Volunteering
Why not join our volunteer team?
Click here to download an application form.
SWR Mind could not achieve what it does without our fantastic team of volunteers. Volunteering with us will give you the opportunity to change lives for the better and help people in distress to become more confident, more involved in community life, and happier. What could be better?
In return for your hugely valuable contribution to us, we will provide you with quality training, personal development opportunities and support. For more details of our volunteer training, please click here.
There are lots of other benefits to volunteering. You can:
Learn or develop a new skill
Volunteering is the perfect vehicle to discover something you are really good at and develop new skills.
Be part of your community
All of our work is based in our community – you will discover the importance of community involvement for people with mental health problems
Feel a sense of achievement
By giving your free time and using your talents you will change lives
Boost your career options
Did you know that 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without, 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills and 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills have benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted. Also, if you are thinking of a career change then volunteering is a perfect way to explore new fields.
New interests and hobbies
Finding new interests and hobbies through volunteering can be fun, relaxing and energising.
New experiences
Volunteering is a brilliant way to get life experience whilst helping other people in need.
Meeting a diverse range of people
Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Volunteering opportunities
You can volunteer to provide short, medium or longer-term support for people with mental health problems, or a combination. All of our volunteers provide social, emotional and practical support, information and advocacy – but you can specialise if you want to. We are also interested in volunteers with particular existing skills and qualifications in such as horticulture, drama, alternative therapies, relaxation or art therapy.
Opportunities also exist to join our administrative support team or board of trustees.
Short-term support
This is an ideal choice if you are a student returning to Scarborough, Whitby or Ryedale on vacation, or someone that prefers not to commit to supporting someone over a long period of time.
Short-term support includes, for example, supporting someone to have their say during a visit to their GP, getting the benefits that they are entitled to or attending a court appearance.
Medium-term support
Work with other volunteers and staff to help a homeless person in emotional distress find and move into safe, secure and good quality accommodation; help someone join a friendship group, learn a new skill or keep their job; or support a person with mental health difficulties to get out and about and enjoy taking part in the many and varied opportunities in their local community
“We have enjoyed cafés, the pictures, and a trip to a country house. My life has completely changed now. I’ve moved, joined a friendship group and have so much more confidence. I couldn’t have done it without my volunteer.”
Angela.
Longer-term support
People with mental health problems often need on-going support. Lacking in confidence and self esteem it may take time for them time to trust you and to develop the confidence to venture out into the wider community again. Your support may include supporting someone to use public transport, take up some physical exercise, shop and cook for a healthy diet, visit local cafés for a coffee and a chat. Helping someone in this way takes patience, but can be hugely rewarding, and can lead to long term friendship with the person you support.
“I truly haven’t looked back since meeting my volunteer. She is absolutely fabulous. She has given me the confidence to go out and to get back in touch with the ‘me’ I thought I’d lost for good. I’m enjoying life again for the fist time in five years!”
Jayne.