This week from 1st to 7th June is national ‘Volunteer’s Week’ and is an opportunity for us to celebrate volunteering in all it’s forms! From our dedicated fundraising volunteers, our new team of online support volunteers and our Futures in Mind activity support volunteers.
We would like to say a big thank you for the fantastic contribution you have made to our services across Mid and North Essex – we really couldn’t do it without you.
Our volunteers work hard promoting our services at events, supporting service-users, collecting donations, assisting with activities and helping with administration. Without them, we would not be able to keep offering our support to those in the local area who are experiencing mental health problems; volunteers really are a vital part of our team.
People volunteer with us for a wide range of reasons. As well as being a great way to support a local charity, it’s also an opportunity to get involved in your local community, learn new skills, improve your CV, build your confidence and meet new people.
Just a few reasons why our volunteers chose to work with us:
“I started volunteering with Mid and North East Essex Mind as they work to support and empower people with mental health issues which is a cause I feel passionate about. As a volunteer there are lots of opportunities to take part in events and activities, I’ve found this is a great way to meet new people and give something back to the community. I heartily recommend volunteering with the charity, it’s very flexible – you can do as little or as much as you like, the staff are friendly and always happy to help, and most importantly it’s really good fun!” – Nigel, Fundraising Volunteer.
“I volunteer with Mid and North East Essex Mind because I want to give something back to the service which supported and helped me through a low point in my life. I enjoy hearing about how people have overcome their own troubles with mental health and realise it isn’t something to be ashamed of. I recommend volunteering with the charity because you gain self-confidence and get to meet new people whilst helping to support a valuable service in the local community.” – Becky, Fundraising and Futures in Mind Volunteer
“I have always wanted to help people in life. I was only 16 years old when I knew I wanted to start helping people. Being part of the Chat with Charlie team has been an amazing experience already. Speaking with students about their concerns or worries and being there to listen to them when they need someone to talk to is important to me. In life, my goal is to be able to help people. I want to be able to help to change someone’s life and being a part of Chat with Charlie is giving me so much valuable experience to get me on my way.” – Rebecca, Online Support Volunteer for our ‘Chat with Charlie’ service.
Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog from Emma*, our volunteer administrator, on what it’s like to work in our head office reception here at Mid and North East Essex Mind; she explains how the role has helped make her more aware about how mental health services work in the local area and how important it is to have the support available to those who are struggling.
…So if you are thinking of volunteering, why not get in touch and let us know what you are looking for? Take a look at our volunteering page for current roles we have available. Alternatively you can send us an email.
We will also be at VOLFest in Chelmsford High Street on Thursday 7th June from 9.30am onwards – over 40 local charities will be coming together to showcase their efforts and promote their services in a festival of all the good that can come of our community working together.
You’ll be able to see first-hand some of the wonderful ways in which local charities support the city, and find out how you and your loved ones can access that help. You’ll also have the chance to learn about all the different opportunities for you to get involved as a volunteer.
#VolunteersWeek
