Get to know our volunteers: Faiza
Faiza’s story
Faiza Al-Abri has been a volunteer with Healthwatch Islington for the past two years, whilst completing a degree in Public Health and Social Care.
What inspired you to become a volunteer for Healthwatch Islington?
Volunteering at Healthwatch supported my studies, it gave me a chance to practice what I’d learnt and really helped my understanding.
What kind of things do you get involved with?
As a volunteer I’ve had the chance to ‘mystery shop’ at GP surgeries to see if they offer interpreters to patients who don’t speak English.
The research was used in Healthwatch Islington’s report ‘Interpreting services’, which resulted in more GP practices using interpreters, and more people know they can ask for one.
I also interviewed young people about mental health and the support they would like to see available in the community. I was able to sit on the panel that decided who should deliver that support and it was a wonderful experience.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer?
Volunteering gave me the opportunity to speak to people about real issues. To anyone who is thinking of volunteering, take all the opportunities you can get. It’s a privilege and it looks good on your CV as well. It’s a really good experience and you should make the most of it.
