Mental health volunteer volunteer roles in london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.
This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.
On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. (Where applicable, this can count towards continuous professional development).
Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity.
These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.
The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.
But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.
As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.
This role is for UK residents only, and applicants are required to live in or very near the boroughs of Ealing or Hounslow.
After applying, volunteers will need to provide 2 character references and complete an enhanced DBS check (cost covered and organised by Linked Minds).
The check is carried out as part of our Safeguarding policy to protect our clients who are ‘vulnerable people’.
BEfriend is a one-to-one volunteer befriending service, supporting socially isolated people in the London boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Sutton Mental Health Foundation is looking to recruit a volunteer secretary position to the Trust Board, to support and assist the Chair and CEO. This is an important and confidential role within the Trust. The main areas of the role are, in consultation with the Chair and CEO, the preparation of all Board/AGM meetings, the preparation of Board/AGM papers, minute taking and writing up the minutes in a timely manner. Other duties involve the support to the Trustees, as well as updating of trustee records. Th board of trustees meets in-person, approximately every six weeks, in the London Borough of Sutton. A full role description will be provided on application.
As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1994 and the aim of the Foundation is to support people with mental health needs in the Borough of Sutton, helping to keep them well and active and helping them to have a voice in mental health care in the Borough. Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to anxiety and distress. The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!
About us
At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition.
We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.
Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.
By joining our board you will be:
- Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
- Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
- Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:
· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.
· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.
· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.
· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
About the role
As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.
In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:
· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,
· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and
· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions
What you can expect from us
We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.
Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.
We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.
One more thing
We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.
But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.
For more information on the role please see the role description.
We welcome and support your preferences for how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to apply.
If you prefer to apply in a different way e.g. through a conversation or submitting a short video please contact us and we can arrange it.
If you need any adjustments during the application process please let us know and we'll do our very best to accommodate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees all of whom are volunteers. All our Trustees require excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good independent judgement. Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas :
- Company Secretary/Legal Experience
- Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public
- Marketing
Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable.
Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities. The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks (in-person), in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 2 hours in the Borough of Sutton.
As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998. Its aim is to support individuals experiencing serious mental health issues in the London Borough of Sutton. We aim to keep such individuals well and active helping them to have a voice in the provision of mental health care in the Borough. Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to individuals’ anxiety and distress. The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support through our Intentional Peer Support programme together with a Day Service and a Crisis Cafe at our centre in Belmont. We receive funding mainly from the NHS and the London Borough of Sutton although we are part of the Voluntary Sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?
Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
What is knus?
knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.
What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 3+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Do you like to learn?
We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is CPD accredited. 20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.
If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.
Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check. If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.
You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.
If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.
- Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
- Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
- How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
- Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our CPD courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.
How does it work?
In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.
We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.
Important information:
In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.
Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.
Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.
The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:
- An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
- Support to prepare for parenthood
- Support to build confidence in parenting skills
- Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
- Support to establish daily and weekly routines
- Support to take time for self-care
- Support to manage the things that are causing stress
- Support to access relevant services
- Support to access local green spaces
- Support to make connections with other parents
No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role: Advocacy Placement Volunteering You will be providing remote (office based/virtual) advocacy support for people impacted by hoarding behaviour (PwHB) who may be facing a variety of situations including legal, financial, psychological and discriminatory abuse/neglect. You will be working with trained colleagues to alleviate housing, benefits, mental health and other problems experienced by HUK's participants. HoardingUK (HUK) works to bring services together to improve person-centred, cost effective and time managed support.
The role: • Volunteer at HUK a minimum of one half-day (4 hours) each week. • Provide timely support to those using the service . • Maintain a caseload of up to three clients at each advice session. • Comply with HUK's case-management procedures, training programme and other relevant policies and procedures. • Work collaboratively to create an action plan with participants and professionals. • Assist in facilitating phone, correspondence, emails to statutory services and others. • Signpost to relevant external services based on participant need. • Keep accurate records. • Promote choice and control.
Who should apply
: • Trainees/professionals with interest/experience in mental health, housing, social care, legal frameworks, etc. • Passionate people committed to standing for rights. • People with lived experience of mental health and/or hoarding behaviour. • The ability to work sensitively and professionally with people who may be facing a variety of situations including discriminatory abuse and systemic neglect. • A commitment to values of HoardingUK Training on hoarding behaviour, advocacy and other relevant areas will be provided.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you an experieniced Nutritionist? Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
We're looking for an experienced nutritionist to help us design a catalogue of recipes that help reduce anxiety and in turn improve mental health.
What is knus?
knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.
What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 2-4 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Do you like to learn?
We provide training for all volunteers that join us.
If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.
Please note - all successful volunteers are required to pay the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check. If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service or in receipt of benefits, this cost will not apply.
You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you keen to make the workplace fun and engaging for our great people providing great care through the power of cycling?
- An expected time commitment of twice a month
- Volunteer role, expenses paid
- Location: West London
Using your own bicycle to live by your own values and love of cycling and embed them into the role
Confident in speaking with others and encourage others to model same behaviours
Create, promote and maintain a Trustwide Bicycle User Group
Organise a group of specific ride events with the support from the Travel and Transport Department, encourage people from under-represented groups to take part
Promote events through advertisement and branding with the support of the Communications and Facilities team. An expected time commitment of twice a month
Adhere to the relevant policies and procedures of the Trust, including Infection control, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Data Protection and Confidentiality policies
Opportunities to get involved in other areas of the Trust’s work, including our NHS careers
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you enjoy organising things and making this happen?
Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for admin volunteers to help with our daily operations. We have a variety of ways you can get involved:
- Responding to client requests and enquiries
- Fundrasing and partnership management
- Managing and updating company databases
- Keeping track of partnership enquiries
- Maintaining internal, volunteer, and client records
- Drafting and mailing client correspondence and newsletters
- Organising events, scheduling meetings, and making travel arrangements
- Providing administrative support to other departments or projects as needed
- Performing other duties as agreed in advance
We’ve designed our volunteering programme to be flexible and adaptive to you. All volunteering is 100% remote and you’re supported fully by our team. You control what you do and how many hours per week you want to volunteer. Some roles may require an Enhanced DBS check. If your application is successful, we will ask for a donation towards the cost of your enhanced DBS check if it's required for your role. This cost is £20.60.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK. You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 2 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Training
We provide CPD accredited training with 3 short courses needing to be completed prior starting your volunteer role. After, you’ll have access to over 90 CPD accredited courses should you want to study further.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lead Volunteer
Mind Retail
About the role
Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.
Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!
You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:
· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team
· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience
· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills
· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills
· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions
· Understanding of sales information, including takings
· Commercial knowledge and skills
· Understanding of policies and procedures
· Administrative skills
· IT skills
· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses
Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!
We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?
Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!
About You
- Commitment to our values & behaviours
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
- Able to build good working relationships
- Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good communication skills
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.
Our Commitment
We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…
Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.
I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.
Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…
It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are currently recruiting for a Fundraisers for our newly formed not for profit which provides fully qualified mental assistance dogs for those in need across Northamptonshire.
Ideally this would be a great role for someone who looking to gain some experience having been out of the business for a while and looking for someone to grow with us or someone is newly qualified in this area
You will have the platform to take control and create your own success story.
Essential to the role
ü Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
ü Satisfactory references
ü Has working knowledge of word, Outlook
Desirable
ü Educated to GCSE level with English and Maths
Role and Responsibilities
· Have experience of fundraising would be ideal.
· Working with the Business Development Officer/Manager
· Must have strong verbal and written communications skills.
· You should be able to work with all other areas of the organisation from volunteers fundraising, to corporate functions.
· Strong time management skills and manage own administration with a keen eye for attention to detail.
· Be honest, reliable and knowledgeable about our services and how we support the local community.
The vision of harnessing the remarkable bond between humans and dogs to alleviate the challenges of mental health.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This role sits within our new Men’s Minds project, based in Hounslow. The aim of the service is to improve men’s mental health outcomes by developing a mental health network supported and directed by the voices of its members.
This will be achieved through three service strands: 1) Peer support network, 2) Psychoeducation workshops, addressing common needs of men’s mental health 3) Outreach support to raise awareness of men’s mental health and promote this service.
The role of the Peer Volunteer will be to support the Project Coordinator with developing and delivering various workshops and events. You will also take the lead in developing peer led support.
Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face in a group basis to individuals.
We are looking for someone who
- Identifies as male
- Has lived experience of mental health challenges
- 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 people 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 mental health
- 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 Project Coordinator with admin and planning
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities
Time commitment and expenses:
- Flexible hours between Tues-Thurs. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 or 2 days a week.
- 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. 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.
Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Please tell us why you would like to volunteer at Men’s Minds at HFEH Mind? (minimum 50 words)
Please share any relevant skills or experience you have for the role. This may include education, work or voluntary experience (minimum 100 words)
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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:
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Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
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Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
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Be open-minded
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Be supportive
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Be reliable
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Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
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Be accepting and non-judgemental
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Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
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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:
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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.
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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.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.