MIND appeals for new Leighton volunteers

One in four of us will experience mental health difficulties at some stage in our lives. Some illnesses are short-term and never re-occur; others are longer-term with periods of good health, but the individual may also suffer relapses. As with any illness, the right support at the right time can make all the difference.

Bedfordshire and Luton Mind, formerly known as the ‘Befrienders’, is the leading local mental health charity, working in close partnership with other agencies to provide friendship, respect, opportunity and choice to improve the lives of people with a range of mental health needs.

Mind offers members support in a social setting, enabling people to follow their interests, learn new skills and meet new friends.  They offer a comprehensive range of services to help people to work towards their own individual recovery, increasingly supporting them to become more confident in accessing their local amenities and services, thereby helping the recovery process. 

Do you want the opportunity to meet new people and share your skills whilst supporting people and enabling them to have their independence?  In Leighton Buzzard, Mind are looking for local people to get involved on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday daytimes, to provide valuable social contact to members (aged 18-65) who have or are recovering from mental ill-health.  Full OCN-accredited training is provided to all volunteers, as well as ongoing support and out-of-pocket expenses. Once the initial training has been completed, there are many different roles available, depending on your interests.

Do you have good communication skills and enjoy meeting new people?  If so, you can volunteer to help out at the drop-in sessions, talking to members and supporting them in hobby activities or in learning a new skill.  For the green-fingered amongst you, there is the opportunity to tend and maintain the venue’s garden which features tubs, troughs, climbing plants and tables and chairs for members.  This is an opportunity for you to provide a welcome splash of colour and possibly grow a few plants for use in the kitchen. 

Interested in sport or exercise?  Help promote healthy living by volunteering for Mind’s swimming, sport and healthy walking groups.  There is also the opportunity to help out in the kitchen, planning and preparing lunch with the Cook, which is a great opportunity to gain food hygiene certificate in addition to the standard training.

Also, if you have an interest you would like to share with others, you can volunteer as a facilitator, running a group activity based on a theme such as art and crafts, drama, writing or music.

If you are interested in any of the featured opportunities with Mind, please contact Georgina or Rebecca at the Volunteer Centre at Voluntary and Community Action on 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk  If you would like to explore other volunteering opportunities that are available in South Bedfordshire please contact the Volunteer Centre for a Volunteering Directory or to arrange an informal chat.