MindWise also operates two volunteer programmes designed to empower and engage those with mental health issues (and those without) to develop their skills and knowledge, improve their confidence and social skills, support others, and improve their employment prospects whilst adding value to the delivery of MindWise services and those provided by other voluntary organisations.

Active 8

Is a five year programme financed by the Big Lottery Fund which is open to anyone over the age of 18 to participate in (the programme has a emphasis of recruiting 60% of participants who have mental health issues and 40% who do not). Volunteers can take part in one or more of the 8 elements of the programme which are: Self Management Programme, Carers Recovery Programme, Life Skills, Volunteering In-house, Volunteering Externally, Group Facilitation, Committee Representation and Media Volunteering. The programme offers a range of free training across all 8 elements and also promotes social integration and relationship building through its series of annual ‘away day’ activities. Volunteers are reimbursed for all ‘out of pocket’ expenses and to date Active 8 volunteers have made a significant impact in terms of adding value to MindWise services in areas such as shop volunteering, volunteer tutors, media volunteering and fundraising volunteers.

Anyone wishing to know more about the Active 8 programme should contact Claire Eakin, Active 8 Volunteer Coordinator by telephoning 028 9031 5060 or you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Involve

Is a three year programme financed by the Department of Education and facilitated by the Volunteer Development Agency (VDA) with MindWise being an approved delivery partner for the Millennium Volunteer programme. Involve is aimed at young people aged between 16 and 24 and participants can sign up to become either a Peer Mentor Volunteer or a Peer Media Volunteer. Training is provided and young people are full supported to take the skills they have learnt back into their own local community settings (including schools, youth clubs etc.) to help raise awareness among their peer groups of mental illness and to help signpost their peers who might be at risk of, or experiencing symptoms of mental illness towards appropriate sources of help and support. Participants in the programme also get the added benefits of receiving nationally recognised Millennium Volunteer awards for 50, 100 or 200 hours of volunteering which can aid them when applying for places at further education establishments or when seeking employment.

Anyone wishing to know more about the Involve programme should contact Naomi Kirk, Involve Volunteer Coordinator by telephoning 028 9031 5060 or you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it