HARROW HEALTHWATCH FORUM

Harrow Healthwatch Forum was set up to disseminate information regarding changes and developments to health and social care services in the Harrow area. It is also a great opportunity for the local community to have their say on issues or concerns about those services.

Harrow Samaritans volunteers Paul & Ron attended this years forum to raise Samaritan's profile amongst the local community and take the opportunity to engage with people about the work Samaritans do.

During the forum, a number of people talked to Paul & Ron about their own experiences of Samaritans and also discussed some very personal accounts of suicide. Others wanted information about how they could volunteer for the Samaritans either as a listening volunteer or as a volunteer in charity shop.

As well as engaging with people about the work Samaritans do, Paul & Ron were also able to network with other local organisations and even had the chance to talk to the local Councillor about the parking difficulties our volunteers are faced with every day.

All in all, the Healthwatch Forum really demonstrated that there is a great need and appreciation for organisations like Samaritans and that it's vital we continue to be there for people, whoever they are and whenever they need us.