Launching our joint photography exhibition- and a celebration of volunteering

The exhibition shines a spotlight on some of the people who, inspired by their own experience or the experience of someone close to them, are using their insights to make things better for others.

We heard stories from people aged 17 to 93 from Sheffield, and from all different walks of life. From Lee, who works tirelessly to improve access and services for other disabled people, to Melissa, an autistic woman who promotes autism awareness and understanding.

Nominations came from organisations such as SayIT, Manor & Castle Development Trust and Disability Sheffield.

Photographs of the nominees and their stories are being displayed in Sheffield’s iconic Winter Gardens from 12^th – 25^th August 2019, along with a limited edition newspaper for visitors to take away from the exhibition. Newspapers are also being distributed across the city.

Celebrating people who are inspired to make life better for others

On the 12^th August we held a celebration event at the Crucible Theatre, bringing together all the participants and those who nominated them, as well as our volunteers and partners from both statutory and voluntary sector organisations.

This was such a lovely opportunity to say thank you for the work that so many people undertake on behalf of Healthwatch Sheffield. Our chair, Judy Robinson, spoke about the exhibition and about our achievements over the last year whilst everyone enjoyed a glass of wine or elderflower fizz and some cake.

We also had the chance to wish a very special volunteer Eunice a happy 91^st birthday!

Working with Archive Sheffield has given us a new way of sharing the stories with their creativity giving a totally different spin on our work.

This has been a really special project to work on. Being able to say thank you to some truly inspiring people, and to showcase just how amazing the people of Sheffield can be, is such a wonderful thing.