Volunteer With Us
Be inspired…
Our staff, volunteers, and patrons champion our vision to create a community where living with, and talking about Mental Health, becomes acceptable for everyone.
Here at Dorset Mind, we actively welcome a rich diversity of applicants to our volunteering roles. This will help us provide better services to all of the communities we are here to serve. We especially welcome people with lived experience of mental health conditions. This means individuals who have personally faced mental health challenges or have supported someone else dealing with such issues.
Sharing your experience and skills could enable us to change the lives of many.
You’ll also gain from the experience of volunteering, whether it might be to give you purpose, or increase your confidence or skill set to find paid employment.
It’s worth noting that 25% of our current staff began their journey as a volunteer!
View our voluntary vacancies below and be inspired to make a real difference to people in Dorset today.
Current Opportunities
Title: Connected Minds Volunteer
Responsible to: Waiting Well Project Manager
Time commitment requested: A minimum of 3 hours per week
Location: Various locations across Dorset, primarily Bridport
DBS check: Enhanced DBS certificate required for this role (can be provided by Dorset Mind)
Qualifications: Experience supporting children and young people with mental health difficulties.
Connected Minds is an eight-week early intervention programme for 10–13-year-olds (years 6-8) experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and emotional problems and low attendance at school.
We empower young people to look after their own mental health and wellbeing by giving them the information and tools required to do so. We encourage young people to explore their reasons for not wanting to attend school and develop a toolkit to address these issues going forward.
We are looking for someone who is experienced in working with young people and is passionate about mental health and wellbeing. The role is community based across various locations in Dorset and will involve facilitation of groups, liaising with schools and managing a caseload of young people.
The Connected Minds programme is funded by our Waiting Well project which aims to help young people improve their school attendance whilst maintaining their mental health and wellbeing.
Main scope of role:
- Work within the Dorset Mind team to provide a high-quality check-in service which is responsive, ethical, safe and effective for all participants.
- Work in a friendly and sympathetic manner with young people whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
- Appropriately use different emotional support tools, depending on the needs of individual participant.
- Continuously work towards and support the development of best practice in emotional support and intervention.
- Provide an appropriate service to clients with varying presenting issues within the relevant service levels (mild to moderate mental health issues and risk levels)
- Regularly and collaboratively review goals set with the participant, monitoring their progression and effectiveness to achieve the desired outcomes.
- Maintain confidential, up-to-date and accurate records of all check-in sessions, ensuring that service activity and session attendance is recorded and inputted using the appropriate systems.
- Facilitate the contribution of participant feedback, satisfaction surveys and case studies about all aspects of the service.
- To represent Dorset Mind in a non-stigmatising, professional and appropriate way which is consistent with the Dorset Mind’s Vision and Mission statement and its Policies and Procedures.
- Liaise with referrers, other professionals and agencies as appropriate including reporting all safeguarding concerns in accordance with Dorset Mind’s Policies and procedures.
- Raise any safeguarding concerns to your line manager or Deputy Designated Safeguarding leads (DDSL’s) following the Dorset Mind Safeguarding policy and procedure.
What you can expect of us:
- Dorset Mind training including Induction, Mental Health Awareness, Safeguarding
- Wellbeing check-in service training
- Ongoing support and supervision from a knowledgeable and supportive team.
- The majority of our work is delivered by volunteers, so we know how important it is to treat our volunteers well, value them and have fun along the way.
Main Purpose:
To let people know about the work of Dorset Mind across Dorset (including: support services, training, education, partnership and volunteering opportunities). They will also be required to signpost people towards appropriate help where required.
Key Responsibilities:
- To create the Vision of Dorset Mind:
· A community where living with and talking about Mental Health becomes acceptable for everyone.
- Through the delivery of our Purpose we:
· Connect minds: We bring people together to make change in their communities.
· Change minds: We speak out and demand better from policymakers and the public.
· Support minds: We deliver life-changing support.
- 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.
Role Title: Grants & Bids Volunteer
Report to: Income Generation Lead / CEO
Team: Income Generation
Hours: Flexible; 3–4 hours per week
Location: Remote
Overall Commitment: We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 months
Main purpose
The Grants & Bids Volunteer will support Dorset Mind in securing funding from trusts, foundations, grant-making organisations, and other funding bodies. By researching opportunities and supporting the development of high-quality funding applications, you will play a key role in helping Dorset Mind continue to deliver and expand vital mental health services across Dorset.
This role is ideally suited to someone with previous experience in grant fundraising, bid writing, funding research, or proposal development who is looking to use their skills to make a meaningful difference within their local community.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and identify suitable grant and trust funding opportunities.
- Review funding criteria and assess suitability against Dorset Mind’s services, projects, and strategic priorities.
- Maintain a pipeline of funding opportunities and upcoming deadlines.
- Monitor funding databases, websites, and newsletters for new opportunities.
Grant Writing & Applications
- Support the preparation, writing, and submission of grant applications.
- Draft compelling funding proposals, project descriptions, and supporting narratives.
- Review and edit existing funding applications and supporting documents.
- Work with staff to gather information, statistics, case studies, budgets, and impact data required for applications.
- Assist with presentations and supporting documentation where required.
Grant Writing & Applications
- Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines, outcomes, and funder communications.
- Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve fundraising and grant-seeking activity.
- Attend volunteer meetings and contribute feedback, suggestions, and updates.
- Work collaboratively with Dorset Mind staff and volunteers to maximise funding opportunities.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who wants to make a real difference to mental health across Dorset. This role would suit an individual with previous experience in grant fundraising, bid writing, trust fundraising, funding research, or proposal writing.
You will be proactive, organised, and confident working independently to identify funding opportunities and support the development of compelling applications. Strong written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to research effectively and manage deadlines.
This role offers flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. Training and support will be provided where required.
What we offer
- Dorset Mind Induction and Mandatory Training
- Safeguarding Training
- Mental Health Awareness Training
- Regular supervision provided
- Ongoing support and development
- Access to previous applications, organizational data and funding resources
- Flexible volunteering
What you’ll gain
- Experience supporting charity income generation and fundraising strategy
- Further development of grant writing and bid-writing skills
- Insight into the charity and voluntary sector
- Experience working with funding opportunities, impact reporting, and project development
- Networking opportunities with Dorset Mind staff and volunteers
Role Title: Digital & Communications Volunteer – Social Media & Content Creator
Report to: Income Generation Lead & Communications Lead
Team: Income Generation
Hours: Up to 15hrs per week
Location: Remote / Dorset Mind HQ, Bournemouth
Overall Commitment: We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 months
Main purpose
The Digital & Communications Volunteer will support Dorset Mind’s digital and communications activities, helping to raise awareness, engage communities, and support fundraising efforts. The role focuses on social media management, content creation, and digital storytelling, ensuring Dorset Mind’s messaging is creative, consistent, and inclusive.
You will work closely with the Income Generation team, Marketing Volunteers, and staff to maximise the impact of campaigns, events, and fundraising activity across digital channels.
Key Responsibilities
Digital & Content Creation
- Create high-quality, engaging content for Dorset Mind’s social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, TikTok).
- Assist with planning, scheduling, and posting social media content using tools such as Hootsuite or Canva.
- Contribute to website content updates and support SEO-friendly copywriting.
- Use analytics to track engagement and suggest improvements to campaigns.
- Support PR & Marketing volunteers in producing content for campaigns, events, and fundraising initiatives.
Marketing & Communications
- Plan, pitch, and execute creative content ideas that reflect Dorset Mind’s mission and values.
- Produce multimedia content including graphics, videos, photos, and storytelling posts.
- Proofread and edit content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with charity objectives.
- Ensure brand guidelines and accessibility standards are maintained across all materials.
- Collaborate with the team to promote Dorset Mind campaigns and fundraising opportunities online.
Collaboration & Support
- Work closely with staff and volunteers to coordinate content creation across campaigns.
- Contribute to team meetings, sharing ideas and insights on social media trends and best practice.
- Support internal communications, including newsletters and updates to staff and volunteers.
What we offer
- Dorset Mind Induction and Mandatory Training
- Safeguarding Training
- Mental Health Awareness Training
- Regular supervision provided
- Ongoing support and development
What you’ll gain
- CV & Employability Boost – develop skills in event support, fundraising, teamwork, and communication
- Networking – meet Dorset Mind staff, volunteers, supporters, and local community members
- Recognition – receive a certificate or reference for your contribution
- Wellbeing & Fun – participate in positive, engaging events and campaigns
- Social Impact – every hour you volunteer helps support mental health across Dorset
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 you or your employees have time to volunteer for charity? This could benefit your Corporate Social Responsibility obligations and help support us.
It will gives you and your employees an enormous sense of purpose as you get to know us a bit better by working alongside us. For enquires, please get in touch.
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. Volunteer 30 weeks with us and contribute to helping people in Dorset live positively with their mental health. Contact us and select ‘Volunteering’ before sharing your info.
PLEASE NOTE – we are not currently taking University Placements.
