Get involved

There are many ways to get involved and make an impact at your local community.

Whether you would like to share your time to support an elderly or vulnerable person, or engage in patient participation groups to help shaping future services, there are plently of opportunities to choose from. 

 Volunteer for organisations that support older people

If you want to make a difference for isolated, elderly people, there is a range of organisations looking for volunteers.

Your contribution could be as simple as a weekly telephone call to an isolated older person, or extend to regular home visits for a chat and to help with shopping and so on, driving an elderly person to a social event, or even hosting coffee mornings for groups of elderly people.

How you can help

There are many ways you can support the lonely or socially isolated elderly people. It could be a friendly chat, call to check how someone is doing or sometimes just to listen can make all the difference.

Giving time in this way benefits volunteers too, by creating a sense of purpose. Helping others, also can allo you to take your mind off your own worries for a while.

Read more information: how helping others can be incredibly rewarding.

There is more information on volunteering and local initiatives here READ MORE

volunteering

 Organisations supporting volunteering for elderly and lonely people

  • Age UK has a network of local Age UK groups across the country that have opportunities for you to become either an Active Buddy, who helps someone become more physically active, a Befriender, who visits someone who lives alone, or a day centre helper.
  • The Havering Volunteer Centre provides support to the volunteer community, visit: Voluntary and community | The London Borough Of Havering
  • Contact the Elderly holds monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for over-75s and needs volunteer drivers and hosts.
  • Independent Age is looking for volunteers to help older people to live well and remain independent, all while building great friendships and gaining new skills.
  • Royal Voluntary Service wants volunteers who can help an older person with little tasks, such as doing their shopping and taking their dog for a walk, or delivering meals.
  • The Silver Line offers callers the chance to connect with someone who cares. That could be through a quick, friendly chat about their day or a much-needed heart-to-heart.

Join Patient Participation Group (PPG)

Your Voice Matters: Be a Part of Positive Change

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a real impact on the healthcare services you receive? We invite you to join our Patient Participation Group (PPG) and become an essential part of our efforts to enhance patient experiences and shape the future of healthcare in our community.

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What is a Patient Participation Group (PPG)?

A PPG is a team of enthusiastic patients who collaborate with healthcare professionals to improve the services offered by the general practice and the broader PCN. By joining the PPG, you'll have the chance to:

  • Share Your Ideas: Your unique perspective as a patient is invaluable. Share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas on how we can enhance healthcare services to better meet your needs.
  • Influence Decisions: Work hand-in-hand with healthcare providers to influence decisions about services, policies, and initiatives that directly impact patients like you.
  • Foster Communication: Help us bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers by fostering open and constructive communication. Your insights can contribute to better information sharing and understanding.
  • Enhance Patient Experience: Contribute to creating a more patient-centric environment by identifying areas for improvement and collaborating on solutions.

 

How Can You Get Involved?

Joining our PPG is easy:

  1. Express Your Interest: Simply fill out the online contact form on our website to express your interest in joining the PPG. We'll get in touch with you to provide more information.

  2. Attend Meetings: Attend PPG meetings (held virtually or in-person) to discuss various healthcare-related topics. Your participation ensures a diverse range of perspectives are heard.

  3. Share Your Input: Contribute your thoughts and ideas during discussions, brainstorming sessions, and surveys to help shape positive changes in our healthcare services.

  4. Stay Informed: Receive updates on PPG activities, upcoming meetings, and healthcare developments to stay informed and engaged.

Ready to Make a Difference? Join Us Today!

Your voice matters, and we believe that positive change starts with engaged patients like you. Join our Patient Participation Group at Havering North PCN to embark on a journey.

Together, we can create a healthier and happier community for everyone.

Become the next Digital Champion Volunteer

Not everyone can access healthcare online.

While more services become available on the internet, not all patients can benefit from accessing the information.

While NHS services are trying address the digital exclusion, you can help too, to ensure no one gets left behind. 

 

Digital champions ignite a brighter healthcare landscape:

  • Empower Patients: Navigating online resources becomes empowering and accessible.
  • Inclusivity: Bridging gaps, ensuring everyone benefits from virtual services.
  • Health Literacy: Education boosts understanding of conditions and treatments.
  • Security: Safeguarding patient data through online safety guidance.
  • Quality Boost: Allowing medical staff to focus on care by streamlining digital processes.

How to become a Digital Champion in Havering?

To find out information on how to start your joiurney, visit:  Digital Champion Volunteer - Havering | Team London

 

What impact will this have?

As more and more services become digital, there is a great need for people to gain digital skills to access services, manage their health, stay in touch with friend and family.

Digital Champions contribute massively in supporting people to increase their confident and learn the essential digital skills.

Not having access to essential information contributes to social exclusion, exacerbating social and economic problems.

Apart from great benefits to people receiving help, Digital Champions gain transferable skills, greater satisfaction and build their own confidence.

 

Do you know anyone who may be digitally excluded?

There is a range of resources to help you introduce someone else to the internet for the first time.
 
Free mobile data, text and calls

Good Things Foundation's National Databank provides free mobile data, texts and calls to people in need via its network of local community partners. For more information visit: National Databank - Good Things Foundation 

Free training and support with Digital Inclusion Hub

Use this map to search for a Digital Inclusion Hub near you Find a hub | Online Centres Network If you are a Digital Inclusion Hub and can't find your organisation listed, or if you want to update your information, please get in touch with us at hello@goodthingsfoundation.org. 

Free learning to develop Digital Skills

"The internet can save you time and money and allow you to do more of the things you like doing best.
Learn My Way is a website of free online courses for beginners, helping people develop digital skills to make the most of their online world. Whether you're a beginner or want to build on your existing skills, there's something for everyone" Learn My Way has free learning to gain digital skills to stay safe and connected, visit: Learn My Way | Develop Your Digital Skills 

Access to computer and support from Digital Champion and Age UK

If you do not own a device or own an outdated device, Age UK can provide a tablet or computer and internet connection on a 6-8 week loan basis. They also have a dedicated Digital Champions on hand to support using the borrowed device. Support from a Digital Chamption is available for complete beginners or if you are looking to brush up your skills. 

IMAGO - Adult, Children & Young People Services

 

Social action organisation delivering diverse services and supporting individuals, organisations and communities.

For more information about services offered, and how you could get involved please visit IMAGO website on: About Imago