Anyone Work or Volunteer in Mental Health Services?
 

In a past life I used to volunteer as a football coach for kids with learning difficulties and it's something I'd like to do again, not football, just volunteering in the MH sector and wondered about other people's experiences.

:)

Re: Anyone Work or Volunteer in Mental Health Services?
 

Hi Seagull, I have worked in mental health for a number of years, not on the health side though but supporting with education and employment of adults facing issues with mental health. It is very rewarding to see people develop. I have also learned a lot about my own MH from service users and through being a professional. I personally prefer doing one to one work as with group work can be a challenge.

There are many different volunteering opportunities in MH. I would suggest looking at your local MIND website, there should be a page about volunteering. Also try do-it.org to look for other opportunities. Lived experience goes a long way in providing the right support for people.

Re: Anyone Work or Volunteer in Mental Health Services?
 

Thanks for the response jmw. I will take a look at MIND locally. Your job sounds fantastic.

Re: Anyone Work or Volunteer in Mental Health Services?
 

I'm presuming you have a degree or equivalent qualification in psychology to do the work that you do...

Re: Anyone Work or Volunteer in Mental Health Services?
 

Hi Seagull, No I have no psychological or psychiatric qualifications. I am a trained teacher and advice and guidance worker. My best qualification to work in this field is my own lived experience. The job is so rewarding. I have supported service users (hate that term, but it***8217;s bog standard) to move into volunteering then into work as a support worker, lots of value in lived experience. It***8217;s only when you get into specialised roles that you need a degree in psychology. I do have a degree in education, technically not relevant to my role but just I***8217;ve been in teaching from infants through to adults most of my life.

Re: Anyone Work or Volunteer in Mental Health Services?
 

Inspirational stuff jmw. There are some volunteer positions with MIND local to me so I'll make contact. Thanks again.

Change87 - worth looking on MIND's website :)

Re: Anyone Work or Volunteer in Mental Health Services?
 

Glad to have inspired you. You will gain a lot from volunteering and gain what you feel you need to gain from it, whether it understanding you better, interaction or new skills. All in a safe environment.


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Re: Anyone Work or Volunteer in Mental Health Services?
 

Hi Seagull

I currently work within my local community mental health team as a Peer Support Worker. Many NHS mental health trusts have set up recovery colleges which also provide the opportunity for individuals to volunteer within groups and to gain employment as Peer Tutors.

I'm aware the group element may sound daunting, but as a peer support worker I work mainly on a 1:1 basis in the community. The great thing about these roles is that your lived experience is valued (I hold no professional qualifications) and it is recognised that you can inspire others to have hope through your own recovery.

There may also be local support/social groups you could volunteer with. When I used to work for Rethink they held a group three days a week and really valued volunteers and people responded well to others who had shared experiences and showed empathy and acceptance.

It's great that you're feeling in a place to look at volunteering again and I hope your search is successful!:)