Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

We are always searching for skilled and enthusiastic volunteers! Individuals who get involved with CMHA play a crucial role in our organization and in enhancing the well-being of our community.

Your support helps us improve the lives of people living with mental health and/or addiction challenges and we truly appreciate the dedication and initiative of those who unselfishly contribute their time and energy.

Volunteer Positions

CMHA screens and places volunteers on an on-going basis to work in various teams and programs at our office locations. These opportunities include:

• Friendly Visitor
• Peer Supporter
• Program Assistant
• Event Organizer
• Supportive Counsellor

Key Volunteer Responsibilities

• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team as well as independently in an environment that values diversity
• Assist clients with the development of social skills and with activities such as: daily living (shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning), vocational activities, finding housing, social recreation, use of computer, etc., according to the client’s needs
• Adhere to policies and procedures and ensure confidentiality at all times
• Ability to take direction and feedback as required
• Ability to demonstrate a non-homophobic and anti-racism approach

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Experience in community mental health, professional or personal knowledge of the mental health system, or a willingness to learn
• Educational background, work experience or prior volunteer experience in mental health, social services or a related field
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• 20 years of age or older
• Enjoy working with others, able and willing to teach any of the following independent living skills: budgeting, shopping, resume writing, use of public transportation, cooking etc.
• Lived experience / contact with mental health system is a requirement for Peer Supporter
• Appropriate certification and licensing to practice in Ontario is a requirement for Support Counsellors

Volunteer Application Form

Please fill in and submit a Volunteer Application (Here)
You will be contacted by our Volunteer Coordinator shortly.

Volunteer Information

Who can volunteer?

Typically, individuals must be 18 or older to volunteer in our programs; however, we will try our best to find a valuable opportunity for anyone wanting to get involved/contribute their time… with CMHA. In particular, we encourage people who have experienced a mental illness themselves to volunteer as a way to engage with the community and provide great inspiration to others. Volunteering is a way to give back to the organization and make a difference.

Why volunteer?

People volunteer for different reasons. Many want to gain experience, acquire new skills, meet new people or expand their network of contacts. Others want to give back to their community, help someone or promote a worthwhile activity. They volunteer because it makes them feel good.

If you’ve ever wondered about the value of supporting CMHA, consider these facts:

• One in five people will experience a mental health problem during their lifetime.
• One in eight Canadians will have a condition serious enough to receive hospital care.
• Canada has one of the highest suicide rates of children and youth under 21 in the world.

What kinds of volunteer opportunities are there?

There are many ways to volunteer. The opportunities available to you will vary depending on the branch or region of CMHA that you get involved with. Volunteering could mean anything from providing bereavement support to people who have lost someone through suicide, to getting involved in fundraising activities like bingo or corporate golf tournaments, to sitting on a board, to providing office support. to working on a special project or program.

How much time does it take?

Positions are available to accommodate just about any schedule, and can be a regular weekly or monthly commitment, or a one-time activity.

How do I become a volunteer?

To begin, you will need to fill out a volunteer application form. [NOTE: Application forms are available from your local CMHA branch.  The information you provide on this application will help us find an opportunity for you that matches your interests. If you are unsure about specific programs you are interested in, or would just like to get more information before applying, then contact us.

We are always searching for skilled and enthusiastic volunteers! Our volunteers play a crucial role in our organization and our community. Without the dedication of volunteers, many programs offered by our local branches would not be possible. We truly appreciate the dedication and initiative of those who unselfishly contribute their time and energy to further our mission.

Mail, fax or deliver it to our Administrative office: 1101 2nd Avenue East, Suite 205 Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 2J1 or Fax to 519-371-6138
For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact Jackie Ralph or Don Vail.
Phone: 519-371-3642