Volunteer

Why volunteer with MindSpace?

Many people volunteer for MindSpace, and we value their commitment and hard work. We could not operate without the dedication of our volunteers who do a tremendous job helping people with mental health problems.  

What does volunteering with MindSpace involve?

Volunteering is not just about attending the premises for sessions. As a volunteer at MindSpace, you will be making connections and helping those with mental health challenges. Depending on the session you support, volunteering responsibilities can range from making sure everyone has a hot drink & piece of cake, to leading your own group.  

Ideally, we require a regular weekly commitment to a session you are supporting, so we can ensure consistency in allowing the session to take place and that this is done safely for our volunteers and members. 

Scroll down to read more about volunteering with MindSpace and a description of current volunteering opportunities.

How do I become a MindSpace volunteer?

We encourage you to come along to our sessions (click here to book in) to experience what MindSpace has to offer within the local community, and have a chat with our volunteer co-ordinator. Following your introduction to MindSpace, the next step is to complete an application form and provide two references, which can be either professional references or from people you know  

Once your application form has been processed and the session you are supporting agreed, you will undertake an induction.  

Current volunteering opportunities

Bourne & Stamford Autistic Group Co-ordinator Volunteer

MindSpace is looking for a volunteer with knowledge, experience and confidence in supporting autistic adults to help enable the continued delivery and development of the safe and friendly spaces provided by our support groups in Stamford and Bourne.

You may be someone who has previously worked as a professional supporting autistic adults, someone who has been part of the support and care of an autistic adult, or you may be autistic yourself and motivated to support others.

The role is approximately 12 hours per month. Some of this will be planning and arranging the group activities in line with the outlined programme, and can be done at times that suit you and fit round your existing commitments. You will need to attend the group activities and sessions which are:

Stamford Autistic – 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 10am – 12noon, at Stamford Day Centre on Ryhall Road, Stamford
Bourne Autistic – 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, 11am – 1pm, at Wake House, Bourne.

You will be supporting by the Community Connector who has developed the groups, as well as the wider MindSpace Hosting & Volunteer Support team. You will receive a specific induction to the Stamford & Bourne Autistic groups as well as general volunteer training as part of induction. Like all our volunteers, you will be able to access our reflective supervision sessions and be given access (if you would like it) to additional training and development such as Listening Training and Mental Health First Aid Training.

MORE INFO
Tea & Chat Volunteer (Monday or Wednesday)

Tea & Chat is at the core of what we do here at MindSpace and if you are interested in helping out at these sessions, the best thing you can do is pop into one and see what it’s all about. Tea & Chat runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12.30 – 2pm (except bank holidays).

We are looking for sympathetic and patient volunteer listeners at our Monday and Wednesday sessions (full listening training will be given). If you are a people person and you are good at helping those around you feel welcome and listened to, please apply!

ENQUIRE
Monday Night Light Cafe

Are you a good listener, a good conversation facilitator and have a warm, welcoming personality? Perhaps looking to fill an evening a week with a volunteering role?

Our Monday Night Light session runs from 5.30 – 7.30pm, and from 7.30 – 9.30pm on Thursday evenings, providing company and a safe, welcoming space for people to spend time. We are looking for some lovely volunteers for both of these 2 hour slots.

A full induction and listening training will be given.

If you think you can help us out, do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

 

ENQUIRE
Doodling with Korp

 

Every Wednesday morning 10am -12noon, artist Korp holds a relaxed session at the Cosy Club with the help of a MindSpace volunteer to facilitate the session.  If you enjoy a creative vibe and you like to help out, please drop us a line! Full MindSpace induction and listening training will be given.

What our volunteers say

"I don’t like physical activity normally, but boxing is such great fun and Marc the coach is so encouraging and supportive to motivate me and make me feel good about myself, thank you Marc"

"From feeling hopeless to hopeful ... A fabulous place to meet like-minded people in a non-judgemental and relaxing atmosphere."

"It can be very scary to go to a group which is set up to give help and support with your mental health. But everyone is so welcoming, you can be involved as much, or as little as you like."

"MindSpace is absolutely amazing, we are so lucky to have something like this in our town, thanks to the effort and dedication of Dan and everyone else who has made me feel so welcome and at home here."

"MindSpace has really helped me to turn my life around. Thank you all so very much."

"Without a doubt the best support I have ever attended is the café events that MindSpace Stamford provides for all. Their support has been priceless. I would not be the woman I am today without them. They welcome everyone without judgment. They provide social and 1:1 without referrals or questionnaires."

"Good for people to feel welcome and have the chance to talk to people if they need to."

"Help me to realise that I am not alone and that there is a place to go where there is no judgment. You provide a nice atmosphere at the Thursday café."

"Meeting people through MindSpace has helped me through a difficult last year."

"MindSpace has given me a space to socialise and put some structure in my life."

"MindSpace gives me a safe space to go and talk. No-one judges me."

"MindSpace has had a dramatic effect on my life and confidence. I was a recluse but I now look forward to the varied MindSpace events."

"On the brink of ending everything, MindSpace gave me a safe place to go – to feel that I was heard, not judged and worth staying alive for. If it wasn’t for MindSpace I would not be here today. Marc’s sessions … have given me focus, allowed my mind to think of other things, but importantly, it has given me a sense of community, hope and belonging."

"I have participated in yoga which I enjoyed, I’ve been to boxing classes and loved that, really helped me get some of my frustration out on the punch bags. 😂 I enjoyed coming to the cafe and being with others playing scrabble etc. It made me feel less alone and helped talking to others who are struggling with mental health. Having tea and cake 🍰 was also a real comfort. I have had the worst year to date with my mental health and to find MindSpace and all the lovely people and volunteers who run this has been a blessing. 😇 I hope to be able to return to boxing 🥊 and enjoy a game of scrabble again soon. And eat more cake 🍰. Thank you everyone at MindSpace. "