Mental Health Volunteer Roles

Please note: Onside is a local charity - this project covers Worcestershire areas only.

We are looking for volunteers who have had a relevantly positive experience or perception of mental health services and be far enough into their mental health journey. They need to be open to sharing their experiences while understanding and upholding their own boundaries. They need to be able to empathise and actively listen. To be able to ask for support and guidance when needed. Your role will be to offer practical, social and emotional support in the form of a mentor role. We are looking for people with good communication, interpersonal skills, friendly and approachable. As well as a willing to learn and basic computer literacy skills as you will need to log your contact with the mentee and any outcomes on our database. 

 Benefits of volunteering with the Community Mental Health Project

• Be part of a growing charity with ever expanding exciting new projects!
• You are provided with FREE training
• Reimbursed for public transport fair and/ or mileage costs
• Get experience in the field of mental health
• References are available from us on request
• Fulfilment in helping your local community
• Meet new and likeminded people - we hold regular volunteer catch ups to have your say and meet other volunteers

Overview of Onside and Community Mental Health project 

ONSIDE is an independent charity promoting the rights and interests of people facing disadvantage. We believe that everyone is entitled to fair, equal treatment and opportunity. Our skilled staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of over 11,000 people a year across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

Community Mental Health (CMH) – CMH is part of the transformation of neighbourhood community mental health services in Worcestershire, Onside is working alongside Worcestershire Association of Carers and Springfield MIND to provide a range of support designed to address the social and practical needs of people living with mental ill health. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Peer Support Volunteer – Peers2Pals

Salary:                  Nil

Location:                            Bracknell 

ABOUT BUCKINGHAMSHIRE MIND AND MIND IN BERKSHIRE

Buckinghamshire Mind was founded in 1914 as Buckinghamshire Association for Mental Health. The charity is independent and responsible for its own governance and income generation. We are proud to be affiliated to national Mind (the leading mental health charity in England and Wales) and to play our part in a diverse network of over 140 other local Mind associations.

Mind in Berkshire is a collaboration between Buckinghamshire Mind and Oxfordshire Mind, in which we work together to create a unified voice and understanding across East and West Berkshire.

Buckinghamshire Mind shares National Mind’s vision: “We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.”  It remains our mission to deliver high quality community-based services across Buckinghamshire and East Berkshire to reach out and ensure everyone with a mental health problem gets access to the help they need.

Working from offices in Chesham, High Wycombe and other community venues we provide high quality services to some of the most isolated and vulnerable members of society. Services include: Wellbeing activity groups, peer support groups, Safe Haven crisis service, befriending, community partnership outreach services, peer support in schools’, and adult and young people’s counselling.

Buckinghamshire Mind has over 500 volunteers (including 400 peer ambassadors/mentors in schools and over 100 in befriending partnerships). These dedicated individuals support our passionate staff team ensuring our services are tailored to need and are of the highest quality.  Further information can be found on your website.

Volunteer Opportunity

We are currently looking for enthaustic, dynamic and supportive volunteers aged 17-25 to work with our young people’s peer support group, Peers2Pals.

Peers2Pals is a friendly and welcoming peer support community, for people to help each other with managing their mental wellbeing and reduce loneliness and isolation.

Our uplifting and fun activities provide the opportunity to socialise and share experiences in a non-judgemental and completely confidential setting. Our activities are based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing: To Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, To Learn and To Give.

We offer a range of activities across East Berkshire during the day, evenings, and some weekends. Our youth volunteers play an integral role in our service, running activities, such as a bowling group, meal and games evenings and quiz nights. We are hoping to expand our team and reach more young people.

This role is a wonderful opportunity to facilitate an activity that will benefit the mental health and wellbeing of our members. If you have a skill, hobby, or interest you’d like to share, we’d love to hear about it! Volunteers must be comfortable in a group setting and building rapport with people from all walks of life.

An understanding of mental health is essential and lived experience is welcomed. All successful applicants will have completed our volunteer training, undertaken a DBS check, and provided 2 references. Volunteers will be expected to facilitate a peer support group for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours per month face to face or virtually, attend regular training and volunteer development sessions as required, and take part in monthly peer volunteer meetings with your coordinator and fellow volunteers. As a Friends in Need volunteer, you can claim travel expenses.

For an informal chat about the role or for further information, please contact Chloe Benn – Friends in Need Coordinator.

Role Description

Volunteer Research Assistant (Delphi Study & Controlled Pilot Study)

About PeakWell PeakWell is a platform designed to support employees reintegrating into the workforce after burnout. Our mission is to improve the return-to-work process by providing a clear path and fostering collaboration between individuals, healthcare providers, and organizations.

We are currently in the development and pilot phase of our platform and are looking for a motivated Research Assistant to support the scientific setup, execution, and analysis of a Delphi study and a controlled pilot study.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in designing and structuring the Delphi study to gather expert opinions on burnout reintegration.
• Help organize and recruit participants for the study (including insurance companies, healthcare providers, and organizations).
• Coordinate communication with experts and stakeholders throughout the Delphi study process.
• Support the setup, execution, and analysis of a controlled pilot study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the PeakWell platform in real-world settings.
• Conduct data collection, ensure data accuracy, and help with the interpretation of results.
• Collaborate closely with the founder and other team members to translate findings into actionable insights that will guide product development.
• Provide support in writing reports and preparing presentations for stakeholders and potential partners.

Requirements:

• Background in psychology, social sciences, healthcare, or related fields (students or recent graduates welcome).
• Basic understanding of research methods and experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Passion for mental health, employee well-being, and reintegration processes.
• Ideally fluent in English and German.
• Needs to be based in Europe.

If you are passionate about mental health and would like to contribute to a meaningful project, we’d love to hear from you!

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role

6+ months remotely

Job Description Chair of Trustees

Introduction

The Lucy Rayner Foundation (LRF) is a charity set up in May 2013 by the Rayner family after the loss of daughter and sister Lucy to suicide. The LRF is an organisation that supports young people to deal with their mental health issues and provides them with tools and techniques to improve and maintain their mental health in the long term. This is done through education, training and support services.

Mental health has reached an all-time high and the demand for our services is increasing every day. We became incorporated in July 2022 to grow the charity to meet those demands and we have ambitious plans for 2024/25.

Currently we are without a Chairperson due to unforeseen circumstances and we are now looking for a dynamic leader to help steer the Charity in the years ahead.

The Role

The Chair will lead the Board in its role to ensure that the clear strategic direction of the charity is met as laid out in the regulatory framework, that governs LRF through its compliance, financial management and people performance.

The Chair will also support and, where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive, use effective collaboration, constructive engagement within the Board and between the Board Members and support with the management team, staff and volunteers where necessary. 

The Chair should also act as an Ambassador and the public face of the charity as part of the LRF external communications efforts. The Chair also line-manages the Chief Executive with governance and HR procedures.

Time Commitment - Four Board meetings a year and Chair the meetings and is to hold regular meetings with the Chief Executive by agreement.

Reporting to: - The Board of Trustees

Terms: - 3 years (there will be a three month probationary period following the appointment

Renumeration: - Unremunerated. Out of pocket expenses incurred can reimburse

Role & Responsibilities

- Establish a culture within the Board the fosters integrity, inclusion and openness

- Working closely with the Chief Executive, to shape the work of the Board to ensure constructive challenge and support in the development, implementation of policy frameworks, organisational strategies, financial management and effective risk management whilst ensuring that it  meets all the charitable objectives.

- Responsibility for governance arrangements working in the most efficient way

- Esure that there is the right level of governance in place

- Develop the knowledge capability of the Board of Trustees

- Encourage positive change, where appropriate, address and resolve any conflicts within the Board

- Ensure that the Trustees understand the balance between governance and management

- Chair the meeting of the Board of Trustees

- Supporting the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries which exists between the two roles

- Ensure that the Chief Executive has the opportunity to grow and develop professionally and has the appropriate professional support

Personal Description

- Has 3 years of experience as a Chair

- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

- Have a passion for supporting those with mental health

- Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees

- Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate and bring people together

- Financial management skills with an understanding of charity finance issues

- Experience of chairing meetings and events

- Demonstrate a strong and visible commitment to the Charity, its strategic mission and objectives

- Strong networking abilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the Charity

- Ability to commit time to conduct the role to the best of your ability, including attending events out of office hours.

Closing date for applications:

The Lucy Rayner Foundation operates an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating

and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage

applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual

orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil

partnerships.

We are looking for people from our local commununities to help shape the direction of our organisation.

Do you have an interest in mental health? Maybe you have lived experience and would welcome the opportunity to share that in a way that gives hope to others?

Are you an aspiring leader looking to gain experience of strategy and leadership?

Or perhaps you are working in a profession that could help the organisation as it continues to navigate the challenges of this time?

We are looking for Trustees to join our Board. Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run. Sometimes they are called board members or the board.Trustees make decisions about the direction a charity takes and how its purposes will be carried out. They also make sure that the charity has the resources and policies it needs and to comply with legal requirements.

You do not need any previous experience. We will ensure you have the training and induction you need to ensure a smooth introduction to the organisation and the work of the board.

What commitment is needed?

Board meetings take place four times a year with additional planning days held twice a year. Currently meetings take place in person at the Julian Support Head Office in Norwich.

For more information about our organisation and the services we offer, please visit our website.

Join Our Board of Trustees and Make a Difference!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you have skills and experience that could help guide a charity to success? We are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

About Us

Work Stress Solutions is an Epsom based charity with the goal to offer genuine support to anyone facing vulnerabilities, whether they are related to mental health, physical disabilities, or learning disabilities, and with your help, we can achieve even more. More information about WSS can be found on our website Work Stress Solutions - Make life work for you

Role of a Trustee

As a trustee, you will:

· Provide strategic direction and oversight

· Ensure the charity is well-managed and financially sound

· Support and challenge the team

· Act as an ambassador for the charity

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Skills in governance, creating effective policies, Charity law, fundraising, bid witting and local networking are particularly appreciated but all skills are valued and do make a difference. Most importantly, we seek individuals who are passionate about our cause and committed to making a difference.

What You’ll Gain

· The opportunity to make an impact in your community

· Experience in governance and strategic planning

· Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals

· Personal and professional growth

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our Board of Trustees, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and what you can bring to the role. We look forward to hearing from you.

Join us in making a difference. Together, we can achieve great things!

We are seeking Trustees to join our Trustee Board who wish to make a positive difference to the health and well being of women in the Borough. Successful applicants will contribute to the overall strategy of the charity and oversee its governance, to ensure it is well managed and administered with resources being used appropriately.

Please note BABCP accreditation is required for this role.

SAAUK are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable BABCP registered CBT therapist (with an interest in social anxiety) to join the small team already reviewing content. We are looking for someone who can commit a small amount of time per week - an average 2 hours a week but this is very flexible.

Social anxiety involves an excessive fear of social situations. Sufferers will often fear being embarrassed, or worry about being negatively evaluated by others. Anticipatory anxiety and situational avoidance are common, and individuals may endure social situations with a high level of discomfort. The scope of the anxiety may be focused on specific types of social situations or generalised to almost any social encounter.

This role will be key in helping SAAUK (a young and developing charity) expand its information and resources for those who suffer from social anxiety. Social Anxiety is under recognized both publicly and clinically and you will play a key part in helping develop and review the content to help spread awareness whilst providing accurate and up-to-date information. 
 

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.

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for Non – Trustee Committee Members to support our UK Public Mental Health Committee

Deadline: 21 October

Location: Primarily online

Salary: n/a, voluntary expenses

Hours: 2- 4 per month

Contract type: For 3 years initially

The Mental Health Foundation are the UK’s leading charity for public mental health. We work in each of the UK nations to advance our mission to prevent mental health problems and tackle inequalities. This has never been more important. As a member of our Public Mental Health Committee, you will play an important role in guiding our research, policy and programmes. These are voluntary, non-Trustee advisory positions which will bring you a rewarding experience, a chance to further your professional development and an opportunity to help the Foundation deliver its mission. In this role you will:

· Participate in 5 online meetings and one in-person meeting each year

· Provide support, advice and insights to the senior team on the strategy and key areas

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

We are seeking 2-3 new advisers who will bring different skills, experiences and perspectives to strengthen our Public Mental Health Committee. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from applicants that have experience of;

· Policymaking or public health at UK level

· Refugee and asylum seeker issues and/or anti-racism work

· The use of new technologies including AI in prevention

We value the involvement of people who bring knowledge of lived experience of mental health issues. To strengthen and maintain diversity on the Committees, we would particularly welcome applications from young people, women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK. 

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website.  Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification.  Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 21st October and we are unable to accept late applications.  Interviews are planned for Wednesday 6th and/or Thursday 7th November.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with.  Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme.  Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us  We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment.  Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview.  Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing).  We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are looking for volunteers to help us to deliver our programme of wellbeing activities and discussion groups as part of our Hub service, by interacting with clients and helping ensure that they feel welcomed and involved.  These groups help enable our clients to identify their goals, to be supported in their recovery, to enhance wellbeing and provide clients with the tools and strategies to help them to manage their mental health.

Activities and responsibilities include:

• Help the group facilitator prepare and deliver activities
• Ensure that all clients are welcome to the group and positively encourage their continued participation 
• Support clients in learning a new skill along with maintaining and growing the skills of clients who are already familiar with an activity.
• Assist with the smooth running of the group: chatting with clients and putting them at ease; listening to ideas and concerns and help ensure that the ground rules of the group are followed
• Help clients find the materials they need, as well as familiarising them with the facilities available at the location (toilets, fire exits and refreshments)
• Record attendance of each session and notify the Hub Manager of any client absence
• Flag up any client concerns to the Hub Manager at a post-group debrief

An exciting opportunity to volunteer flexibly from home for Shout - a 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. We are looking for empathetic volunteers to join our amazing online community. 

You’ll benefit from:
∙ Vocational development: develop digital mental health skills and experience recognised by universities and colleges and relevant to many professions
∙ Personal development: learn communication, active listening, problem solving skills and crisis management skills
∙ Supporting people who are struggling to cope: help those who have no-one
else to talk to and who really need ‘in the moment’ support
∙ Being part of a pioneering global community: connect with both UK and New Zealand volunteers via a digital hub

We're excited to be recruiting a brand new PR & Communications Specialist to play a vital role in amplifying the mission and activities of The Great Friendship Project, on a voluntary basis.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain hands-on experience in marketing and social media management for a non-profit, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people struggling with loneliness.

Key Responsibilities:

- Media Relations & Outreach: Establish and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers. Craft press releases, pitch compelling stories, and secure media coverage to enhance the visibility of our organisation and its mission.

- Media Monitoring & Reporting: Track media coverage and social media interactions, monitor public perception, and prepare regular reports to evaluate the effectiveness of our PR activities. Use insights to refine strategies and enhance our communication efforts.

- Collaborative Support: Work closely with the project team and volunteers to ensure that PR efforts are aligned with upcoming events and key organisational milestones. Provide communication support to other team members as needed.

What are we looking for?

• Passionate about the project's mission and committed to making a difference in combating loneliness among young adults.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, well-organised, and able to work independently.
• Ability to analyse data and identify trends to support PR strategy
• Open to constructive feedback and eager to learn and grow in a collaborative environment

What difference will you make?

As a PR & Communications Specialist at The Great Friendship Project, your work will be crucial in amplifying our voice and mission.

The connections you make and the opportunities created will help raise awareness, ensuring that more young people experiencing loneliness can engage with our vital services.

Through your compelling storytelling and content creation, you will play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission to create a more socially connected future for young people both today and in the years to come.

Application Process: To apply for this opportunity, please click apply. You will then be contacted about your interest in the role and asked to answer a few questions about your time commitment, your interest in the role and how your skills align with the role.

The Great Friendship Project is a non-profit community project dedicated to addressing the loneliness epidemic among young adults in their 20s and 30s following the COVID-19 pandemic.

We provide regular online and offline spaces for young adults to make new friendships, build networks of support, and rediscover a sense of community in London.

Role Overview

The Fundraising & Grant Writing Volunteer will be pivotal in bolstering the organisation's efforts to secure essential funding, driving sustainable growth.

In this role, you will be responsible for identifying potential grant sources, including foundations and donors that align with our mission.

You will lead the effort in drafting compelling grant proposals, letters of enquiry, and funding requests to effectively communicate our goals and needs.

Another key aspect of your role will be building and nurturing relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners, fostering strong connections to enhance our funding opportunities.

Finally, you will conduct market research to identify emerging trends and successful fundraising strategies, ensuring we remain ahead in our efforts to secure support.

Role Requirements:

• Commitment to the organisation's purpose and a genuine wish to address the issue of loneliness among young adults.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Acute attention to detail
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Familiar with social media and various digital communication tools.
• Outstanding research skills
• Capability to operate autonomously and collaboratively, whether remotely or on-site.
• Past experience in grant writing and fundraising campaigns is desirable.

Application Process: To apply for this opportunity, please click apply. You will then be contacted about your interest in the role and asked to answer a few questions about your time commitment, your interest in the role and how your skills align with the role.