Volunteers are essential to Shine's work and in helping us to achieve our mission. The additional capacity they offer increases and complements our delivery of effective programmes and helps to extend our reach within the community.
Our volunteers engage in various ways, including:
- Ambassadors in our Stigma Reduction work: These volunteers actively work to challenge and change negative perceptions surrounding mental health through public speaking, workshops, and community engagement. They make a very important contribution, as we know that when people with lived experience tell their stories, it has a significant impact in reducing stigma.
- Members of the Reference Group and the Voice Platform: Serving as advisors, these individuals provide valuable insights and feedback on our services and initiatives, ensuring they align with the needs of those we support and the public.
- Event Support Volunteers: By assisting at events like Electric Picnic, these volunteers help increase our outreach and capacity, facilitating broader community interaction and awareness.
To ensure our volunteers are well-equipped and supported, we provide:
- Comprehensive Training: Initial and ongoing training programmes covering essential topics such as mental health awareness, effective communication, and specific skills pertinent to their roles
- Clear Policies and Guidelines: Volunteers are provided with policies that outline their responsibilities, organisational standards, and procedures to ensure consistency and safety in all activities
- Regular Communication: We maintain open channels through newsletters, meetings, and digital platforms, keeping volunteers informed and engaged with organisational developments and opportunities.
Our recruitment strategy is informed by identified organisational needs, focusing on attracting individuals whose skills and passions align with our mission. We value retention highly, recognising that experienced volunteers bring depth and continuity to our work. To foster long-term commitment, we offer opportunities for growth and training to support the role and cultivate a supportive community environment.
