Mind Matters

Many things in life can have an adverse affect on a person’s mental health – depression, loneliness, social exclusion and anxiety.

There are a variety of mental health charities in Beds, Herts and Bucks. Why not consider exploring the realities of working in the sector and  become involved with the wide range of voluntary opportunities available?

There are a number of different roles you can take and many ways to get involved with your local community and support the people in it, below are some of the things you may like to try yourself.

The Patient and Public Involvement Forum for Mental Health

PPI’s are made up of volunteers from the community, they come from different backgrounds and have a wide range of skills and experience.  Their purpose is to raise awareness of health issues across the local area and to work with the NHS to find solutions and improve health services for the community.

The forums for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire are all currently recruiting volunteers.

Befrienders

Established in 1946, Mind now has a network of over 200 local Mind associations throughout England and Wales.  They help to provide supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, counselling, befriending, advocacy, employment and training schemes. The Befrienders cover Bedfordshire and provide recreational, social and educational facilities for people over the age of 18 with poor mental health.

Rethink

Rethink is currently developing its campaign volunteer scheme to establish a network of people who will be able to interact with national campaigns and share campaigning experiences.  We need people who can help us solve the three biggest mental health problems – predudice, ignorance and fear.

This might involve a range of activities from contacting your MP to being the local link for Rethink’s national campaigns.  No matter how much or how little time you have to spare, you could be a volunteer.

United Response

United Response is a St Albans based organisation helping people with learning difficulties and mental health problems take control of their lives and fulfil their individual needs. 

Volunteers play a vital role in the running of United Response working alongside trained staff and helping to encourage people with mental health problems to plan and take control of their lives.

Chadwick Lodge – Volunteer Advocates

Chadwick Lodge is an independent medium secure hospital, located in Milton Keynes.  They offer specialist assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for adults over the age of 20 years detained under the Mental Health Act (1983).  Individuals who have the ability to work as part of a team and be able to communicate with a variety of different people are needed to give support to patients in the hospital.  Volunteers will be expected to attend bi-monthly support meetings, bring about a positive outcome to a patients life, give support and encourage empowerment and independence.  Full training in the areas of: understanding empowerment, Mental Health Awareness and Tribunals, security, handling conflict, boundaries and complaints procedures will be provided.

Why not become a volunteer yourself?

Home Matters

Dealing with the day to day paperwork that comes with running a home can be tiresome and overwhelming for everyone.  Imagine what it is like for older people who have lost a partner and are struggling to manage on their own.

Home Matters is a service that enables older citizens to get free and confidential practical support to help them cope with things like paperwork and bereavement.  Volunteers are used to provide support and to deal with practical matters such as house clearance and hands on work, you need good listening skills and an interest in older people’s issues.

Age Concern, MK – Advocacy Service

Age Concern helps some 10,000 people every year in the Borough of Milton Keynes.  They successfully operate an advocacy scheme to help older people sort out everyday problems – from bills that don’t make sense to problems with housing or help with a hospital visit.

They now need more volunteers to speak up for vulnerable older people – to help prevent problems that cause real anxiety and worry.