“I one hundred percent endorse volunteering. It is rewarding and satisfying and you’ll get more out of it than you’ll give, you really will. You will realise things about yourself and mental health that you never knew and you just take away so much from that, it’s like a free education.” Tim - Volunteer


Click on the image to read Janet and Colleen's story

Mind volunteering programs operate in several locations across metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria and in metropolitan Adelaide and rely on the generosity and participation of over 200 volunteers.

The aim of Mind volunteering is to provide one-on-one support to people living with a mental illness, however there are also opportunities to volunteer your administrative skills at Mind’s offices or to volunteer at Mind’s day programs, such as Sprout Community Garden.

If you would like to volunteer your administrative skills then please scroll down to the bottom of the page for details of how to express interest.

If you would like to provide one-on-one support to someone living with mental illness, then please continue reading.

Volunteer to provide one-on-one support

If you’ve been thinking about giving back to the community and haven’t quite known how to go about it... why not give just two hours of your time every fortnight and improve the life of someone living with a mental illness.

People experiencing a mental illness often feel quite isolated and may have lost touch with family and friends. They may need support to link them with the community, have fun and enjoy the company of someone else.

Mind volunteering may be for you if:

• You are a man or woman over the age of 18 who would like to give back to the community
• You are studying or wishing to pursue a career in mental health
• You live in Victoria
• You have recently retired and have more time to give
• You would like to volunteer in your local area
• You would like to flexible around the time you give
• If you are willing to meet regularly for at least 12 months

As a volunteer you will:

• Meet with someone living with a mental illness once a fortnight for just two hours
• Support someone to engage in social and recreational activities in order to achieve some of their recovery goals and to gain confidence in their own ability
• Engage in social activities such as; going for coffee, going shopping, visiting community events, playing pool, watching sport and going to the local library
• Provide an opportunity for someone living with a mental illness to interact with someone outside of the clinical services

Supporting people with their recovery goals

Recovery is about finding ways to live well, achieve goals and manage the illness in the presence or absence of symptoms. Mind’s framework of recovery places a strong emphasis on relationships, environment, sense of self and skill building, as well as connecting with the broader community.

As a Mind volunteer, you will help someone living with a mental illness with some of their recovery goals, particularly around relationships and connecting with the broader community. You will contribute to reduce social isolation and you will help them to find meaning and satisfaction in their life.

Why Volunteer?

• You will be giving back to the community and improving the life of someone living with mental illness
• You will receive ongoing training and support from Mind staff
• You will develop your understanding of mental illness and help to reduce stigma around mental illness in the community
• You will meet like-minded volunteers throughout the year

Volunteer Today!

“In the smallest way you are adding to somebody’s life, even if it’s just for two hours a fortnight.”

If you would like to volunteer to provide one-to-one social support to someone living with a mental illness you can apply online by completing the form below.

Volunteer Application Form

Mind currently has two programs that recruit volunteers to provide one-on-one social support, PALS (Personal Linking and Partnership) and PHaMs (Personal Helpers and Mentors) programs. These programs operate in metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

If you would like to receive a volunteer information pack or have any questions regarding volunteering with Mind, please contact the Volunteer Recruitment Officer.

t 03 8640 5626 - Victoria
e volunteering@mindaustralia.org.au

Other Volunteer opportunities at Mind

If you would like to volunteer at a day program of Mind, such as Sprout Community Garden or if you would like to offer administrative support at Mind’s offices then please email volunteering@mindaustralia.org.au

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