Volunteering

“Volunteers add immeasurably to the quality of life, and their unselfish work underpins the social fabric of communities …”

At FDAMH we share the view that volunteers offer something special that is distinct from professionals. We also believe that volunteering not only benefits recipients and local communities, but can make a positive difference to the lives of volunteers themselves.

FDAMH relies on volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life. There are opportunities for volunteers in all our projects. Volunteering with FDAMH provides an opportunity to meet new people, to develop new skills and to learn more about mental health. We provide training and on-going support and specialist speakers can be arranged for those with particular interests in specific aspects of mental health. Owing to the nature of the work that we do, all prospective volunteers are required to undergo an enhanced police check.

Volunteer Befrienders
No formal qualification or particular work experience is required of a volunteer befriender, just a genuine interest in people, good listening abilities, common sense and patience. You could befriend someone who shares similar interests to yourself, and who enjoys the same sort of activities, but is feeling lonely and isolated. We ask that you undertake a short training course and can give a few hours of your time weekly or fortnightly for about a year. Volunteer application forms are available.

Volunteer Counsellors
If you hold a diploma in counselling, or are looking for a training placement during your diploma, you could join our busy generic counselling service. The service offered is short-term, up to 12 appointments, usually on a weekly basis of 50-minute sessions. The service is available to people presenting with a wide range of issues and aims to be as accessible as possible, with sessions being offered in the evening as well as during week-days. If you would like to find out more, give us a ring and ask to speak to the counselling co-ordinator, or complete and return a volunteer application form.

Drop-in Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed to help run our busy drop-in centre, which is open 10.00am–4.00pm during the week and on Saturday afternoons. If you would like give a few hours of your time on a regular basis please contact the drop-in manager, or complete and return a volunteer application form.

Administrative Volunteers
There is always something to do in the office. It could be answering the telephone, using a computer, photocopying or filing. We welcome any offer of assistance, even if it is for just a short time each week. Print and forward this volunteering application form.

Fundraising Volunteers
If you have good fundraising ideas and enjoy organising fundraising events, we would love to hear from you. Fundraising is an essential component of our activities at FDAMH and we always appreciate any assistance offered. Volunteering Application Form.

Whether you are volunteering to gain work experience, to contribute to your local community or to broaden your social horizons, we believe that volunteering can be both educationally and personally rewarding. You need only to give a couple of hours of your time a week and all your expenses will be reimbursed. If you would like to join FDAMH’s team of valuable volunteers, please complete and return the application form.