficult to overcome because people’s availability varies.

How does Nina feel about her impact as a volunteer?
Nina says she feels very pleased when people say she has made an impact. She believes that the work she has contributed has been appreciated by the teams she has supported.

For her, the word “commitment” is important. When she volunteers, she approaches it seriously and with purpose. She explains that she does not volunteer simply to try something out she volunteers because she believes it is the right thing to do.

At the same time, she feels that volunteering is not only about what she gives but also what she gains from the experience. She enjoys taking on tasks, doing them well, and making the most of the opportunity. Nina also emphasises that she genuinely cares about the people she works with.

Has volunteering helped Nina feel closer to the community?
Nina says she has learned a great deal through volunteering with Healthwatch Wandsworth because of the projects she has been involved in.

One of the most recent projects was a mental health project where volunteers visited Hollybourne to carry out interviews. Nina found this particularly challenging. Although she had previously worked with people experiencing post-natal depression, she had not previously had conversations with individuals who had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Despite the difficulty, the experience gave her valuable insight into an area she had not encountered before.

Will Nina continue volunteering?
Nina says she plans to continue volunteering with the Enter and View survey team for the immediate future. She also enjoyed spending two days working in the office, noting that it had been a long time since she had worked in an office environment and that it was nice to experience that again.

If new projects arise, Nina says she would be happy to get involved and contribute again.

To discover volunteering opportunities please visit our volunteer service page here.

International Women’s Day spotlight; Cassandra Centre: supporting young people and women in Wandsworth

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This International Women’s Day, we are spotlighting a woman founded organisation called Cassandra Centre founded by Jennifer McDermott, whose work is rooted in love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her community.

How it started?

The organisation was founded following the tragic loss of her daughter, Cassandra, and the long and painful legal proceedings that followed. Through that devastating experience, she came face to face with the stark reality of how limited and fragmented support can be for young people navigating trauma, instability, and complex life circumstances.

“There were very few identifiable services that young people could turn to,” she reflects. “I saw how many were facing serious challenges without the guidance, safe spaces, or trusted adults they needed.”

Having grown up in Wandsworth and always considered the borough home, she felt a deep responsibility to give something back to the community that shaped her. Determined to turn pain into purpose, she set out to build a service where young people could feel safe, valued, and truly understood.

Her aim was clear: to create early support that prevents crises, strengthens resilience, and gives young people the confidence and tools to make positive choices about their futures. At its heart, the organisation exists to ensure that no young person in Wandsworth feels unseen or unsupported.

Community

Jennifer understands what it means to navigate barriers, juggle multiple responsibilities, and keep moving forward even when the path is uncertain. This lived experience informs how she leads by listening deeply, creating inclusive spaces, and ensuring that everyone feels respected and heard.

Central to her approach is building a sense of sisterhood within the community. She believes in creating spaces where women and girls can uplift one another, share their stories, and feel safe to express themselves. Giving voice to those who often feel voiceless is not an aspiration, it is part of the organisation’s mission. Through this leadership, she not only supports others but empowers them to recognise their own strength and potential.

Building a safe space for the community

Among the impacts she is most proud of is the development of the organisation’s therapeutic support services, which have become a lifeline for many families. Providing a trusted space particularly for women who have experienced long-term trauma has allowed individuals to reconnect with themselves, rediscover their identities, and begin rebuilding hope.

Safeguarding is embedded at the core of the organisation’s work. Young people and families are protected, listened to, and taken seriously. Advocacy plays a crucial role, ensuring concerns are acted upon quickly, compassionately, and professionally. This safeguarding culture has helped families feel safer and more confident when navigating difficult circumstances.

“Seeing people find their voice, rebuild trust, and feel genuinely safe in our care is one of the most meaningful impacts of all,” she shares. “It reminds me every day why this work matters.”

Like many grassroots organisations, the journey has not been without challenges.

Securing a suitable long-term space has been one of the most significant hurdles. A stable and accessible base is vital for building continuity and trust, two foundations that are essential when supporting vulnerable families.

Long-term funding remains another ongoing challenge. Sustainable resources are crucial for retaining skilled staff, planning ahead, and delivering consistent support rather than short-term, stop-start services. Navigating funding cycles can be demanding, particularly when community need is so high.

What keeps her going is purpose. Every young person who grows in confidence and every woman who begins to heal reinforces why the organisation exists. The memory of her daughter, Cassandra, alongside the memory of Sarah Everard and all women and families affected by homicide, continues to guide her work. Their stories strengthen her commitment to creating safer, more supportive spaces within the community.

Support from partners, volunteers, and a strong network of women, a sisterhood provides encouragement even during the most challenging moments.

A message for International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, she is also choosing to shine a light on an issue often left unspoken: peri-menopause.

For many women, this stage of life brings significant physical, emotional, and social changes that are rarely discussed openly. By naming it and encouraging open conversations, she hopes to create understanding, reduce stigma, and ensure that no woman feels isolated or ashamed.

“No woman should feel confused or unsupported about what her body is going through. When we talk openly, we empower one another.”

Through courage, compassion, and community leadership, this founder is creating lasting change in Wandsworth ensuring that young people are protected, seen, safe and that women are supported, and no one feels alone in their journey.

Cassandra Centre has an upcoming event!

They will be joined by Dr Zoe Schaedel, whose expertise will guide you through a comprehensive and insightful discussion on perimenopause.

Join on Thursday 19th March from 1:30pm at Arding and Hobbs SW11 1QN.  

Please book your free place via Eventbrite using the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/casssandra-centres-international-womens-day-at-arding-and-hobbs-tickets-1982352274015?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bridging the Digital Divide: Bilal Meah’s Volunteering Journey with Power2Connect

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Bilal is one of the many registered volunteers on our volunteering Wandsworth platform who used the platform and was able to successfully volunteer. Bilal’s volunteering journey in the borough started when he was registered on the platform in 2023 and has now been volunteering for more than a year in the borough of Wandsworth with Wandsworth based charity Power2Connect.

Bilal a university graduate is currently volunteering whilst looking for paid employment and has had experience with volunteering at Kensington library helping people with gadget and technology enquiries. Bilal decided to volunteer with Power2Connect as he was first referred the opportunity by an NHS social prescriber who found the platform and helped him to apply through on the Volunteering Wandsworth platform. Bilal was encouraged to volunteer as a way of being outside and having an activity to do with his time. Bilal knew he wanted to do something that he felt capable of doing and the Power2Connect volunteering opportunity he felt he could do.

“A lot of the issues people have in this volunteering position are simple things like accessing emails or creating accounts to buy train tickets, there isn’t anything that is too technical it’s more day-to-day things for people who have been effectively left behind digital divide”.

Before volunteering Bilal’s past skills included working in retail, dealing with customers, and knowing how to deal with computers and phones. This has helped contribute to the skills and knowledge that Bilal has which help him today in his current volunteering role. Growing up Bilal was interest in computer repairs and building his own computer and has experience in phone repairs. A lot of people want to do basic things, and they need help in those things, and you don’t need very technical knowledge to do that, it’s more about knowing how to prioritise what the persons needs are doing things step by step, so they understand and having patience for that.

How has volunteering helped you or impacted you?   

Bilal has helped someone create an appointment for a GP for example and has also helped a few people with various other needs in need when they come to the Power2Connect digital sessions and he feels good when is able to help.

“Power2Connect are a helpful and supportive team”.

Bilal would recommend Power2Connect as they are a helpful and supportive team and if you a have a problem there is always someone in the team to speak to. Bilal feels supported as he volunteers with the Power2Connect team and enjoys volunteering with Power2Connect so much that he would be happy to have a job with the Power2Connect team.

Discover volunteering opportunities on our platform here.

Neighbourhood engagement fund

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Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA) is working with NHS South West London to offer grants of up to £1000 to local Wandsworth organisations.

Through the Neighbourhood Engagement Fund, Wandsworth Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations can apply for grants to run activities to hold conversations and gather community insight about people’s experiences of accessing support in the local area.

As part of this we’d also like organisations to identify what support and assets exist locally, as well as any gaps or unmet needs in each neighbourhood.

We’ll provide a conversation guide to support this based on:
– helping us understand community groups, organisations, places or services in your area that you go to for help or support with health or everyday life
– to identify which services they already use and what makes it difficult to access these services
– what people would like to improve in the area
– we would also invite residents to tell us anything else they think is important to them or that they would like to tell us?

Share what you’ve heard:

– Provide a report on the insight you’ve gathered, based on the conversation guide photography, detailed information about your conversations and quotes from participants. (an online form, including demographic monitoring questions, to make this easy).  
– Tell us who you’ve spoken to, how many and what activities you delivered.
– Tell us about the local organisations, groups, places or people that are already supporting residents in your neighbourhood.

Timeline:

  • Applications are open now and close on 16th February.
  • Notification of outcome/distribution of funds W/C 23rd February
  • Compulsory attendance to share your insight in-person at the Healthwatch Wandsworth Assembly on 24th March 16:00 – 18:00. Your engagement activity should be underway or completed so you can share some emerging findings.
  • All funded activities must be delivered and reported by Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Background:

The NHS10-Year Plan sets out an ambition to transform how health and care services are delivered through Neighbourhood Health and Care, bringing care closer to home, supporting people to live healthier and more independent lives, and offering greater choice in how support is accessed. Neighbourhood Health and Care is central to delivering the three core shifts of the NHS: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention.

Built around where people live, work, learn and connect, neighbourhood models are intended to be locally led rather than one-size-fits-all, supporting people across the life course and addressing health inequalities through proactive, personalised and preventative approaches. Achieving this ambition requires a renewed commitment to partnership working across health, local authorities and communities with neighbourhood needs placed firmly at the centre of how services are planned and delivered.

You can read more about the plans here: NHS England » Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England

What will we need to do?

To apply:

Complete the following short application form here outlining your proposed activity, who you plan to engage, what the funding will support with and how you will to gather insight. The activity can be something you already have planned, but must achieve the requirements of the fund.

The activity needs to meet the following criteria:
– Are strong community links demonstrated in the neighbourhood they are proposing to work.
– Audience – local residents in neighbourhoods with a specific focus on those with at most risk of needing a lot of local of health and care support and those at risk of health inequalities.
– Does the applicant outline how they will engage with communities and feedback?
– Budget clearly aligning to the fund

Grant funding available: Up to £1,000 is available. If you have additional accessibility-related costs, please include these in your application and we will review them through our accessibility budget.

Deadline: Monday, 16th February, we’ll let you know the outcome shortly after the deadline.

Questions: For any questions, please contact WCA at communications@wandcareall.org.uk

Visit our Neighbourhood Health Services page for more related information.

Expand Your Volunteer Recruitment with NHS Volunteering

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Many organisations across the health and wellbeing sector are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit volunteers. If you’re facing similar challenges, the NHS Volunteering Service could be the solution you need.

This free, national platform is designed to help you widen your reach, raise your profile, and connect with volunteers who are genuinely motivated to make a difference in healthcare.

Why this matters now

In today’s challenging recruitment landscape, every opportunity to reach potential volunteers counts. NHS Volunteering complements your existing recruitment channels, providing an additional avenue to attract a broader and more diverse pool of candidates – people who are actively seeking healthcare-related opportunities.

Is your organisation eligible?

You may be able to use the NHS Volunteering service if your volunteer roles support:

  • Promoting healthier lives
  • Preventing premature death
  • Supporting people with long-term conditions
  • Aiding recovery from ill health
  • Improving access to healthcare

Simple to get started

Getting set up is straightforward. You can link your existing application process directly to the platform with no complicated changes needed. You maintain full control of your recruitment whilst expanding your visibility to thousands of potential volunteers.

Find out more

Learn more about NHS Volunteering in just two minutes by looking at  What is NHS Volunteering?

Join an online introduction session for more details about the service, eligibility and how to apply for an account.  The next ones are:

  • 28th January 3-3.45pm
  • 11th February 11-11.45am
  • 12th March 2-2.45pm

To request your invitation, contact nhsvolunteeringsupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk with your preferred date and quote ‘Wandsworth Care Alliance’

Don’t let great volunteer opportunities go unfilled. Discover how the NHS Volunteering service can work for your organisation.

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Community Voices in Wandsworth