Volunteer With Us
#BeInspired
Dorset Mind volunteers help us deliver our mental health support services across our vast county in a variety of roles across the charity. We offer voluntary positions that suit the times you’re able to commit – and your level of experience.
Current Opportunities
Main Purpose:
To let people in Dorset and further afield know about Dorset Mind’s mission and what the charity does. This includes its education and training programmes, and the wide range of support services we deliver across Dorset.
Being able to talk about the difference we can make to the lives of local people with mental health issues is key to this role. Young Ambassadors will work alongside the CYP Community Engagement and Projects Team Leader and Dorset Mind’s Marketing Team to help raise awareness both online and at various community events across Dorset.
It will also be their task to highlight areas of need in mental health support available for young people (11-25-years-old) living in Dorset and to help us design services to address these gaps.
To use their educational and professional networks to promote the work and services Dorset Mind do to encourage the community to become involved with our mission and/or to fundraise for us.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the mission of Dorset Mind by:
- Raising awareness within general and specific communities about mental ill health. That is to say educating people about symptoms – what they are, what to expect and how to spot them. We also help people about what they can do when they experience symptoms or know someone who does.
- Challenging the stigma and inequality of mental ill health so that neither stigma nor inequality prevent people receiving information and support they need.
- Promoting the ethos of recovery from mental ill health by educating people about recovery.
- To become familiar with the services Dorset Mind provide (please note that all relevant information will be provided).
- To attend the YA monthly meeting (approx. 1 hour).
- To support with planning and attending various engagement and fundraising events across Dorset – explaining Dorset Mind’s mission and services as well as the impact they have.
Main Purpose:
We are looking to recruit a volunteer to research key groups and organisations in Dorset to work with to further our mission of raising awareness, challenging stigma and promoting recovery in the field of mental health through education and training.
To also carry out a range of administrative work to support the work of our Training Team within Dorset Mind. These may include: creating and modifying documents using a range of computer applications, copying, scanning and compiling documents and compiling training resources.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the mission of Dorset Mind by:
- Raising awareness within general and specific communities about mental ill health. That is to say educating people about symptoms – what they are, what to expect and how to spot them. We also help people about what they can do when they experience symptoms or know someone who does.
- Challenging the stigma and inequality of mental ill health so that neither stigma nor inequality prevent people receiving information and support they need.
- Promoting the ethos of recovery from mental ill health by educating people about recovery.
- Researching the area for potential contacts who might be interested in our work and in supporting us in a variety of different ways.
- To conduct market research and gather stakeholder feedback.
- Identifying and building support networks.
- Working closely with the Dorset Mind managers to share your research findings.
- Ensure that all collected data is recorded accurately.
- Creating and modifying documents using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel and Access.
- Performing clerical duties including but not limited to photocopying, scanning, mailing and electronic filing.
Main Purpose:
To support Eco-in-Mind across one of our sites, which provides a safe, welcoming non-judgemental wellbeing ecotherapy service. The service aims to support people to develop positive mental health through meaningful and therapeutic ecotherapy.
There will be a variety of hourly sessions held throughout the week where participants and volunteers will undertake upkeep of the allotment and fruit and vegetable production as well as future planning and creation of an ecotherapy sensory garden.
Main Purpose:
To let people know about the work of Dorset Mind across Dorset (including: support services, training, education, partnership and volunteering opportunities). In addition, this will include signposting people towards appropriate help where required.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the mission of Dorset Mind by:
- Raising awareness within general and specific communities about mental ill health. Educating people about symptoms – what they are, what to expect and how to spot them. We also help people about what they can do when they experience symptoms or know someone who does.
- Challenging the stigma and inequality of mental ill health so that neither stigma nor inequality prevent people receiving information and support they need.
- Promoting the ethos of recovery from mental ill health by educating people about recovery
- Work as part of the Events team to promote the work and profile of Dorset Mind.
- Talk knowledgeably about Dorset Mind and mental health to anyone visiting our stand at various events.
- Confidently signpost people to appropriate help.
- Distribute information leaflets when needed.
Main Purpose:
To become part of a successful team of volunteers who support individuals who are experiencing mental health problems with a view to:
- Help to improve self-confidence and self esteem
- Identify goals, based on the 5 ways to wellbeing. Working on tools and skills to help manage and maintain positive mental health
- Reduce social isolation by supporting clients to engage and interact in groups and activities within the community. Increasing social interactions
- To promote and support mental ill health recovery
- Help reduce stigma around mental health
The aim of our Mentoring Minds service is to provide weekly telephone support initially, leading to face-to-face support moving forward.
To build a professional relationship that offers one-to-one support in the community for a minimum of 6 months to maximum of 12 months.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the mission of Dorset Mind by:
- Raising awareness within general and specific communities about mental ill health. That is to say educating people about symptoms – what they are, what to expect and how to spot them. We also help people about what they can do when they experience symptoms or know someone who does.
- Challenging the stigma and inequality of mental ill health so that neither stigma nor inequality prevent people receiving information and support they need.
- Promoting the ethos of recovery from mental ill health by educating people about recovery.
- To engage with the participants in line with the agreed commitment. This begins with 30 minutes per week, then moves to 1-hour weekly face to face, then finally 2 hours per fortnight face to face to extend the activities you can do together.
- To agree with the client a range of beneficial activities to reduce social isolation
- To encourage participation, including making choices, by the participant to increase their levels of empowerment within the 5 ways to wellbeing framework.
Main Purpose:
We are looking to recruit a volunteer to research key groups and organisations in Dorset to work with to further our mission of raising awareness, challenging stigma, and promoting recovery in the field of mental health through education and training.
To also carry out a range of administrative work to support the work of our Training Team within Dorset Mind. These may include: creating and modifying documents using a range of computer applications, copying, scanning, and compiling documents, and compiling training resources. This role also involves building relationships with organisations, so good communication skills are key.
You may also be involved in supporting us when attending networking events, and our mental health conferences, where you might be assisting in liaising with business contacts for market research purposes.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the mission of Dorset Mind by:
- Raising awareness within general and specific communities about mental ill health. That is to say educating people about symptoms – what they are, what to expect, and how to spot them. We also help people with what they can do when they experience symptoms or know someone who does.
- Challenging the stigma and inequality of mental ill health so that neither stigma nor inequality prevent people from receiving information and support they need.
- Promoting the ethos of recovery from mental ill health by educating people about recovery
- Researching the area for potential contacts who might be interested in our work and in supporting us in a variety of different ways
- To conduct market research and gather stakeholder feedback
- Identifying and building support networks
- Working closely with the Dorset Mind managers to share your research findings
- Ensure that all collected data is recorded accurately
- Creating and modifying documents using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel and Access
- Performing clerical duties including but not limited to photocopying, scanning, mailing and electronic filing
- Maintaining electronic filing systems
- Undertaking any other activities in keeping within the role description
- Abiding by Dorset Mind’s Confidentiality and Data Protection procedures when handling sensitive data
- Dorset Mind volunteer promotion, including social media
- Helping to support at various events and our mental health conferences.
Training and Supervision Offered
- Onboarding Training including:
- Dorset Mind induction
- Safeguarding
- Mental health awareness training
- Regular supervision provided
- The chance to make a real difference in your local community
- The opportunity to develop your skills in research and IT
- A warm and friendly team of supportive people
- Paid travel expenses- in accordance to the volunteer expenses policy
Enhanced DBS check: Not required for this role
Main Purpose:
To welcome and engage with participants attending the well establish and popular Active in Mind group in Southbourne. This will include checking in on participants’ wellbeing, assisting them with completing service paperwork and encouraging participants to take part in activities (e.g. playing board games, pool, table tennis, badminton, arts and crafts, etc.) available at the group.
A successful applicant will play an important role in the participants’ recovery and maintenance of positive mental health by providing necessary support, encouragement and community. A volunteer will help with the facilitation and development of the group.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the mission of Dorset Mind by:
- Raising awareness about mental ill health. Bringing awareness of symptoms – what they are, what to expect and how to spot them
- Challenging the stigma and inequality of mental ill health so that neither stigma nor inequality prevent people receiving information and support they need
- Promoting the ethos of recovery from mental ill health by educating people about recovery
- Assisting in creating a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel comfortable trying new activities
- Listening and offering emotional support and appropriate signposting at the group (note that Active in Mind is not a talking group, but we encourage conversation about mental health)
- Welcoming regular and new attendees to sessions and introducing new attendees to existing members and activities available
- Improving people’s confidence by encouraging and empowering them to overcome any barriers to being active
- Encouraging participants to consider their health and wellbeing more broadly and signposting them to information and services that can help people live healthier lives
- Teaching and playing games alongside participants
- To support participants to complete all necessary service paperwork
- To offer feedback on sessions as part of ongoing group evaluation
- Provide support to group participants if they have any IT issues during online sessions
- Setting up the room half an hour before the group meets (e.g. arranging chairs, displaying leaflets, setting up refreshments)
- Helping to pack up at the end of the group session (e.g. washing up, packing away refreshments and games)
- Providing refreshments to participants, volunteers, staff and guests
- Referring any concerns about the premises or any participant to the group facilitator
Training and Supervision Offered
- Mental health Awareness Training
- Dorset Mind Staff Induction
- Adult Safeguarding Training
- Regular check-ins provided
Enhanced DBS check: Required for this role
What we offer...
Our volunteers often come to us to help prevent others from experiencing what they’ve been through themselves.
They help us support people by using their lived experience and empathy.
As part of a national organisation we deliver a professional standard of training in mental health awareness and a full induction to the charity to ensure we support you in your role.
We also offer regular contact and support from our volunteer team to ensure you have a great experience with us. We offer the opportunity to gain experience, improve your life skills and develop ideas.
What we require...
In return for our investment in you and your training, we ask for at least 6 months commitment to our cause.
We require open and reliable communication at all times and respect be given to anyone connected to Dorset Mind- including Staff, Volunteers, Participants and the wider community.
Above all, we’re looking for friendly, honest, considerate and approachable people that are committed to supporting our aims and mission.
Why not volunteer for your CSR?
Do something good and feel even better about doing it – all while supporting the mental health of the people of Dorset. To find out more about this and our other Corporate Support, click below.
Do your University Placement with us
We invest in all our volunteers with several types of mental health training, inductions and lots of opportunities to learn across the company. Do your 30 weeks with us and contribute to positively helping Dorset live well with their mental health. Contact us and select ‘Volunteering’ before sharing your info.
