VoiceAbility are an independent charity supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing. You can volunteer with VoiceAbility to help people speak up and be heard.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- You can give back to the community;
- It is a great opportunity to build confidence and self esteem in a supportive environment;
- If you have had first hand experience of poor mental health you can use this to help others.
“After years of volunteering, I feel that there is no better thing to do than help someone through challenging times.”
How to contact
Where to go
Available throughout Cambridge
UK
What to expect
VoiceAbility are one of the largest providers of advocacy and involvement in the UK. They have been supporting people to be heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing for over 40 years. Many of their services are specifically for people with long-term conditions such as mental health conditions, dementia or learning disabilities.
VoiceAbility believe that everyone, regardless of situation, illness or disability, has a right to:
- be heard and respected
- have the same choice, control, and freedom as any other person
- be safe from violence, discrimination, harm or abuse
VoiceAbility encourage members of the community from all backgrounds to volunteer with them, including ex-service users and those with lived experience of poor mental health. As a volunteer, you could help people know more about VoiceAbility’s services, use your lived experience to support someone, or play a crucial role in making their services more accessible. You will receive full training for all roles. You’ll need to be able to commit to volunteering for at least 6 months.
More information
VoiceAbility are looking for volunteers in the roles below:
Hospital volunteers help people who are in hospital for their mental health to know their rights and get their voice heard. By helping them access advocacy, you can ensure they’re fully involved in decisions about their treatment.
Support session volunteers support people directly to resolve problems and make their voices heard. You might help someone to understand information they’ve been given about plans for their care, or support them to know their options and rights when they have to make a decision.
Service team volunteers support with events, networking and awareness raising. You’ll be helping your local advocates to reach people who need support. These roles are ideal for people who already have a connection to their community, or would like to build one.
You can find more details about all of these roles – and an online application form – on the volunteering page of the VoiceAbility website. You will need to be over 18 years old to volunteer. You’ll also need to have the right to work in the UK, and be living in the UK.
If you would like to speak to someone about volunteering you can call 0300 303 1660 or email [email protected].
Volunteering with VoiceAbility is free and you will receive training, paid expenses, and access to their benefits programme.
In the video below, Volunteer Coordinator Karen shares some details about volunteer roles that are available at VoiceAbility:
How to contact
Where to go
Available throughout Cambridge
UK
