This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who give their time, energy, and passion to support our work. Whether lending a listening ear, helping at events, or offering office support, our volunteers make a lasting difference every day. We couldn’t do it without them—thank you for all that you do.
Our eldest volunteer has been with us for 7 years and is 81, hear why it’s so important to him:
‘My name is David, I have the honour of being a volunteer Advocate with Thurrock & Brentwood Mind.
Our clients often have serious mental illnesses and are also facing some of life’s most serious challenges unaided. These issues have included deportation, eviction, loss of benefits, Council Tax problems and Debt. This involves dealing with the Home Office, HMRC, DWP, Local Authorities, and Financial Institutions.
The role of an Advocate includes explaining the current situation to the client in such a way that the client can make an informed decision. We must also support the client throughout the process making sure that we always follow the client’s wishes. Helping them to deal with disappointments and setbacks whilst being realistically positive.
It is important to me to fight injustice and help vulnerable people in their time of need. To have an opportunity to improve someone’s life and empower them for the future. Even if we didn’t get a successful outcome the client knows that we have tried our very best and their case has been heard.
For me, it’s valuable to be able to still use my education, training and experience gained during a lifetime for good. A client’s gratitude, whether we were successful or not, is reward enough.’
Jane Nunn Counselling Manager: ‘It is no exaggeration to say that the Counselling service could not run without volunteers, their generosity of time and emotions means we can offer a gold standard service to the community. As an organisation and a project we are very grateful for their time.‘
Wendy Robertson Deputy CEO: “Volunteers can make mental health easier to understand by sharing their stories and experience and creating a supportive space.”
If you are interested in being a volunteer email us at volunteer@tbmind.org.uk