Wandsworth Care Alliance

Nada Savitch – Volunteer Interview

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About Nada and her background 

I’ve worked for charities for many years. I’ve got a master’s in information science, and I started off in pharmaceutical publishing, volunteered in Sri Lanka for 3 years as a librarian, and returned then got a job at a specialist library at the Institute of Marine Engineers (a charity and professional body).  

I also worked for the Alzheimer’s society for about 10 years setting up their website and discussion board. A couple of colleagues and I ran our own community interest company which is like a small charity. We did lots of projects with people with dementia. We got a real reputation for service user involvement.  

Then, I was caring for mum for a long time which is when I came across Healthwatch. Service user involvement is one of my passions- that’s why Healthwatch appeals to me. Healthwatch is something that I could do while caring for mum, and it stretch my mind. 

How long have you been volunteering with Healthwatch Wandsworth? 

I have been a Healthwatch Research Assistant since 2019. The research role suited me because I could do so much remotely while caring for my mum, and I could choose the things that interested me. The flexibility allows you to work to your capacity and is such a lovely way of volunteering. I felt valued while caring for my mum.  

Were you able to use your previous professional skills in this volunteer role? 

The things I’ve done as a volunteer have been so varied. I’ve worked on a range of things from glossaries to writing to statistics. I’ve used my skills and developed new ones. It’s also kept me up to date with what’s happening in Wandsworth especially with health and social care. It also gave me insight into Healthwatch and how it works. 

Can you share a positive experience of volunteering with us? 

It’s all been positive. Generally, I feel useful and informed. One of the most interesting things was looking at the ONS Statistics. 

What encouragement would you give to someone who has never considered volunteering before? 

Volunteering gives you satisfaction. It’s all the best bits of having job without any of the bad bits. You’re helping people and you feel really valued. You can grow and develop skills on your own terms. You get all the job satisfaction of having a really good job without any of the pressure. You get paid in the satisfaction of doing something good. It’s a good thing to have on your CV.  

It’s brought me so much knowledge and I feel part of a Healthwatch community. You have all made me feel part of that. People think you only volunteer when you’re young or retired. I think it’s important that all people of all ages think about volunteering. Volunteering can help combat the stress of work life. 

Can you share 3 ways volunteering can impact the volunteer? 

  1. Helping you grow. 
  1. Interacting with a variety of people. 
  1. Being part of a community. 

Interested in volunteering with us? Click here to learn more. 

Addressing violence and abuse against children and young people

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Children and young people are the most vulnerable members of our society, yet many continue to suffer in silence from various forms of violence and abuse.

This topic requires urgent attention and action from individuals and communities. By shedding light on this problem and working together to address it’s root causes, we can create safer environments where children and young people can thrive.

Violence and abuse against children and young people can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect.

The impact

According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated one billion children aged 2-17 worldwide are affected by violence each year. These experiences can have long-lasting and devastating effects on their physical health, mental well-being, and overall development.

Survivors of violence and abuse may experience mental health problems and without the appropriate support the problems can affect many aspects of their lives such as relationships, education, careers, and overall quality of life.

Prevention

Having appropriate systems and procedures in place can help massively in addressing the issue.The right education and awareness on children’s rights, healthy relationships can allow children to spot signs and report any concerns. Also creating supportive environments for children in schools, communities and homes is also important to allow them to feel comfortable to seek help or advice.

Support

There are various organisations that provide support, guidance, and a safe space to speak about any concerns you have.

The Cassandra Centre – they provide advice, support and counselling services for young people and families who are directly or indirectly involved in abusive relationships.

Britebox, Richmond Women’s Hub – provide support to women to enable them to thrive after experiencing domestic violence.

S.T.O.R.M Family Centre – they provide free counselling services art therapy and sensory therapy. Even if you are not a sufferer or survivor of domestic abuse, they can help with any issues you may be experiencing.

Do you have more resources to share on this article? Please email us on communications@wandcareall.org.uk to share resources.

Voluntary Sector Accommodation Opportunity

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Give us your views on a new Wandsworth Town Hall voluntary community sector hub

Wandsworth Council is excited to announce a new 1,700sqft ground floor space at the Town Hall dedicated to a Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Hub. We invite local organisations to provide input on how this space can best serve their needs.

How to Give Feedback:

Online Survey: Take the survey.

Focus Group: Join the in-person session on May 24th. Sign up here.

For questions, email the Wandsworth Voluntary Sector team at voluntarysectorteam@wandsworth.gov.uk.

For more information please find flyer here: VCS Hub – Wandsworth Town Hall

What movement does for Dominic’s well-being

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I’m Dominic and I’ve been working at Wandsworth Care Alliance as a Mental Health Project Manager since September 2022. Mental Health Awareness Week is on 13th -19th May and has a theme of movement so I wanted to speak about enhancing mental well-being through physical activity and connections.

I have experienced challenges in my life, just like many others, and this has led to stress and anxiety at times, but what has helped me cope better is my exercise routine.

I found that for me physical activity isn’t just about building muscles or losing weight; it’s a tool for nurturing my mental health and well-being. I can say it’s provided me with mental clarity, is an excellent way to de-stress, relax, get some fresh air and an associated dopamine boost on my Monday night football sessions.

My sessions are more than just about playing sport and getting fit, it’s a chance to bond (depending on who won), offer escapism, and to have light hearted discussions about what’s happening in our lives, as well as any concerns we’re facing.

Meeting with other people who are going through the same or similar challenges puts things into perspective, and being distracted for a couple of hours is a great way for me and the others to leave those problems behind. At first, people from Monday night football might not pick up the phone and say, ‘Can we meet and talk’? but over time they feel more comfortable talking after a game of football.

Regular physical activity has become part of my routine, whether it’s a brisk walk in the morning to work, a gym session in the evening, or a swim on the weekend, each activity helps ease stress and anxiety.

Physical activity has been a companion on my journey towards mental well-being. As I get older it has taught me the importance of listening to my body, nurturing my mind, and honouring my connection between physical and mental health. Football is my way of maintaining human connection through sport, but it doesn’t have to be yours.

There are so many activities you can do like walking and exploring the great outdoors, swimming, yoga or even martial arts. There’s a wide range of activities you can take part in both independently and as part of a group whether that’s with new people, friends, or family.

Remember, just take one step at a time!

Take a look at our social post.

Resources:

For tips, advice and ways to get active near you click here.

Do you have more resources to share on this article? Please email us on communications@wandcareall.org.uk to share resources.

Volunteer case study: Deirdre’s story

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Alice met with Deirdre a volunteer for Learn to Love to Read about her volunteering journey and experience using the Wandsworth Care Alliance, Volunteering Wandsworth website.

Deirdre has lived in Wandsworth near St. George’s hospital for near 15 years and has always commuted to central London as a practice nurse, as a result she hasn’t been able to know many people in the area.

Deirdre wanted to do some volunteer work but never really found the time as she worked throughout the week. Having recently reduced her working days and deciding that now would be the best time to connect locally through volunteering. Deirdre, googled volunteering in Wandsworth and found the Volunteer Wandsworth website hosted by Wandsworth Care Alliance, where she got a chance to scroll and see what was on offer locally.

Deirdre knew she cared a lot about children and their education. She didn’t grow up with a lot of money but was fortunate enough to have support from her family with reading stories together and having books in the house. Deirdre has always felt concerned for young children who don’t have the support that their peers do and could potentially fall behind in their education because of this.

She felt that primary school was particularly important, to catch inequality early and make sure children don’t feel left behind as they became teenagers. Deirdre hadn’t heard of Learn to Love to Read prior to seeing the charity advertised on Volunteering Wandsworth, but when she found the opportunity on Volunteering Wandsworth, it seemed the perfect fit.

It took a few months for Deirdre to get through her DBS checks, receive her and partake in an online phonetics training session, before getting started with the children in her school.
Since last November Deirdre has been volunteering and reads with three 8-year-old children every Friday afternoon, and she really enjoys it.

Deirdre say’s ‘It’s a nice opportunity to build a bond with these children each week, watching them grow in confidence each week’.

Deirdre joked humbly that ‘It makes her happy to see them smiling brightly when the teacher brings them out of the classroom to meet her, but they were doing multiplication sums today so perhaps they would be happy no matter what’.

We think she’s just very humble, and that these 3 children treasure their time with her to get this dedicated attention, as well as the chance to get lost in an exciting story. Everyone loves stories and we’re grateful to Deirdre for sharing her volunteering story with us.

Learn to Love to Read are a great local charity in Wandsworth who keep connected with volunteers like Deirdre through special training with phonics, regular emails, volunteer coffee mornings and fundraising events like their upcoming pub quiz! We hope you might like to show them some support.

We asked Deirdre:

What are three rewards you get from volunteering?

  1. Doing something worthwhile
  2. Meeting new people
  3. Getting involved in local community

Would you like to volunteer locally? Surf Volunteering Wandsworth

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