People and communities are important to us because they help improve all aspects of the healthcare we provide, including patient safety, patient experience and health outcomes – giving people the opportunity to influence healthcare services that matter to them.
The VOICE Network brings together local people, charities, community groups and volunteers who share a passion for improving healthcare services across West Suffolk.
Working closely with the Patient Experience and Engagement Team, VOICE helps ensure that the views, experiences and ideas of our communities help shape the services we provide. The network also creates valuable connections between healthcare organisations, community groups and individuals who want to make a positive difference.
Whether you represent a community group or charity, or would like to become more involved as a volunteer, there is a place for you within the VOICE Network.
Ways to get involved
Voice members
VOICE Members are individuals, community groups and charities who help us understand the experiences, needs and priorities of the communities they represent.
Members play an important role in:
- Sharing feedback from their communities and networks
- Contributing to discussions about service improvements and developments
- Supporting engagement with underrepresented communities
- Influencing how healthcare services are designed and delivered
- Building connections across the voluntary, community and healthcare sectors
Being part of VOICE enables groups and charities to contribute to quality improvement projects and help us understand what matters most to patients, carers and local communities.
Why become a VOICE Member?
- Help improve local healthcare services
- Represent the views of your community or organisation
- Receive updates on key developments across the Trust
- Influence future projects and service developments
- Make valuable connections with other community groups and organisations
Voice partners
VOICE Partners will join the Trust as a volunteer who will take a more active role in supporting patient engagement and involvement activities across the Trust.
Partners work alongside the Patient Experience and Engagement Team and may help with:
- Connect with the community outside of the Trust
- Support the completion of Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) through engagement with those with protected characteristics
- Assist in collecting feedback and conducting ad hoc focus groups
- Attend and contribute to working group meetings as a patient and public representative
- Build relationships with staff, patients and other stakeholders
- Work with staff across the organisation and contribute to decisions about service changes and developments
As VOICE Partners volunteer directly with the Trust, they are required to complete mandatory volunteer training and onboarding requirements.
Why become a VOICE Partner?
- Make a direct contribution to improving patient experiences
- Support meaningful engagement activities
- Develop new skills and experiences
- Work alongside healthcare teams and community partners
- Help shape future healthcare services
Groups and charities part of the VOICE network
- Our Special Friends
- The Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership
- Lymphoedema Support Suffolk
- Chronic Pain Support Group
- Steel Bones
- Alzheimer's Society
- Upbeat Heart Support in Suffolk
- Ace Anglia
- Parkinson's Support Group
- Women's Health Hope – Women's Health Hope
- Suffolk Sight
- Bury St Edmunds for Black Lives
- Fighting with Pride
- Communities Together
- Cancer Services Group
Join the VOICE network
Whether you are part of a charity, community group, local organisation or are an individual who is passionate about improving healthcare services, we would love to hear from you.
Interested in becoming a VOICE Member or VOICE Partner? Complete our application form or contact the Patient Experience and Engagement Team to find out more.
Together, we can ensure that community voices help shape the future of healthcare in West Suffolk.