Various Volunteering roles at West Sussex Mind

What does the opportunity involve doing?

We are looking for volunteers to join our older people's service. The Communities in Mind team supports older adults (65 plus) in the Bognor and Chichester areas with their mental well-being.

We have some great opportunities for you to use your skills to support people with mental health needs and to provide you with valuable experience for future volunteering and work opportunities.

Newsletter Support Volunteer (6-month minimum commitment)
Role: Creating and producing a monthly newsletter and activity pack. This will involve researching, creating and compiling an entertaining and relevant document using Microsoft Publisher Software.

Phone Support Befriender Volunteer (6-month minimum commitment)
Role: To offer, over the phone, “check-in” support and social interaction with our Communities in Mind service users during the covid-19 situation and possibly on-going.

Activities & Events Volunteer (6-month minimum commitment)
Role: To assist and support staff to deliver a variety of activities to enhance the experience of service users. To help at events and engage with the public to raise awareness about mental health.

Befriender Volunteer (6-month minimum commitment)
Role: To support and empower people by helping them access social support and activities in the local community.

What induction, training and support is offered?

A programme of West Sussex Mind inhouse training to support volunteers is provided including ongoing supervision.

What skills or qualities are needed?

Particular skills are mentioned in volunteer role profiles on our website:

Newsletter Support Volunteer (6-month minimum commitment) - Skills needed: Good IT skills and the ability to work to a specified deadline.

Phone Support Befriender Volunteer (6-month minimum commitment) - Skills needed: Very good interpersonal and communication skills.

Activities & Events Volunteer (6-month minimum commitment) - Skills needed: Good communication skills, the ability to carry out some gentle lifting and moving tasks, such as moving chairs and tables. A positive attitude, enthusiasm, patience and understanding.

Befriender Volunteer (6-month minimum commitment) - Skills needed: Very good interpersonal and communication skills. The ability to travel independently to different locations.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health issues.