Mental Health Volunteer Roles

Mind Axis is hiring!

Job Title: Volunteer Events Assistant (x1 for Redbridge or Hackney-based sessions)
Time Commitment: 15 hours/month
Start Date: Summer 2024 (exact date will be agreed) 
End Date: 6 months from start date (with 3-month probation period)

We are a social enterprise dedicated to enhancing mental wellbeing. Our flagship service is The Teashop, which brings small groups of community members together to foster their mental wellbeing through an enjoyable activity with known mental health benefits, over a cup of tea.

Job Description: 
As a Volunteer Events Assistant, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our mission by supporting in-person Teashop sessions. Each session brings together groups of up to 15 adults experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health symptoms, providing them with an enjoyable activity and an opportunity for connection in a supportive environment. We’ve offered dog therapy, art-making, yoga, and wellness discussions in the past. 

Responsibilities: 
- Create Eventbrite/Facebook/Instagram ads to draw new participants to future sessions. 
- Assist with the setup and logistics of sessions for The Teashop service 
- Travel to and support Teashop sessions by helping with materials, taking photos, and managing sign-in procedures, typically two sessions per month during weekends. 
- Create engaging social media content to promote The Teashop sessions and build community awareness. 
- If required, provide mental health first aid support by signposting and offering assistance to attendees in need. 
- Collect feedback at the end of each session and input it into Excel spreadsheets.

Essential Criteria: 
- 18+ years old
- Completed A-levels or equivalent
- Must possess a valid DBS check or be willing to have it done
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively during sessions
- Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for engaging with diverse communities
- Availability to volunteer two weekend days per month for in-person sessions
- Ability to travel to session locations within the designated area
- Proficiency in basic computer skills for data entry and social media management.
 
Desirable criteria:  
- An undergraduate degree (BSc/BA)
- A valid driver's license and licensed vehicle to help transport materials
- Experience in customer service/administrative role
- Experience with working with people with mental health conditions
- Experience in social media and/or graphic design skills
 
Benefits: 
Volunteer Events Assistants will receive: 
- Compensation for travel expenses incurred going to sessions
- Opportunity to receive Mental Health First Aid training 
- Gain valuable experience in event management and community engagement within the mental health sector

Application deadline: On a rolling basis

Suitable applicants will be invited to interview within 2 weeks of submitting an application. Please note that the application process may close early if we receive a large number of qualified applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly.

The role of the Health Link Event Volunteer is an important one to the charity as we support very entrenched, institutionalised and isolated clients to access services in their borough.

The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)

LOCATION/S: Our Health and Wellbeing days are held across Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton Boroughs. We hold approximately one Health and Well-being day per month in one of the above locations.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? We are seeking a new chair to lead our board of trustees, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of volunteering and community projects in Kensington and Chelsea, one of London’s most diverse boroughs.

Established in 1969, we are the oldest Volunteer Centre in the country and are deeply rooted in the local community, empowering individuals to contribute positively through volunteering. Our programmes support diverse groups, including those living with disabilities and mental health challenges, ex-offenders, as well as marginalised residents seeking employment opportunities.

As chair, you will play a pivotal role in steering the Volunteer Centre towards its mission of fostering positive change in Kensington & Chelsea. Responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership in partnership with the chief executive.
• Facilitating constructive decision-making within the board.
• Maintaining relationships with stakeholders and representing VCKC at various events.
• Supporting the development and cohesion of the board team.

By becoming chair of our board of trustees, you will have the opportunity to drive positive change and contribute to a vibrant community. If you are ready to make a difference, apply now and be part of something meaningful.

Role Description:

Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; every Weds, Sat & Sun. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.

As a peer volunteer, your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.

Please be aware that if you are invited to interview you will be asked to complete a self-declaration form covering your criminal record or any information that would make you unsuitable to work with the vulnerable parties associated with this role, i.e. vulnerable adults and/or children and young people.

It is not necessary to disclose anything at this time. Please do not include any such information when applying at this stage.

The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account.

Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

We are looking for someone who

• Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
• Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
• To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
• Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
• Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
• To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours (shifts to be confirmed). Evening and Weekend availability is required. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 day a week: Wed, Sat or Sun.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee Treasurer for the board.

What will you be doing?

About Been There

Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.

About the role

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee and Secretary of the board. Alongside relevant experience, you will also possess an ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritising multiple tasks, and will be a natural team player with excellent written and spoken English.

Main Responsibilities

● Financial Oversight: Oversee and present budgets, accounts, and financial statements to the board in a clear and understandable manner.

● Strategic Financial Planning: Work with the board to ensure that financial strategies and decisions are fully integrated into the strategic plans of the charity.

● Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity's assets. Monitor and manage financial risk.

● Statutory Reporting: Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and statutory financial reporting requirements.

● Audit and Financial Analysis: Lead in the appointment and liaison with auditors, and provide insightful analysis on financial reports and audits.

● Budgeting and Forecasting: Oversee the development and review of the charity's annual budget and financial forecasts.

● Fundraising Support: Play an active role in guiding and supporting the charity's fundraising efforts, ensuring financial goals are met and resources are secured for future sustainability.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with any body image issues and related mental health concerns. Experience, skills and expertise in charity law, an interest in the well-being of people combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

● Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in finance, accounting, or a related field, with a strong understanding of charity finance and governance.

● Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is highly desirable.

● Skills: Excellent financial and analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.

● Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed.

● Ethics: A commitment to the values and mission of Been There, with a passion for making a difference in the community.

What difference will you make?

Been There is a charity for people struggling with their mental health relating to body image. 

The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team and your support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our beneficiaries.

As a Peer Volunteer you will be working alongside Senior staff and Crisis workers within Crisis Safe Space. Crisis Safe Space was co-designed by local people with experience of mental health difficulties, who wanted to create more support in the community rather than at hospital or other clinical services​. The service has been designed for people experiencing emotional distress who need immediate and short-term crisis prevention rather than intensive support from either an emergency or inpatient service​. We do not seek to define what a crisis is for those using our service, we simply aim to offer the support required on a person-by-person basis. As an alliance member of Open Mental Health, we work in close partnership with Second Step, Somerset Foundation Trust and other OMH partners.

Bringing your lived experience, you will have the desire to support and encourage others on their individual recovery journeys.  You will be able to clearly draw upon and share, your own experiences of mental health challenges and services in order to inspire, model, and inform others in similar situations and support them in finding their own path to recovery.

You will be providing a specially designed role within the Crisis Safe Space Team in either Yeovil or Taunton. As part of the wider team, you will start to build a trusting relationship with individuals while they are accessing the Crisis Safe Space and your role will be to meet and greet, assist with any enrolment/paperwork, and offer support with signposting and feedback. You will work alongside the Crisis Safe Space Team, meaning you will have access to constant support and guidance.

What tasks will be involved?

· Establishing a trusting and collaborative relationship with the service-user, working alongside a crisis worker within appointments to provide sensitive, collaborative, and non-judgemental support, offering you’re your own perspective and lived experience where appropriate. 

· Offering follow up and aftercare appointments to individuals who have completed their work with the Crisis Safe Space team.

· Completing feedback paperwork collaboratively with the service user at regular intervals following their appointment, compiling feedback to help develop an understanding of how the service is being received.

· Supporting family members who visit with their loved one, ensuring they feel supported and listened to whilst they wait, and ensuring that their experience is also validated.

· To identify additional community-based support networks and implementing group-based peer support events for users of the service.

· To link people to training, volunteering/employment activities.

· To maintain hope and optimism for the individual with high expectations for recovery, use lived experience to positively support the individual’s recovery.

· Providing practical information and signposting.

· Supporting the smooth and safe transfer into other services. 

· Showing understanding, acceptance and empathy based on shared experience.

· Supporting individuals to develop ideas for coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

· Help individuals identify their own hopes, dreams, and aspirations and to explore opportunities and ways to realise them.

Who should apply for this role?

We are looking for Peer Volunteers who have:

· Lived experience of mental health.

· Personal experience of recovery from mental health challenges.

· The desire and ability to share personal experiences of mental health and recovery to support, empower and bring hope to others.

· The capacity to manage their own mental health needs.

· An awareness of self-management resources and coping strategies.

· An ability to empathise with others and form trusting relationships.

· A non-judgemental approach and an ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.

· Good listening and communication skills, reliability and good time keeping.

· An ability to take responsibility for your own self-care and willingness to utilise the support and supervision provided by Deputy Project Lead.

Where and when will I volunteer?

The Crisis safe Space is an out of hours service open daily between the hours of 17:30 and 23:00. We welcome applications to those who can commit to a minimum of 1 shift per week.

What support will I get?

Prior to starting your volunteer position, you will complete a comprehensive training programme with our partner agency, Watch CIC, who are specialists in developing Peer Volunteer relations.

Once in role, you will be supported by both the Deputy to the Project Lead the Project Lead who will provide support as and when needed, alongside your colleagues on shift.  

Is a DBS Check required for this role?

YES, a DBS Check (Disclosure & Barring Service) is required for this role. You will be supported by the Project Lead.  Any disclosures will be discussed on a case-by-case basis and will not automatically stop you from being involved.

As the Head of Sustainability you will lead Pride Cymru’s efforts to integrate sustainability principles and practices into all aspects of its operations and events. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to minimise environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and enhance the organisation's commitment to sustainability.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead efforts to minimise the environmental impact of Pride Cymru events and operations.

• Identify key sustainability priorities, targets, and performance indicators to measure progress and impact.

• Build and maintain partnerships with local organisations, businesses, government agencies, and community groups to advance sustainability initiatives and leverage resources.

• Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and sponsors to promote sustainable products, services, and practices.

• Lead by example and champion sustainability principles in decision-making, planning, and operations.

Skills and experience

• Proven experience in developing and implementing sustainability strategies and initiatives, preferably in the events or nonprofit sector.

• Strong knowledge of environmental issues, sustainability best practices, and relevant regulations and standards.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.

• Passion for sustainability, social justice, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, with a commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and positive social change.

About you

• A genuine desire to support the LGBTQ+ community in Wales

• Commitment to upholding and promoting values of equality, diversity and inclusion

• Ensure work is completed to a high professional standard and in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.

• Attend appropriate meetings/events

• Represent the organisational ethos and values

• Carry out any other reasonable duties as the role develops and as may be requested by the management/trustees

At Pride Cymru, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong.

We therefore particularly welcome and encourage applications from underrepresented individuals including those; from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, transgender and non-binary people, disabled people and those with long term health conditions. 

Support for applicants with a disability/long term health condition

 We welcome applications from Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and those with long term physical and mental health conditions. We can support you with the application process and provide reasonable adjustments to on-site working. If you need support please contact us.

Raising Futures Kenya supports young people in Kenya to become self-reliant and live free from poverty, through technical vocational training and business skills courses, and specialised support such as counselling.

We are looking for three new Trustees to join our UK Board. We are a small, award-winning charity who are actively shifting power to our Kenyan partner NGO. With three Trustees coming to the end of their term this year we are looking for skilled, enthusiast, committed individuals who are passionate about what we do, to become part of our Trustee team.

We are specifically looking for the following roles on our Board;

• Chair of Trustees
• Secretary to Board
• Someone who has experience in either corporate networking, partnership development, mental health and wellbeing, HR or in technical vocational training and entrepreneurship/business skills training.

Passion for our work is our number one recruitment factor though so please do get in touch if you have other skills to offer.

We are in Year 2 of our 5 year Strategic Plan, where the focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya. Ultimately our long-term goal is to not be needed, but we realise the funding landscape is a long way off that at the moment.

As one of our Trustees you'll be part of an award-winning small charity who is leading the way in ethical development, primarily by actively shifting power and decision making to our incredible partner NGO in Kenya. We're a small charity but we definitely have a big impact and want to share our learning and knowledge with other NGOs who want to follow the same path of shifting power. We don't just talk about what we want to do, we get it done.

Please see the three detailed role descriptions on our website for more information about our charity and what the role entails. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Men Who Talk is a UK registered charity, running twice monthly online peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18+ across the UK. The groups take places between 7:00 - 8:30pm during week nights.

Our groups are supportive spaces for men aged 18+ to come and talk openly about what's on their mind. All groups are free to attend and follow the evidence based model of peer support. 

Volunteers are required to be online from 6:45pm to 8:45pm, and are required to facilitate around 1 group per month. Volunteers are asked to commit to an a minimum of 6 months of volunteering in the initial stage. 

All groups are facilitated by 2 facilitators, and follow a semi-structured pattern.

We are looking for passionate men with some experience of groups facilitating or working in mental health settings to come join us as facilitators. Experience in using online platforms such as zoom is essential. 

A degree in psychology is preferred but not an essential requirement.

Why Join MWT? 

Men Who Talk is an exciting, fast growing charity, creating new spaces for men to talk openly about what's on their mind. 

We have a diverse team full of talented and passionate individuals who are committed to changing the face of mens mental health across the UK. 

As well as the opportunity to join the organisation at an exciting stage of it's development, volunteers also have the opportunity to develop their own skills and have regular chances to feed into the creative and strategic development of the organisation. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are only able to accept applications from individuals who already have the right to live and work in the UK. 

• Role: provide financial oversight, analysis and strategic guidance to the CEO and board
• Liaises with: Chair, CEO, trustees, committees, external supporters
• Location: Cambridgeshire area/remote
• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid
• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election
• Application closing date: 31 May 2024

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our professional counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time to deliver talking therapies both online and in person.

We deliver around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access therapeutic support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training to organisations and businesses large and small.

We are searching for an experienced treasurer/finance specialist who can support our board, committees, and the CEO as we move through our next strategic stage of consolidation, then growth. Although long-established and successful, Evolve is reshaping itself and your financial expertise will be instrumental in positioning our charity to successfully meet the ever-growing demands and opportunities for supporting good mental health in our communities. Please note, a background in counselling is NOT a prerequisite for this role.

Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month.

For further information or an informal discussion of interest, please contact Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.

Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.

Our Chair will review and assess expressions of interest and will then call for applications in the form of a CV and letter setting out the applicant’s motivations, which will be assessed by a panel of trustees under conditions that maximise our commitment to EDI principles. Applicants may be asked to interview, and appointment will be made at a meeting of the board of trustees and ratified by the membership at AGM.

The Safe Space is a local hub for anyone who feels they are nearing crisis point. We are here to listen to what you need and work with you to help. This might be strategies to help you cope in the moment, a range of activities we provide free of charge, resources to take away or connecting you with practical local services. We offer face to face, telephone and video-conference support. As a part of this, we are looking for volunteers to offer peer led support to individuals who may access our service. This includes a variety of tasks, such as devising and facilitating peer led workshops with clients, supporting with 1:1 sessions, and completing administrative tasks.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has lived experience of mental health/social crisis
• Preferably have had experience working with people who experience poor mental health
• Are comfortable with co-producing and facilitating peer led workshops
• Might be willing to take over running the workshops by themselves over time
• Are willing to actively participate with clients 1:1 and in group settings
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Safe Space Team

Time commitment and expenses:

• 5 hours per week, during our opening hours of 12–5pm.  Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role 
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

Volunteer with us and help transform support for the suicidal

In just three years, the number of people we support each year has increased from 2,000 to close to 5,000. To meet the growing demand for our award-winning service, we need more supervising volunteers. You’ll be selected after interview and training and spend at least three months as a listening volunteer before leading a shift.

Warmth, empathy, a belief in the power of non-judgmental, non-directive support for the suicidal and the ability to support and develop teams are essential. No mental health qualifications are required.

We ask for a regular four-hour shift a fortnight. Most vacancies are at our Hammersmith site, but openings also arise in Pimlico and King’s Cross.

You’ll be supported by experienced supervising volunteers and our volunteer management team, and you’ll be able to seek guidance from mental health professionals.

Our volunteers say joining TLP is one of the best things they’ve ever done:

 ‘This is a unique organisation, with unique people and a unique way of helping people. I have never felt better about my contribution to the community’

‘TLP has given me a renewed sense of purpose, positivity and community’

Find out why - Apply now.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? We are looking for a new trustee to join our board of trustees, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of volunteering and community projects in Kensington and Chelsea, one of London’s most diverse boroughs.

Established in 1969, we are the oldest Volunteer Centre in the country and are deeply rooted in the local community, empowering individuals to contribute positively through volunteering. Our programs support diverse groups, including those living with disabilities and mental health challenges, ex-offenders, as well as marginalised residents seeking employment opportunities.

As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the Volunteer Centre towards its mission of fostering positive change in Kensington & Chelsea. Responsibilities include:

• Attend and actively participate in board meetings, promoting constructive dialogue and decision-making.
• Uphold the best interests of VCKC, maintaining positive public representation and adhering to confidentiality standards.
• Possess enthusiasm for volunteering, willingness to commit time and effort, and desirable knowledge of Kensington & Chelsea and the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrate strong communication, analytical, and collaborative skills.

Join us in shaping the future of volunteering in Kensington & Chelsea. Become a trustee and make a meaningful impact today. If you are ready to make a difference, apply now and be part of something meaningful.

Do you like dogs? Do you like people?

Your community needs you!!

Walkie Dogs is a weekly social group located in the UK that brings local communities in every city together to walk their dogs and make connections. We support mental health organisations and work towards reducing knife and gang crime throughout the UK. As a volunteer-led organisation, we provide training to ensure that our volunteers are equipped to offer support and resources to our members. Our online retail store offers the best products on the market to promote the health and well-being of dogs in the UK, with exclusive discounts for our members. We also provide educational tools, travel advice, training, and more to the dog community.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role as a Volunteer Walk Leader at Walkie Dogs. As a Volunteer Walk Leader, you will be responsible for organising and leading dog walks for our social group. Your day-to-day tasks will include coordinating meet-up locations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and their dogs, providing guidance and support during walks, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the group.

Qualifications

• Experience leading group activities and events
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Passion for promoting mental health and reducing knife and gang crime
• Knowledge of dog handling and safety
• Ability to provide guidance and support to members
• Reliability and punctuality
• Strong organisational skills
• Familiarity with the local area's, 74 cities in the UK. (anywhere with a cathedral)

Collaborating with Mental Health organisations across the UK we aim to support and spread awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being

Each volunteer will receive full walk leader training, access to the our website, discounts and walks across the UK.

We require an up to date DBS check and a minimum of of 20 walks per year