Hafiza’s Story – A Psychology Student’s Experience Volunteering at Our London Clinic

Doctors of the World’s mission has always been and continues to be focused on aiding people and their health in time of crisis, through the commitment of doctors and medical volunteers around the world. Healthcare is a vital need and a basic human right. Our multiple projects – including outreach services, advocacy programmes, a national advice line, and our clinic rely on the precious time, care and skills donated by volunteers. They all have stories of emotional encounters with people supported, challenging days, friendly banter, and lessons that could not be learned anywhere than with Doctors of the World’s teams. 

One such story belongs to Hafiza, our clinic support worker, who began volunteering almost a year ago while studying Psychology at Brunel. We sat down with her to have a quick chat about her experiences in the past year being with us and at the clinic, and she was more than happy to oblige. Walking into the clinic, the crisp white walls with large windows leading into our waiting room accompanied by a small reception desk, it feels relaxed and welcoming, with soft music playing in the background. Hafiza’s workspace is right past the clinic’s beloved pothos plant and the small kitchen which always has biscuits and fruits, as well as the best coffee our local Tesco can offer. The space is full of colourful paraphernalia, with posters and helpful flyers. 

Hafiza is a fantastic human, with a welcoming smile, an energetic presence, and a passion for helping those around her. All of which has come through in her placement with us and made a great impact on the patients she’s worked with at the clinic and adviceline. 

Why become a volunteer at Doctors of the World clinic?

She first applied to volunteer, looking for a “human-oriented” approach to healthcare and an opportunity to make a real difference. When asked about the most important thing she learned through her year with us, she talked about meeting many different people, with various needs, circumstances, and struggles. Patients talking about missing home-cooked meals made by their mums, of yearning for safety and building a new life, for familiarity, comfort and community. Healthcare is a vital need and a basic human right. But the people we and Hafiza support have often been forced into precarious conditions and are left alone to deal with their and their families’ health. 

Hafiza embraced the emotional learning that was involved in the role and welcomed being part of a women-led team. “I felt stronger and determined being a part of women in health and a truly diverse community and service. I have learnt to use different facets of my personality and skills in the job and feel thoroughly supported by everyone here”. She added “I have learned to navigate barriers such as language. We have so much to connect with and learn from people who come to the clinic.” How incredible is it that I have learned so much from people, without speaking their language?” Language shouldn’t be a barrier to empathy and Hafiza – like so many of our volunteers – often tell us they have gained a new sense of calm when dealing with complex situations. According to Hafiza, one of the most important skills she’s gained was to remain calm and methodical whilst dealing with complicated cases with people sometimes in need of urgent attention. 

The clinic never turns anyone away and volunteers go above and beyond to help in any way they can. A few months after she joined Doctors of the World, Hafiza welcomed a patient for the first time to support them to register with their local GP. A few weeks later, having done some tests, she realised they were pregnant and were able to break the news to them, and support them accessing antenatal care for a safe pregnancy. “These cases always make me realise and appreciate our healthcare system and how important it is. Sometimes, it only takes that extra step from someone at a practice to completely change the outcome. I spoke to so many great and supportive healthcare professionals.”. 

Students placements welcome at Doctors of the World

Hafiza is now going back to university for her last year and isn’t sure what she’ll do next. Our clinic and national adviceline are always open to new volunteers of all ages, skills, and backgrounds. “My advice to new volunteers would be to actively interact with the work and the clinic, to make that extra phone call when they aren’t sure about something, to understand that the team around them is there to support you in making a positive difference in someone else’s life.” 

When we asked her about what she might miss, she smiled and said, “If I start there, I won’t be able to end it”. 

Doctors of the World UK always welcomes applications from people of all ages, skills, and backgrounds, to help us support those who are systematically denied access to healthcare. Please have a look at our available vacancies and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on our work in the UK and beyond.