We are all passionate volunteers. Our travel expenses and childcare costs are reimbursed.
Chair
Shauna My role can consist of:
Being the main contact for the MVP.
Service User engagement: engaging with women and their families – through social media or face to face.
Organising and chairing general feedback meetings on a quarterly bases, as well as an AGM.
Design and maintenance of general and standalone local surveys. Includes analysis feedback.
Website and social media updates.
Liaising regularly with the Maternity department at West Suffolk Hospital (WSFT), ensuring a good work relationship is maintained.
Networking with other MVPs around the country and regular meetings with MVP chairs in STP
Keeping updated with what’s happening national and locally within Maternity
Attending level 4 meetings once a month (LMSB, LLS and Alliance)
Networking with other organisations – ensuring the reach of seldom heard women – attend local meetings where possible.
Attending local events having a stall to promote the MVP (St Edmundsbaby Pregnancy and Parenting Fayre)
Organising regular distribution of posters and leaflets to GP surgeries/nurseries/children’s centres
Community Champions
Flexible vacancies always available, contact us to get involved!
Promoting the MVP at baby groups, in local children’s centres and GP surgeries
Directing new parents to our online surveys
Sharing social media posts
Distributing leaflets/posters
MVP meeting attendance welcomed but not essential
Being a part of the closed WhatsApp group for consultation on projects/ideas
Possibly helping at local events, fayres or engagement sessions.
Service Users
Corinne Danielle Gemma Janet Jenny Joanna
Flexible vacancies always available, contact us to get involved! This is for people who have used the maternity services within the last two years and wish to help us collect feedback and come along to meetings/complete surveys.
Service User Representatives
Debbie Helen Michelle Rachel Zoe
Flexible vacancies always available, contact us to get involved! This is for people who wish to have regular involvement at MVP meetings – it may be for those who run antenatal or postnatal groups, or who are involved in voluntary organisations and charities where their users may have experienced local maternity care and services. It can be a very rewarding opportunity as you will be a voice for these women and their families.
Understand the remit of the committee and their role - familiarise yourself with the committee’s terms of reference, along with the Nolan Principles and the Maternity Transformation Plan (MTP)
Keep up to date with all national and local maternity issues – service user reps are often better informed than some of the health professionals. Access to the internet and email helps considerably.
Meeting attendance - come prepared by reading the agenda and if you have time, doing your own research on what’s happening locally and nationally.
Inspire others! Contribute to the agendas and work plans, possibly leading or working with others in an area of interest
Understand you are a valuable and equal member of the team -be confident and be assertive! But also respect others and their opinions and experiences.