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

MindSpace Makers

Our Makers craft sessions are a popular activity at MindSpace and we need someone helpful, approachable and patient to help our session leaders facilitate the activities. You don’t need to be good at craft or art or design, just need to be a willing pair of hands and a listening ear to those who need in in this group.

Makers takes place on Thursdays between 2.45 and 4.30pm, so  you would need to be available during these times.

Feel free to book into a session to see what it’s all about (it’s necessary to book by Wednesday 4.30 to ensure a space) or get in contact with us for more information.

ENQUIRE
Monday & Wednesday Tea & Chat

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 these 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
Events volunteer

Join the team that help support us at events that we take part in, like Stamford Diversity Festival, the Stamford Santa Fun Run and for other popular local occasions.

We are looking for cheery smiles and a flexible, can-do approach. If you find it difficult to commit to regular weekly volunteering but still want to help out, this could be the volunteering role for you!

ENQUIRE
Monday and/or Thursday Night Light Cafe

Are you a good listener? Perhaps looking to fill an evening a week with a volunteering role?

Night Light cafes exist throughout Lincolnshire as a safe, welcoming space to those struggling with their mental health. We offer non-clinical support, a listening ear and signposting service to our attendees. A recent addition to the MindSpace offering, some evenings are still relatively quiet but word is starting to spread and we are seeing a gradual uptake in demand for this service.

Our Night Light sessions run from 6 – 10pm on Monday and Thursday evenings, and our volunteers usually work for 2 hours shifts within this timeframe.

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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. "