"An incredibly enriching and valuable experience"
For 6 weeks during February and March 2025, we were lucky enough to host 2 fantastic psychology students from the University of Sheffield.
Will and Coralie thoroughly immersed themselves in all things Healthwatch, attending engagement events with our Community Engagement and Project officer Andrea, and producing some fantastic reports and presentations!
Before they left, we asked them if they would let us know how they felt the placement went - this is what they told us:
Coralie
"Being part of the Healthwatch Rotherham team has been such a wonderful opportunity for me to learn and grow in so many ways. Not only was the team incredibly supportive and welcoming, but I was able to explore my own research interest whilst engaging with topics beyond what I have previously studied or experienced.Through various engagement events, I also had the chance to connect with the individuals of Rotherham and engage in meaningful conversations. These experiences not only boosted my confidence in many different ways but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of ensuring that diverse voices are being heard and valued.
Overall, my placement at Healthwatch Rotherham has been an incredibly enriching and valuable experience. It has shaped not only my academic perspective but also my personal one. It has encouraged me to reflect more deeply on my research interests and highlighted the importance of connecting with the community to ensure that research remains relevant and truly helpful. Once again, I would like to thank Healthwatch Rotherham for this amazing opportunity!"
Will
"Being on placement with Healthwatch Rotherham has been an incredibly valuable experience. It gave me the chance to see the other side of healthcare, beyond policy and theory, and understand just how important it is that services are rooted in the voices of the people they’re meant to serve. I was able to work on accessible resources that will hopefully make a real difference, and I learned how to communicate information in a way that’s clear and meaningful for the public. One of the most rewarding parts was the sheer amount of interaction I had with different people and groups during engagement events -listening to their stories, learning about their experiences, and gaining a much deeper understanding of the challenges people face in accessing care. It’s something that no lecture or textbook could have taught me. The only downside was the travel at times, which could be a bit difficult, but the experience as a whole more than made up for it."
