Ever wondered what it was like to be a volunteer with Mid and North Powys Mind?
We are extremely lucky to have the most amazing volunteers that work with us and help us to provide you with our mental health services.
In nearly every part of the charity, volunteers are helping to run groups, provide support and share their own experiences, from our art and craft groups, walking groups, community groups, youth groups and Mums Matter peer support groups, to our Bereavement Support Service and Trustees. Every Volunteer is a vital part of our team and we couldn’t do what we do without them.
One of our youth group volunteers recently shared their experience of being a volunteer with Mind and you can read her thoughts on the right.
If you would to volunteer with us, then please visit our Volunteers page, give us a ring on 01597 824411 or email admin@mnpmind.org.uk
I am a volunteer, a fulfilling experience I recommend to most; over the last few years I have volunteered in the Mind 12-15 youth group and now 16-25 youth group, these are my thoughts and experiences.
My biggest worry when I started was comparing myself to the already amazing volunteers other Mind groups had, would I be funny enough? Say the right things? And most importantly, in my eyes, would they like me?
Quickly did I learn that those worries did not matter because if you work with an fabulous support worker, that all comes naturally. The conversation, laughs and comfort needed for such a safe space.
It wasn’t always easy though, even with such a wonderful woman at the helm. Hearing problems that you couldn’t just magically fix breaks your heart, you want to fight their battles, take away their hardships, but you are merely just a person on the other end of the screen. Helpless.
It is not the volunteers job to sort out problems, that is left to the support worker, it is our job to backup the support worker and calm the storm when she is needed elsewhere. People often forget support workers are human too, they need that encouragement, that nod, that smile.
The group is a place for peace, an hour of peace where the world can just go, a young person can feel listened to, can socialise without scrutiny. I have learned the impact of the seemingly small words “what is everyone having for tea tonight?” this I have witnessed to open up smiles, joy and laughter.
Is it always rainbows? No. certainly not. But that is for your own mind to wonder as I will never tell you what happens.
In my short 28 years I have never experienced the feeling, that of seeing a group young person prosper, to watch them thrive and hear of their accomplishments. To know that they are doing well is the best feeling in the world.
It takes a certain person to be a Mind volunteer, it is not easy and you must have a caring heart. I would not recommend it to just anyone, but I do recommend the act of volunteering in general. So much of our time now is spent with the art of distraction, the screen being the biggest tool, instead I say use that time to volunteer, it costs nothing, skills are added to ones already under your belt and if done right fulfilment can be easily grasped.
To end there is one quote that sums up the Mind groups up perfectly:
“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone” – Audrey Hepburn
Thank you for letting me be a Mind volunteer.