Volunteers' Week 2022 - Pat Goddard
Although Pat only joined Healthwatch Stockport in November she settled in really quickly and has become a valued member of the team. Pat helps out with any of the office administration needs and gets through an incredible amount of work on the day she is in the office. Pat has also taken the lead in developing the Information and Signposting database. This is a database of groups in the community which includes groups around exercise, dementia, carers, mental health groups as well as many more. This database is proving invaluable to the I&S team when responding to queries – Thank You Pat!
Pat's Member Profile
Name and a little bit about yourself [background, where you are from, where you grew up, career, family]
Pat Goddard
Born in Stockport and I've lived here all my life, I'm married with 2 children and 6 grandsons.
First job after leaving school was for National Westminster bank that had just been merged from the old National, District and Westminster banks. My parents moved to Wales when I was 18, I stayed in Stockport and married soon after. While my children were growing up I was a child minder for a while and then did shop work so that I could fit in with school hours.
Later I worked in the cash office for WH Smith where I stayed for 18 years eventually becoming office manager. I'm now retired and try to keep busy.
In your view what does Healthwatch Stockport do?
Healthwatch helps to monitor the various health services that are available in Stockport, making sure that they are treating people with respect and that they are getting the services that they are entitled to.
Why did you get involved with Healthwatch?
Due to the pandemic some of the volunteering I was doing was no longer available for me to do as they haven't yet gone back in the office so I was looking for somewhere else to volunteer and I read an article in Stockport review that said they were looking for admin staff. The work sounded interesting and useful so I applied.
How long have you been involved with Healthwatch Stockport?
Since October 2021
What is the best thing about Healthwatch Stockport?
Everyone is very friendly and has made me feel welcome from week one.
Do you belong to any other organisations or groups?
Marie Curie they provide nurses for end of life care, I volunteer doing admin for them.
When not involved in other groups, what do you like to do (Hobbies)?
I enjoy family history, walking, gardening, history and reading and I like to volunteer when I can.
What is your favourite meal?
I'm not adventurous food wise, a curry or lasagne or just a nice Sunday dinner with the family.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
Can you sing? and what is your karaoke song?
Definitely not!!!!
& lastly If you had a Health & Social Care Magic Wand – what would you wish for?
A vast pot of money that could train all the people that are needed and supply all the equipment they need so that there wouldn't be anyone going without the support they need, including the NHS staff.
