Introduction

Mind welcomes volunteers in all aspects of our work. They play a vital part in the quality of service we deliver and their role is both valued and diverse.

We promote volunteering across our services within Lancashire. We currently have a range of volunteer roles in 3 main area's of services. At the Wellbeing & Recovery Centre in Chorley, the Information and Wellbeing Project in Blackburn, and at our newly opened service in Blackpool.

We believe that everyone has the right to volunteer without the fear of discrimination. In particular we would welcome volunteer from all backgrounds inparticular we welcome individuals from disadvantaged, disabled or BME communities and encourage them to bring their own particular skills. Additionally we welcome individuals with direct experience of mental health distress who can pass on their experiences in a positive way to others. Studies show that volunteering can improve your mental health.

There are currently two ways you can become involved as a volunteer within Lancashire Mind. If you are a service user, we encourage you to become involved in the day to day management and running of our services. If you have any questions you should ask your key worker and they will be able to look at your needs around volunteering within your support planning sessions.

If you are a general member of the public and wish to volunteer for us, you should contact the following:

Kelly Colton for Chorley Services, Lauren Oakland for Blackburn Services or Margaret Wilson for Blackpool Services. Alternatively you can complete an application form which can be found at the bottom of the page and forward it to the address provided and we will arrange to contact you.

We kindly request that volunteers offer the organisation a minimum of 6 months. If you are worried about taking the step, and not sure if volunteering is for you, please contact us and we will aim to support you in making a decision, we can introduce you to some of the roles we are looking for, we can assist you to meet other volunteers within the organisation. As a thany you for your commitment to us, we will provide you with references and certification for you commitment to the volunteer role.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us to discuss your volunteer potential today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Can I Volunteer if I am claiming benefits?

Vounteering should not affect your right to claim benefits as long as the only money you receive is to cover your volunteer expenses. Here at Mind we do reemburse volunteers for their travel expenses. There are many benefits that can be gained by volunteering, for more information about the benefits, or frequently asked questions about benefits, please view the document attached below, offered by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Click to Downlad Benefits Guidance

Policy & Practice

We greatly appreciate the valuable contribution from volunteers in providing our service, and we have clear policies and procedures in accordance with our Quality Management in Mind system and also in line with good practise guidelines as stated by Lancashire Volunteers. You can view the resource pack on which we base of volunteer policies below:

Click to Download Lancashire Volunteer Resource Pack

As a volunteer you can expect a clear role/task description, an induction to your role, regular 1-1 supervision and monthly volunteer meetings. We have clear policies and procedures, in particular we will provide you with a copy of our Volunteer policy, confidentiality policy, policy on Health & Safety, policy on boundaries between volunteers and service users, policy for lone working (where applicable) Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, Child Protection and a clear risk assessments for specific volunteer roles.

We will provide you with travel expenses claim forms, a record log for you to record your volunteer hours, and will post a monthly volunteer rota which will be displayed within each centre.

How to become a Volunteer?

If you are currently accessing our services, you key worker will assist you with completing an application form.
 

1.If you are new to our services, please complete and Application form. If you need assitance with this please contact us.

The manager will invite you to an informal meeting to discuss your application and volunteer opportunities available.

2. The volunteer will receive a copy of the Volunteer information pack.

3.Within the pack the following will be included:

• An introduction detailing a description of the organisation’s work and role
• Guidelines for Volunteers
• Volunteer Policy and Code of Practice
• An Application Form

Download your application pack now: Click here to Download your application form.


Upon return of a completed application-form, two references (not relatives) will be sought. Following this the volunteer will be invited to start a two-week trial period on the agreed work pattern they have indicated would be appropriate for them.

After the trail period, volunteers will be invited to apply for a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked at Enhanced Level (If not held already) . Occasionally there are delays in receiving CRB Checks. During this period of time the volunteer would only undertake supervised tasks and in these circumstances the need to provide adequate supervision could mean that attendance may be limited.

Upon receipt of a satisfactory CRB check, all volunteers will receive a letter of appointment.

Following appointment, there will be a three-month trail period with the option, on either side, to withdraw the volunteer services.

Volunteers have the opportunity to work up to but not more than, two days per week *(or a maximum of 16 hrs)

Volunteer News & Meeting Dates

Community Hero Award    In January 2011 Angie Foy, a dedicated volunteer at Mind, received a £150 shopping    voucher from Scott Fraser, Community Colleague at Asda Clayton Green store. Angie was nominated for, and won a well deserved Community Hero award which was organised by the Lancashire Evening Post and Asda. Angie has been a volunteer with Mind since June 2010. To nominate a volunteer you had to describe them in 50 words. This is how our winner was described : “Angie is a carer and relates to mental health in an empathetic manner. Giving over 100 hours of volunteering and reaching over 500 people Angie is involved in the garden project, drop-in, marketing and information stands, sponsored walks, fundraising, and arts and crafts ”.

The first external volunteers planning & support meeting took place on Friday 15th July in Chorley.  The next meeting which covered the Volunteer Induction Training was held on 19th August.

To view meeting minutes and view volunteer feedback click here


For further details please contact:

Kelly Colton Service Delivery Manager
Lancashire Mind Ltd
Wellbeing & Recovery Centre
Chorley
PR7 0AT

Email: kellycolton@lancashiremind.org.uk