Mental health volunteer roles

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our new drop in group in Oxford that take place 12.30 - 2.30pm Thursday 1st and 3rd of the month starting 4th Sept  . This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while aining valuable experience.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Communication training provided

Want to make a difference without breaking a sweat? Join our incredible team of Cheer Team Volunteers and help support runners taking on Cardiff Half Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.

You'll be part of a high energy, feel-good atmosphere, giving our runners the boost they need with your cheers, claps, and encouragement.

By joining us, you’re helping us fulfil our mission: to give help to those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future.

What’s involved:

· Stand at a designated cheer point on the race route

· Clap, shout, wave flags and motivate runners

· Work alongside a friendly, supportive team

What you’ll get:

· A fun and rewarding experience

· Branded t-shirt

· A chance to make a real impact in just a few hours

No previous experience is needed just bring your energy, your voice, and your enthusiasm!

Ready to join our Cheer Squad? Sign up today and help us celebrate every step toward a dementia-free future.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Oldham

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

Are you a Pashto speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Pashto-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

� What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎️ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Pashto.

� Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Pashto-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

✅ What’s required?

✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations

� How to get involved:

Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.

Help us bring connection and kindness to the Pashto-speaking community across the UK!

Summary: Driving medical communication and patient-led research agenda for a complex medical condition 

Description: You could make a real difference to the lives of patients and doctors struggling with a rare disease. That's what we do at Mast Cell Action - a charity dedicated to supporting the Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) patient community and improving the evidence base for the disease.

We work hand-in-hand with doctors and patients to develop materials that truly make a difference. And with the help of our medical advisory panel, we're constantly improving our activities to better serve our community.

But we're not done yet. We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in this area, with medical, health, NHS, and research experience to join our team. You'll be responsible for developing and executing our strategy to engage with the medical community, research organisations, NHS policymakers, and our community as a whole.

You'll lead multiple projects, collaborating with doctors to better understand and define our community, as well as initiating and executing new projects. And with your expertise, you'll ensure that all our communications are evidence-based and informative.

So, if you're passionate about making a real difference, come and join us at Mast Cell Action. Together, we can create a brighter future for patients and doctors alike.

You will lead a team of passionate volunteers and interns, working closely with our Operations Director to drive our mission forward. One of your key responsibilities will be to nurture and grow our Medical Advisory Panel, working hand-in-hand with supportive doctors and medical institutions. You'll be the face of the charity, representing us in all our interactions with these key stakeholders.

You’ll report directly to our trustee board, ensuring that all of our activities are aligned with our overall strategy and goals.

We're looking for a dynamic individual who can inspire and motivate their team to achieve great things. If you're passionate about healthcare and have experience working with medical institutions, this is the perfect opportunity for you. So why not join us at Mast Cell Action and help us make a real difference in the lives of patients and doctors?

What impact will they have?

At Mast Cell Action, we know that communicating, engaging, and educating the medical community and policy makers is crucial if we want to improve support for MCAS patients. And that's where you come in.

As our communications expert, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing patient care over time. You'll work closely with doctors, medical institutions, and policy makers to raise awareness of MCAS and advocate for better support for patients.

By effectively communicating the importance of MCAS and engaging with key stakeholders, you'll help improve patient outcomes and quality of life in the long run.

If you're passionate about making a real difference and have experience in healthcare communications, this is the perfect opportunity for you. 

About the volunteer 

What skills should they have

We are looking for a volunteer who has experience in the NHS and medical/research environment. If you're someone who can assess a situation and develop a clear strategy to achieve the desired outcome, we want to hear from you.

As our ideal candidate, you're an effective communicator who can engage with doctors and produce written and visual materials that really make an impact. You're also a team player who can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Managing projects and team members is second nature to you, and you're able to keep everyone on track and motivated. And with your awareness of the political and economic landscape in the area of complex diseases, you can navigate through any obstacles that come your way.

If you're passionate about making a real difference in the lives of patients with complex diseases and have the experience we're looking for, we want you on our team at Mast Cell Action.

Skills

Medical related background 

Medical writing skills

Project management 

Team management 

Analytical and conversant with research methodologies

Where and when

Work remotely, flexible hours 

Meetings in London 

Trips to medical conferences around uk

Reasonable Expenses covered.

Role Description

Join Off The Record, an independent charity that has been proudly serving the Havant Borough area since 1977. Our mission is to empower young people and their families in South East Hampshire by supporting their emotional health and well-being. We provide vital one-on-one and family counseling, support, a young carers project and group services for individuals aged 8-25 and their families.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people, we invite you to volunteer with us at our main office, located at 138 Purbrook Way, Leigh Park. We are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to support our counseling service by answering phones, providing information, engaging in friendly conversations, and offering signposting advice to clients awaiting our services and also opportunities to assist with awareness events and our group activities and young carers services.

What We Offer and Our Commitment to You

• Comprehensive, Laser accredited “Be A Volunteer” online training conducted over two engaging three-hour sessions
• A certificate of attendance to recognize your commitment to personal and professional growth.
• A structured induction and shadowing program with our experienced staff and volunteers, ensuring you feel confident in your role.
• Training in our administrative and IT systems to equip you with the necessary skills for success.
• A rewarding opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people right from our offices in Leigh Park.
• Monthly support meetings and social events to foster a sense of community and connection among volunteers.
• Additional training opportunities as funding permits, allowing for your continuous development.

What We Expect, Your Commitment to Us

• Submission of your CV, including explanations for any employment gaps, to comply with our rigorous safer recruitment processes
• A compelling cover letter detailing your motivations for wanting to volunteer at Off The Record.
• Two recent references from employers or academic sources (DBS checks will be carried out as a requirement of the role).
• Full attendance in the "Be A Volunteer" training program to gain essential skills and knowledge.
• A dedication to committing to a weekly group or rota slot, along with attendance at monthly support meetings (a minimum commitment of 2.5 hours per week plus one hour per month for supervision).

We are eager to welcome passionate individuals to start in Summer 2025, which will include a two-half-day training session, followed by shadowing and training on our systems and procedures.

Job Type: Volunteer

Schedule: Monday to Friday, late afternoons and evenings

Skills and Attributes:

• A genuine enjoyment of working with young people.
• A positive, non-judgmental attitude towards others.
• Reliability and a strong commitment to the volunteer role.
• Trustworthiness and integrity in all interactions.
• Excellent timekeeping skills.
• A kind and empathetic nature, able to connect with those you serve.
• A commitment to representing Off The Record as friendly and professional ambassadors.
• A willingness to learn about local services to offer the best signposting options.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to help others feel at ease.
• Seize the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community.

We look forward to hearing from you!

***Please note, we are currently advertising two befriending roles. This listing is for in-person befriending in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

We are also recruiting for remote befrienders (over the phone/videocall). Please see separate advertisement for this role***

Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women to join our Volunteer Befriending Service, able to commit to 2-3 daytime hours each week for one year. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women to become more independent, empowering them to make their own decisions, find new hobbies and get involved in their local community.

Training:

Befrienders receive 3 in person taught sessions of comprehensive training over one weekend in-person, with an additional 3 online sessions, plus additional home study

between sessions. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women.

The Role:

Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation.

As a befriender you would be expected to commit to 2-3 hours on a weekly basis for one year and attend monthly group and individual supervision.

You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other and gradually, getting out and about. As the relationship develops, you would support and empower her to make changes and develop her confidence in doing everyday things such as getting the bus, joining a class or finding a new hobby.

You would also support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with the space to discuss the issues she is struggling with and be expected to demonstrate a healthy and boundaried relationship.

You:

You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing, be honest and friendly with good communication skills, confident in social situations, non-judgmental, reliable, patient and a good listener.

The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times, therefore we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery.

Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends.

Because of the nature of the role it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010.

At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working class women and Black and Minoritised women.

What Past Befrienders Say:

“Through doing the befriending training, I have been able to broaden my knowledge of mental health services in the Bristol area, inspiring my future ambitions.”

“The training has given me the toolkit I need to be a good listener and to motivate my befriendee to live her best life and move on from her past. I can't recommend Womankind enough!”

“Womankind is doing amazing and essential work for women and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to be involved.”

Are you looking for a joyful way to give back to the community? We are looking for a volunteer to promote mental wellness through laughter yoga, a blend of playful exercises and yoga breathing techniques. You will design uplifting sessions which build connections and reduce stress. If you’re interested, apply now!

At Hestia, we support adults and children who have experienced crisis and trauma, to find safety, hope and purpose. We specialise in trauma and resilience informed support for people in crisis or who have experienced trauma – including survivors of modern slavery, adults and children escaping domestic abuse, people needing support with their mental health, and people leaving prison. We foster trusting relationships at crucial moments in their recovery, that empower individuals to

build a life beyond crisis.

We are The Unseen Barriers Foundation - a new, disabled-led Scottish charity (Incorporated as CLG with charity status pending) tackling the invisible causes of exclusion. Shame, sensory overload, emotional exhaustion, disbelief. These are the things that stop people from showing up - to appointments, to events, to life.

The Foundation is built around two original lived experience contributions by our founder:

• The Unseen Barriers Framework - a landmark conceptual model naming the distress-based barriers that keep disabled people locked out of support.
• Cùran - a green plush dragon created as a visual anchor for distress, shutdown, and solidarity.

Both are licensed to the Foundation by the creator to ensure they serve a purpose-first, rights-based mission.

We are now looking for trustees to help shape this work from the ground up. This is a working board - not a figurehead role. Trustees will actively contribute to strategic direction, governance, and growth.

We are currently remote-first to ensure full accessibility, but will provide office space (Edinburgh/Glasgow area) once funded. You do not need to be based in either city.

Estimated time commitment:

Around 10 hours per month including preparation, meetings, and task-based input.

Board meetings held quarterly via MS Teams.

All access needs will be fully accommodated.

We are especially keen to hear from:

• Individuals with skills in marketing and funding
• Disabled people and unpaid carers
• People with lived experience of distress, neurodivergence, or poverty

If you believe in radical inclusion, and want to join something disruptive but grounded, get in touch.

We believe in finding the right people, not just filling seats. Informal conversations will take place on a rolling basis, and trustees will be appointed as and when suitable candidates are identified. Early expressions of interest are encouraged.

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

Hestia has a variety of different services that support people across London and the South East. These services support people that are struggling with their mental health, are victims of Domestic Abuse or Modern Slavery, and more. Join our team of volunteers who play a vital role in what we do! We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Disclaimer

Hestia is proud to be a Disability Confident employer. Should you require our role pack in an alternative format or wish to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need for your interview, please contact hestia. As part of the process of volunteering, all applicants will need to complete a DBS and references. If you have any convictions/cautions, this does not mean that you cannot apply for any of our roles, however we do require a DBS for all positions. We ensure that all positive disclosures on DBS records are discussed with our volunteers and fairly assessed. Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies to this position – (Only Female applicants please)

Are you an experienced and qualified nutritionist and would like to inspire others by sharing your knowledge? We are looking for a Nutrition Volunteer to share with others their knowledge of how to make healthy meals on a budget. Having a healthy diet has shown to have positive effects on mental health and can reduce inflammation as well as alter neurotransmitters to reduce symptoms of depression.

What you will be doing

• Providing weekly sessions on nutritional advise and how to prepare quick and healthy meals on a budget
• Promoting the benefits of eating healthily
• Promoting discussion and answering any questions that come up.

The skills you need

• Qualified nutritionist
• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Join the Brotherhood: Your Compassion Can Build a Legacy!

Imagine a world where every man feels strong enough to be vulnerable. Where asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, but an act of profound courage. At MINDSET Charity, we're not just imagining it – we're building it, and we need you to make it real.

The silence surrounding men's struggles is a crisis that breaks hearts and costs lives. Sadly, suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. Behind every statistic is a man, a son, a father, a friend, battling alone. MINDSET is here to change that. We're a brand new start-up charity, forging a brotherhood to inform, guide, and support men, empowering their mental well-being and self-improvement through vital services, events, and a powerful community.

This is your chance to be at the very beginning of something extraordinary. We're not just looking for volunteers; we're seeking pioneers with a burning desire to create a lasting impact. We need your heart, your skills, and your unwavering belief to help us get set up and launched, providing much-needed services to men in need across the UK.

Your passion, right now, can lay the foundation for a future where no man walks his journey alone.

Roll Up Your Sleeves: Shape Our Future!

We also have a crucial hands-on volunteer role available, where your skills will directly contribute to our setup and launch!

Graphic Designer: Volunteer Opportunity

At MINDSET you will bring our mission to life visually, creating compelling materials that resonate deeply.

As a brand new start-up, our visual identity is crucial – it's the first impression, the feeling we evoke, and the clarity of our call to action. We need a designer who can translate our passion, empathy, and impact into visuals that resonate deeply and inspire action.

This pivotal Volunteer Graphic Designer role is for someone who understands that design is more than aesthetics; it's communication that cuts through the noise. You will be instrumental in crafting our visual voice, creating materials that not only look incredible but also carry the weight of our mission, touching hearts and opening minds.

Imagine the profound impact: Your designs will be the visual handshake for men seeking support, the engaging invitation for potential volunteers, and the professional face that attracts vital partnerships. Every leaflet, social media post, and website graphic you create will directly contribute to building awareness, fostering connection, and ensuring Mindset's message reaches those who need it most.

Key Responsibilities:

• Brand Identity Development & Application: Work with the team to refine and consistently apply Mindset's visual brand guidelines across all platforms and materials.

• Marketing & Campaign Graphics: Design impactful visuals for social media posts, online campaigns, digital adverts, and promotional banners that tell our story and encourage engagement.

• Website & Digital Assets: Create compelling graphics, icons, and layouts for our website, ensuring it is visually appealing, user-friendly, and reflective of our brand.

• Print Materials: Design brochures, leaflets, posters, and other print collateral for events, outreach, and fundraising activities.

• Workshop & Resource Design: Develop clear, engaging, and professional layouts for workshop materials, guides, and self-help resources.

• Event & Fundraising Collateral: Create visuals for event signage, fundraising appeals, and partnership presentations.

• Visual Storytelling: Translate complex messages about mental health and self-improvement into accessible, empathetic, and inspiring visual narratives.

Are you ready to be a part of this incredible journey? We are building a charity, and we need your help and support.

Reach out today and tell us how you want to make a difference. Email your CV and a heartfelt message about why you're drawn to Mindset Charity.

Together, we can build a stronger Mindset. Together, we can save lives.

MINDSET Charity

Empowering Men Through Mental Wellbeing and Personal Growth

An exciting opportunity to join the board of a growing and highly valued local charity, which supports the wellbeing of the 9000 residents of Park Wood, a deprived community based on the outskirts of Maidstone

Fusion Maidstone is a charity working at the intersection of health inequality and social exclusion. We support communities disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes — including people facing poverty, discrimination, isolation, and barriers to healthcare. Our mission is to challenge inequality, promote wellbeing, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, connected life.

We are seeking new trustees who share our passion for equality, inclusion, and social justice.  As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of our organisation, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission.

What We’re Looking For:

You don’t need previous board experience — we’re more interested in your commitment, perspective, and willingness to contribute. We're particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in areas such as:

• Public health or community health
• Mental health or social care
• Finance, legal, or charity governance
• Lived experience of health inequality or social exclusion
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
• Community organising, activism, or grassroots leadership
• Communications, fundraising, or digital engagement

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are especially keen to include voices that reflect the diverse community we serve.

What’s Involved:

• Attend around 6 board meetings per year and our AGM
• Join occasional working groups or provide advice in your area of expertise
• Champion our values and help guide the strategic direction of the charity

Why Join Us?

• Influence real, lasting change in health and social outcomes
• Be part of a values-led team dedicated to inclusion and empowerment
• Gain or develop experience in leadership and nonprofit governance

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.