Volunteering

Shropshire MHS has been part of our community for more than 40 years and in that time has provided support and been the voice for thousands of people with mental health issues.

Volunteers have been indispensable in meeting our charity’s goals and continue to play a huge part in meeting the needs of vulnerable people across the county. Volunteers can contribute in many different ways, from working with a team supporting groups and activities, to running events, helping with publicity and fundraising, or assisting with administrative activities in our Shrewsbury office.

Here in Shrewsbury and at Observer House we have approximately 40 volunteers, we also have a further twenty or so volunteers who run our weekly groups around the county. All of our volunteers are very valued and highly committed people from all walks of life. We have ex mental health nurses, teachers, care workers and other professionals as well as students who all give their time each week to ensure that Shropshire MHS continues to provide the valuable support that it does to the people of Shropshire.

Shropshire MHS’ daily ‘drop in’ service and all the groups that we provide at Observer House, as well as the coffee shop in the Redwoods Centre and our weekly groups around the county are all facilitated by volunteers, they are the lifeblood of the organisation.

In July 2018 Shropshire MHS was awarded the Investing in Volunteers award which is valid until 2021. Investing in Volunteers (IiV) is the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. Achieving the standard was very important to us as it shows our volunteers – and potential volunteers – how much they are valued and it gives them confidence in our ability to provide an outstanding volunteer experience.

What do you get out of volunteering for Shropshire MHS?

Of course, there is the satisfaction of helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community with their recovery. But there is so much more: you will be part of a group of very motivated and dedicated people, from very diverse backgrounds – willing to share their skills and talents with you, and keen to learn from you.

Shropshire MHS also offers you the opportunity to attend ongoing training so you can build your understanding of mental health and well being, learn about listening, empathy and interactive skills. For those who are in, or want to enter the caring profession, volunteering with Shropshire MHS will give you invaluable experience and a solid skills foundation.


What Shropshire MHS expect from you

First and foremost, we realise that some volunteers will be able to give more time and effort than others – circumstances vary. But we do expect you to meet the commitments you make when we accept your application to become a Shropshire MHS volunteer. Our service users and fellow volunteers rely on each member of the team to do their bit – without that commitment things don’t work as they need to.

Second, Shropshire MHS accomplishes a lot with very little. We have a very small team of staff and limited funding. To address the needs of so many service users, we rely on volunteers to help out with the workloads. Shropshire MHS has a number of working groups that focus on specific organisational issues: fund raising, volunteering, communications and publicity, to name a few. Each of these working groups involve staff, trustees, volunteers and service users, as well as on occasion representatives from external organisations. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in running and supporting these working groups. Apart from making a big contribution to meeting the charity’s goals, it is another way to learn valuable skills – a win / win for everyone.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Heather or Katie on 01743 368 647. Without volunteers we couldn’t achieve the amazing things we do, thank you.

Get In Touch

[email protected]
01743 368 647
Registered charity number: 1003117

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