Volunteers’ Week

From peer support and community awareness to fundraising and skills exchange. Volunteers’ Week is a time to say thank you and to explore how giving time can change lives.

Volunteers’ Week is a celebration of everyday people doing extraordinary things. This year, from 2nd to 8th June, we honour those who drive change not just through titles or roles, but through care, time and action.

More than just helping others, research has shown that volunteering can also benefit the volunteers themselves. Volunteering helps us connect with others, develop our skills and help our communities. About 1 in 5 of Scottish adults already volunteer and doing so you can also be a part of creating change in your community.

Whether you support events, offer peer support, raise awareness in your community or bring valuable skills to our teams, your time makes a real difference.

Volunteers help us reach more people, open up conversations about mental health, and keep our services welcoming and accessible. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without you.

So, to every volunteer, past and present: thank you.

Volunteering comes in many forms

Volunteering isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about using your time and energy, however much you have, to make a difference. Whether you’ve got an hour a week or a day a year, there’s a way to help.

Here are just some of the ways you can support us through volunteering:

Event volunteering

Help make our challenge events and community days run smoothly—from registration and setting up, to handing out t-shirts and cheering participants on.

Fundraising support

Whether you’re taking part in a sponsored walk or organising a local event, fundraising keeps our work going and raises vital awareness.

Peer support and lived experience

Sharing your story can have a powerful impact. Many of our volunteers use their lived experience to support others, either in group settings or as part of projects and campaigns.

Community awareness raising

Volunteers help us challenge stigma by starting conversations, handing out materials, and representing Change Mental Health at community events and local gatherings.

Corporate and group volunteering

We welcome teams from workplaces who want to volunteer together—whether that’s supporting a campaign, helping out at an event, or offering professional expertise.

Skills exchange

Have a background in IT, design, photography, communications or admin? Your skills can strengthen our work behind the scenes.

“I enjoy myself, I can relax and I can breathe. Why wouldn’t I want to do this?

“Everyone brings something valuable. Even showing up is a contribution, just by being there. That’s what makes it work.

“If you’re thinking about volunteering, just let people know. Let it build.”

– Read how volunteering became a meaningful part of Paul’s journey at the Stafford Centre here .

How does volunteering also benefit myself?

Volunteering doesn’t just help others; it helps you too. Here’s how:

Personal Growth: Volunteering offers opportunities for personal growth and development. It allows individuals to learn new skills and gain valuable experiences that can enhance their professional and personal lives.

This is something that our Employability Support Project provides in Dumfries and Galloway to break down barriers for people experiencing poor mental health, so they can access opportunities for their professional development.

Career Benefits: Volunteering allows individuals to gain relevant experience, develop skills and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, all of which can enhance their CV and appeal to potential employers.

Sense of Purpose: Volunteering gives individuals a sense of purpose and fulfilment by allowing them to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It provides a meaningful way to contribute to society.

Volunteer with us!

Are you an individual looking to change people’s lives across Scotland? Or is your business looking to get more involved with improving the lives of those affected by mental illness?

We’ve got many ways to get involved – from helping at events to supporting our services. Check out our current volunteering opportunities and see how you can support mental health in your community. If you’re interested or have any questions, get in touch with us – we’d love to hear from you!

Donate

We know that people may not have the time to volunteer but there are many ways in which you can support Change Mental Health. Your generous donation, no matter how much, is vital for us to support more people across Scotland with their mental health.

Fundraise for us!

Do you want to support Change Mental Health in a different way? Then why not take on a challenge event so that you can have fun, raise awareness AND raise crucial funding for Change Mental Health at no extra cost to you? From the 5K Supernova runs to marathons and relay races, there are so many events to choose from on MyRunning. Find the challenge event that suits you today and sign up for Change Mental Health!

support

Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.

Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.