Meet the Team - Claire Sisterson

Claire Sisterson has worked with us for 8 years. Read our Q&A below to find out more about her:

What is your job role and in general what does that entail?

I am the Volunteer Support Officer with Healthwatch County Durham. Recruitment, training and management of Healthwatch volunteers including Enter and View representatives. I deliver training, support and facilitate volunteer meetings and events. I ensure that volunteers actively participate and are included in activities.

What does a usual work day look like to you?

Days can be very different from one day to the next, but generally they are directed by making sure volunteers are engaged in the work we do. Also, my time is spent in contact with all of our wonderful volunteers in whatever way is most appropriate for them.

What is the most exciting/rewarding part of your job?

When we see that our work has had an impact on improving services for local people, but especially where volunteers have initiated and carried out this work.

What is your favourite thing about working for Healthwatch County Durham?

The team, including the Board and other volunteers. They are so supportive and we work so well together, so it’s incredibly fulfilling to work for and with Healthwatch County Durham. I was attracted to Healthwatch County Durham years ago because of their approach to representing the local communities' issues back to service providers, very much from a ground level perspective.

After work/on a weekend, how do you like to relax? What are your hobbies?

I have been a singer in a band for 32 years and still do this. Not sure I’d describe this as ‘relaxing’ but is a total switch from other things I do during the week, which I still find exciting and good for me.

What jobs have you done in the past?

After training in Contemporary dance at Goldsmiths UNi (Laban), I worked as a Dance/Movement teacher with English Dance Theatre, plus taught at The Performance Academy in Gateshead and Newcastle University. I taught all over the North East from ‘Therapeutic uses of Movement’ to ‘creative dance’ for toddlers to ‘A level Dance’ in schools.

Finally, what/who inspires you?

Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker (Dance Company ‘Rosas’)-Belgian Choreographer, this is one of my favourite quotes of hers:

“Dance is a language, and as in love, the most beautiful things are said through the body”.

Thank you so much to Claire for answering our questions and supporting all of our volunteers.