Volunteering

If you would like to volunteer at Thurrock and Brentwood Mind, we have a range of projects and services that would greatly appreciate your time.

Roles available:

• • Thurrock Carers Service Befriender
  • Stepping Stones Gardening Project (Thurrock area)
  • Wellbeing Group Assistant (Thurrock and Brentwood areas)
  • Peer Mentor (Thurrock area)
  • Peer Group Leader (Thurrock area)
  • Thurrock Recovery College
  • Mental Health Inequalities Peer Worker

As a volunteer at Thurrock and Brentwood Mind you don’t need any experience – full training will be provided – whichever role you choose.

Thurrock Counselling Service recruits Qualified Counsellors as volunteers.

All volunteers receive core training covering health and safety, communication, confidentiality, safeguarding and other relevant topics. There is project specific training, and wherever other training opportunities arise we keep volunteers appraised of these.

Our volunteers say that they have gained valuable work experience, improved their social networks and made a contribution to the area they live in. They have enhanced their own self value by supporting others who are in need. A number of volunteers have progressed to paid work both within the charity and with other organisations / companies.

 ‘I feel like my life is starting to turn a corner, I feel so useful with the volunteering I am doing, it’s keeping me busy and my confidence is soaring. I have decided to start looking for jobs in the care industry, I have never worked in this area before but now I really think I could do it.’

Get in touch to find out more information on any of the above roles.

Complete our online Application Form or download a PDF version below.

You can also pick up a printed application form at any one of our sites. These are;  

• 152 Bridge Road, Grays
• Information and Advice Hub, Unit 7, Grays Town Shopping Centre
• Information and Advice Hub, Shop 2 The Keys, Eagle Way, Warley

If you’re not sure what role would be right for you, just let us know which of our projects you would like to get involved with and we can take it from there.  

Call us for an informal chat on 01375 391411 

Throughout the year we hold or attend a number of fundraising and community events. If you are looking for a casual volunteer role that you may do as just a one off or every now and then this could be the perfect role for you. The role description provides you with more information but no two events the same. However, there’s always lots of laughter and we’re sure you will enjoy the day with the bonus of knowing you are giving up your time to help a worthwhile charity.

If you would like to register for volunteering at events please complete the short application form.

Who can volunteer at Mind?

Anyone can volunteer and we really appreciate the help we get from supporters.

We always have opportunities coming up so keep checking back on this page if there isn’t anything for you right now.

How much time do I have to give as a volunteer?

Each opportunity is different. So we’ll usually say how much time you’ll need to give in the opportunity description. We have lots of different options depending on how much time you have – whether it’s one-off, short-term, or a longer commitment.

What skills do I need to volunteer?

Every opportunity is different, so the skills you’ll need are different. For many roles, you don’t need a specific set of skills – enthusiasm and commitment are the most important thing! If an opportunity does need certain skills, we’ll outline what they are in the opportunity description.

What are local Minds?

Local Minds provide mental health services in communities across England and Wales. Local Minds are separate to national Mind – they’re independent charities, so they’re responsible for their own funding. They do this through donations, grants and income from services.

Will I be interviewed?

Most opportunities will involve an informal chat so you can find out more about Mind and what the opportunity involves. The recruitment process depends on the type of volunteering role it is.

Will my expenses be paid?

Yes. You will be paid for reasonable expenses like travel. The exact expenses you can claim for will be confirmed once you start your volunteering role.

Will volunteering affect my benefits?

No. Volunteering does not affect the benefits payments you receive. But you should tell your benefits advisor when you start volunteering.

Do you offer training to volunteers?

We provide any training or inductions you’d need to carry out your volunteering role. The training you get will be different depending on what volunteering role you’re doing. You will be provided with access to our e-Learning platform, as well as having the opportunity for in-person training.

What support will I get?

We’ll make sure you have all the information and support you need to volunteer. You’ll also have a main point of contact from Mind so you’ll always have someone to go to if you have questions.

Can I leave if I don’t like it?

Yes! We want all our volunteers to have a worthwhile and positive experience. We always welcome feedback on how we could make our volunteering better.

Are you using volunteer roles to replace paid members of staff?

As a charity, we depend on our volunteers to help us with our work. Mind has a policy that means volunteer roles are never used in place of paid roles. Volunteers are usually recruited on a time-limited basis to work on specific projects.

Mind firmly believes that a volunteer is someone who is unpaid and gives up their own time, of their own free will, to support Mind.

Does Mind offer work experience or internships?

At Thurrock and Brentwood Mind, we don’t offer work experience or internships, but we have a range of volunteering opportunities.

Our counselling service can offer placements for level 4 students looking to complete their set hours. Please contact us for further information.

Does Mind offer corporate volunteering opportunities?

We can’t organise staff volunteering for companies where we don’t have an existing corporate partnership.

What’s your policy with DBS checks?

As part of our safeguarding policies, we ask you to tell us if you have any convictions that are unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

As part of our equal opportunities policy, we aim to ensure we don’t discriminate against ex-offenders. However, some posts in Mind are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 because they involve vulnerable adults or young people. These roles require a DBS check.

By using the DBS to assess volunteers, we fully comply with the DBS Code of Practice. We’re committed to treating all applicants equally and undertake not to discriminate unfairly against the subject of a positive disclosure.