Mental Health Volunteer Roles

About us

Established in December 2013, Betknowmore UK’s mission is to address gambling related harm in UK communities. We are the leading provider of gambling support and training services. We work tirelessly to raise awareness, deliver support services and, through education, create more understanding about gambling related harm. ‘We want people to be empowered, to live the life they want to lead.’ Read more about our values, strategy and impact.

We exist to provide support and training services that prevent and address personal and societal harms caused by gambling. Together we aim to raise awareness, deliver support services and, through education, create more understanding about gambling harm.

Today the charity is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by Betknowmore UK senior management. This is where you come in – we are currently recruiting new members for our Board of Trustees.

About you

We are seeking committed individuals who share our vision, mission and values to join our board. You do not need to have prior knowledge of gambling harms as training will be provided throughout the induction period. Previous experience as a trustee, although desirable, is not essential.

We are specifically looking for the skills in the following areas.

·Community Engagement/networking/influencing

·Legal

·Commissioning

·Research

·Finance

For more information about the duties of a trustee and the person specification please see the Role Description Pack below. We would love to hear from you if you have time, skills and experience to share.

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining why you would like to become a trustee and how your skills and knowledge would be an asset to the charity. (details in jobpack)

We are looking for Client Support Volunteers to assist in the Garden alongside our horticulturists in the supervision of our adult clients and teenagers with a variety of disabilities.

Our volunteers work in the garden with clients, helping them with various tasks such as planting, harvesting, pruning and mowing to name a few, under the guidance of our team of horticulturists. 

As well as general gardening work you will be assisting our clients, both children and adults with the opportunity to achieve a qualification in horticulture.

Other tasks our volunteers help with include general garden maintenance, DIY tasks or craft/cookery activities.

No gardening experience is required, just the ability to get along with others and muck in! This can be a great stepping stone to further education or work opportunities.

At present, we are looking for Volunteers who can offer a regular weekly commitment.

Role Description:

This role sits within our new mental health Prevention Hub - which is a drop-in service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed, seeking support and advice for their mental health, there and then. This service is a 9 month pilot project and will initially operate 11am-7pm Monday-Friday, however there may be a need to cover weekends/late nights, depending on the need of our clients.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone on a one-to-one or group basis to individuals experiencing mental health distress. This will consist of 1:1 support; de-escalating and providing interventions, signposting for specialised or longer-term support, and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing. The aim of this service is to de-escalate, and provide holistic wellbeing plans.

We are looking for someone who

• 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 Prevention Hub Coordinator with admin and planning
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours between 11am-7pm Monday-Friday. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 /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.

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.

Role: Lancashire Mind Trustees (including Chair of Finance and Audit and Chair of People and Governance board subcommittees)

Location: Chorley, other venues around Lancashire and virtual meetings.

Salary: voluntary role; out of pocket expenses may be claimed and investment in trustee development provided.

Lancashire Mind is an independent mental health charity, delivering our impactful strategy that has been co-created with the people of Lancashire. We reach over 10,000 people each year.

We’re an active member of the national Mind Federation, linking us with over 100 other local Mind organisations across England and Wales, providing excellent opportunities for good practice sharing and partnership working.

Our purpose is to support people in Lancashire to achieve the best mental health and wellbeing possible

We are seeking Trustees who share our values and our passionate belief that prevention and resilience are the key to achieving mental wellbeing. We encourage those with lived experience of mental health to undertake leadership opportunities, which includes the board.

We strive to continuously improve the governance of the charity. This includes conducting an annual trustee skills audit. This has informed our current recruitment round; we are therefore particularly looking for applicants with one or more skillsets in marketing & communications, HR and people, legal & compliance, business development and/or fundraising, clinical health and/or mental health systems expertise.

Lancashire Mind also welcomes applications from high performing and well-connected candidates who feel that they offer other relevant skills/connections not listed above.

Lancashire Mind’s Board has three subcommittees which have delegated authority to oversee various elements of governance. These are the: Finance & Audit, Sustainability & Growth and People & Governance subcommittees. We are looking for 3 trustees, 2 of which who may be interested in transitioning into a Chair role for the following committees.

The People & Governance Subcommittee oversees key areas of HR, including policy, board and staff performance, wellbeing and development. It also oversees key areas of governance such as Safeguarding, Information Governance and Health & Safety.

The Finance & Audit Subcommittee oversees the financial governance of the organisation to ensure financial sustainability and finance practices and procedures are maintained consistently to satisfy statutory and regulatory requirements.

We also ensure that trustees feel supported in their role and offer mentoring support to new trustees during their induction period.

At Lancashire Mind our work is positive and rewarding, with a passion for improving mental health and wellbeing shared across the organisation.

Deadline: 12noon Monday 29th April 2024

Interviews: Friday 3rd May 2024

Social Anxiety Alliance UK aim to provide information and resources for individuals suffering from social anxiety and social phobia.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop the UK’s first dedicated Social Anxiety charity. 

We are ideally looking for trustees with previous charity trustee experience or with experience working in the mental health or charity sector. Howerver if you beleive you have the passion, time and skills to help us take the charity forward please feel free to apply.

Trustees will typically lead on a particular project depending on their skill set e.g. editorial content, web site development, social media, networking with other charities, policies and procedures, funding/grants, human resources, writing articles for the website, review of online social anxiety courses and resources.

Other opportunities are available depending on your experience and skill set.so please see the charity website and use the feedback form if you have other skills the charity might need.

We are a friendly board, getting involved will mean that you can work with us on particular projects that suit your skills. We hold trustee board meetings for approximately 60 minutes each month and work on additonal projects as time allows.

As part of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our aim of helping people who experience social anxiety. 

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.

The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal.  Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year.  They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.   

We are currently seeking people to join our team as Helping Volunteers. Helping Volunteers are a vital part of shifts here at The Listening Place; in this role, you will be responsible for welcoming visitors onto our premises, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere (along with a cup of tea), and supporting our Listening Volunteers to help everything run smoothly.

No prior experience or qualifications are necessary, but we do ask for a weekly commitment of four hours for a period of at least six months. If you are passionate about helping others and making a difference in the lives of those in need, we would love to have you on board as a Helping Volunteer.

The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal.  Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year.  They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.   

Listening volunteers provide ongoing face-to-face support to visitors on regular, fortnightly 4-hour shifts during which they meet with up to 3 visitors (for up to 50 minutes each). No experience or qualifications are necessary.  We look for warmth, empathy and resilience in our volunteers and the ability to be non-judgemental and avoid giving advice.

In order to ensure continuity for our visitors we require a one-year minimum commitment from our LVs, as well as three months’ notice of intention to leave.

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

Do you have great administration and IT skills and enjoy meeting new people? Want a flexible voluntary role that allows you to make a difference to peoples’ lives? Then read on!

We are looking for a Volunteer On-line Meeting Assistant to support the Head of Area (Central Region) with organising and preparing for monthly and quarterly virtual meetings, and on occasion events or conferences. 

You will be remote based at home, with some occasional travel for face-to-face meetings (expenses reimbursed), and ideally will be able to commit up to 4 hours per week to volunteering, during usual office hours Monday to Friday. 

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer On-line Meeting Assistant

The majority of meetings are held virtually on-line via MS Teams.  You will support the Head of Area (and meeting Chair) by:

• Co-ordinating meeting invitations (via MS Teams), attendee registration and apologies
• Distributing documents in advance of meetings
• Take notes of the meeting and share these with attendees, eg, updating SharePoint
• General meeting support,  share any slides, launch polls and set up break out rooms as required during virtual meetings
• Co-ordinate and collate post event evaluations and feedback
• Develop and maintain information systems, eg, attendee contact details and distribution lists

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Experience of note taking
• Good listening & orgnisational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft office packages, Outlook and MS Teams
• Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Warm, friendly, empathetic and able to connect with people from a range of backgrounds

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers!

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

Do you love creating engaging content and connecting with people? Rethink Mental Illness is looking for Social Media Volunteers who can bring our online community to life!

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of our local services and groups in Central England though various channels, for example, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. 

Working closely with the Head of Area, you will be remote based at home, with some occasional travel for events (expenses reimbursed), and ideally will be able to commit up to 4 hours per week to volunteering.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.  This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

What you will be doing as a Social Media Volunteer

• Help to co-ordinate our Quarterly newsletters and content schedule
• Work with other volunteers and the Head of Area to capture events, meeting updates, good news stories
• Support the creation of fun and captivating email and newsletters
• Creating regular engaging content across all our social media platforms including, story posts, blogs, articles, multimedia content.
• Monitoring activity, analytics and engagement with content

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• An eye for fun and engaging content, with ability to think creatively when sharing content
• A strong writer – must have a good voice online, relatable to our target audience and in line with our brand identity and tone of voice
• Good written communication skills, with accuracy and good attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and motivated to work as an individual.
• Social media experience

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Café Assistants to support our John Hall Wellness Gardens in Leek. You will be based at our new Cafe operation and, ideally, you will be able to commit 4 hours per week to volunteering.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. 

About the service

John Hall Gardens is a Community Education Garden & Café green space for the community of Leek, local schools, colleges, and social enterprises. With the aim of enabling the local community to work/learn and socialise with people with mental and physical health support needs. This includes adults of all ages and children and young people.

Assisting the Café Supervisor and your fellow volunteers, you will play an integral part of John Hall Wellness Garden’s future, by helping to deliver a café experience for the general public, Friends of the Garden, and guests.  If you think you can make a difference and commit some time on a regular on-going basis, we would love to hear from you!   This is a real opportunity to develop your current existing skills, learn new skills and network with other volunteers. We welcome anyone wishing to gain experience or have an interest in going into the hospitality sector.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Café​ Assistant

You will have the opportunity to assist with food preparation, presentation, cleaning and serving/selling high quality food and beverages.

Under the guidance of the Café Supervisor, you, together with other volunteers will ensure that the Café is compliant with all relevant health and safety legislation and pursuing an outstanding performance and food hygiene rating.

In addition, there will be further opportunities to support activity groups in the café, special events and input into event and menu planning.

The main tasks volunteer café assistants will support with are:

• Support Café staff, other volunteers and trainees in the smooth day to day running of the Café.
• Carry out basic catering tasks including food preparation, cleaning and serving food to customers.
• Operate the coffee machine (full training will be provided).
• Handle cash or card transactions and operate the till.
• Work with the Café Supervisor to ensure relevant paperwork is completed and checks are carried out ensuring compliance against relevant food safety and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure kitchen area and Café are clean and tidy (including equipment, walls, floors, tables, work surfaces), and waste is discarded safely.
• Provide good customer service, dealing with visitors and customers in a friendly and polite manner.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Eagerness to learn and train in all aspects of the café catering operation
• Cheerful nature, good interpersonal skills, can communicate confidently with a range of people of all ages
• Good customer care service skills

Although this is not essential - you may also have:

• Basic food safety knowledge or HACCP. Further training, will be provided including allergens
• Experience in food handling and basic preparation of foods

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

To monitor the financial administration of the organisation and report to the Board of Directors at regular intervals on its state of financial health, in  line with best practice, and in compliance with the governing document  and legal requirements.

Can you spare 3 hours or more a week to help us provide a confidential helpline for people with mild to moderate mental health problems, drug or alcohol problems? You will be part of a dynamic team of volunteers.

We answer calls predominantly from people in Surrey from 9 am to 7pm Monday to Friday:

• Providing listening and emotional support that is confidential.
• We are non judgemental and signpost to other agencies.
• Refer callers into treatment services.

No qualifications are needed as full training will be provided, but you will need a friendly and calm telephone manner with the ability to communicate effectively. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.

Our next training course is taking place online on 20th April and 27th April 2024.

Shift times are 9am to 12 noon, 12 to 3pm, 3 to 6pm and 6 to 7pmfts start at 9am). We require a minimum of one shift per fortnight. The Helpline is operated from your own home, at no cost to you.