Meet the Team - Sandra Burton

Sandra is the newest member to the team and started in October 2024 she has extensive knowledge of youth engagement and services and has fitted into the team really well. Read more about her below. 

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

I am the Youth Engagement Lead here at Healthwatch County Durham. I am relatively new to this role and will hopefully complement County Durham’s existing, wonderfully strong, Engagement Team at Healthwatch.

My aim is to ensure that young people across County Durham have their voices heard and can share their views and experiences with health and social care decision makers.

What does a usual work day look like to you?

I have been very lucky within my role so far as I get out and about across County Durham, networking with such wonderful professionals and their services. I visit many settings across County Durham, populated with children and young people such as schools, community centres, colleges, family hubs etc. Networking is a huge part of my working day. I firstly learn about the workings and services offered by the staff and then engage with the young people listening to and offering ways for the Youth to speak out on issues affecting a whole variety of health and social care needs and to advocate for themselves and their needs. I also encourage these young people to share their views, thoughts and concerns around their own experiences with health and social care services.

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

I’d say the most exciting part is that every day is different as are the lovely people of County Durham I get to engage with. The rewarding part is learning how together we have encouraged change in a service for the better. Our County residents rely on us spreading their words!

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

definitely the team. I am supported daily by such a wonderful bunch of enthusiastic, pro-active and helpful individuals, all striving to make positive changes in our local community. There’s a combined sense of humour too, making the office a fun place to work.

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

I’m a Mum to 4 wonderful daughters each with their own interests and hobbies that require my time, so I don’t get much time to relax or have my own hobbies, but I do enjoy watching them excel at theirs

When I do have some peaceful moments, I like to write poems!

What jobs have you done in the past?

Until starting this role for Healthwatch I have always worked within the Health and Social care sector for the Local Authority. I have been very fortunate to have been offered secondments across many safeguarding roles in a variety of educational settings, working with and supporting some of the most vulnerable children and their families.

Finally, what/who inspires you?

As cliché as this may sound, my children are my inspiration, they look to me to guide them and keep them safe, teach them and inspire their dreams but this is also what they do for me, every day! Each day I learn something new from one of them. They give me confidence, remind me that I’m a good Mum, they love me and steer me away from dangers. The day I became a Mum I also became a walking “Risk Assessment” they are my biggest and loveliest responsibility. So to my 4 girls – You inspire Me!

Thank you so much to Sandra for answering our questions and the work she has done so far in terms of Youth Engagement, which is going from strength to strength.

If you would like to get in touch with Sandra about her role or have any advice or information in terms of young people in County Durham, get in touch with her at sandra.burton@pcp.uk.net or on 07756654219.