A popular Tyneside song has inspired workers at Gateshead’s health watchdog to star in their own pop video in a bid to attract a new Chairperson and committee members.
Community Interest Company, Tell Us North have recently secured a two-year contract to run Healthwatch Gateshead and are seeking a Chairperson and Committee members.
Healthwatch Gateshead cover all publicly-funded health and social care services for both adults and children. Firstly, they work hard to champion the rights of those using the social care and health systems in the town and secondly act as a watchdog to ensure that social care and health systems correctly engage with the public.
Traditional ways of attracting volunteers have seen little response so a new way of communicating was necessary as Deputy Chief Executive, Wendy Hodgson explains;
“We’re looking for people who can be a critical friend with an awareness of health and social care policy and local knowledge to help us influence and work with commissioners to improve the experiences and outcomes for service users. We’ve tried adverts in newsletters and web pages but felt that we weren’t necessarily targeting the people who could be right for us.
“One of our team realised that the closing date of the 9th of June was Blaydon Races day which falls within our geographic area. We decided to write alternative words to the famous song and then video ourselves in a very tongue in cheek way.
“We’re hoping that someone who lives or works in Gateshead will see the video, have a laugh with us and decide to volunteer to make a real difference to the way that health and social care is delivered in the town.”
The short video shows the team dressed as medical staff singing at various places within the Gateshead area and can be seen at https://vimeo.com/219676906
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 9 June 2017.
Candidates must be available for interview wc 19 June 2017 (date TBC)
More information from www.healthwatchgateshead.co.uk