Healthwatch Birmingham shortlisted for national award in record year

Healthwatch Birmingham’s innovative transformational coaching to support volunteers has been recognised nationally, shortlisted for an award at the Healthwatch Network Awards 2018.

• Local health champion is one of 28 shortlisted for national awards.
• Award recognises Healthwatch Birmingham’s investment in volunteers to support their confidence and motivation to boost effective community engagement.
• There are a record-breaking 170 entries in this year’s Healthwatch awards.

The transformational coaching project aimed to increase the confidence and motivation of volunteers. Volunteers feel more able to get involved in activities and feel more valued, with over 75% volunteers reporting an increase in their interest in volunteering. The project, delivered by Minara Coaching, provided important skills development, benefitting volunteers both in their role and in their personal lives.
Celebrating the efforts of local staff and volunteers, Healthwatch England’s annual awards highlight the ways in which local Healthwatch across the country have supported local people to get the information they need, helped listen to and understand those who are seldom heard and ensure people’s views of health and social care services are heard to make services better.
Healthwatch Birmingham has been nominated in the Volunteering Award category, which recognises the creative ways used by local Healthwatch to involve volunteers and people from communities in our work.
Andy Cave, Chief Executive, said:
“Investing in our volunteers is a priority. Having a team of skilled and motivated volunteers helping us engage across local communities is vital to our success. The impact of the coaching to increase volunteer’s social, communication and engagement skills is really positive.  We are delighted to have our work recognised as part of the national awards and congratulations to our fantastic volunteers and staff.”
The overall winner from each category will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced at the Healthwatch England annual conference in October 2018.
Jane Mordue, Chair of Healthwatch England, said:
“Last year, more than 341,000 people shared their views about where things could be improved in health and social care with the Healthwatch network.
“The Healthwatch Network Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this work, highlighting the difference local Healthwatch have made by using this wealth of intelligence to help decision makers target their efforts to make things better.”
There were more than 170 entries for this year’s awards. The full list of shortlisted nominations can be found at: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2018-07-17/healthwatch-network-awards-2018-shortlist-announced