VoiceAbility supports people to have their say in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing.
Could you give a few hours a week to help people speak up and be heard?
How you can help
Hospital Visitor volunteers help people who are in hospital for their mental health to know their rights and get their voice heard. By helping them access advocacy, you can make a real difference to their experience and recovery – from making sure someone can get their hair cut to ensuring they’re fully involved in decisions about their treatment.
Relative Person Representative support volunteers are there for people who live in care homes and don’t have a family member or friend to speak up for them. By listening to their views and wishes, and observing where they live, you’ll help make sure they’re getting the right care and support. That might mean the little things, like making sure they get to eat their favourite foods, or listen to the music they enjoy. It also means raising concerns if you feel their care isn’t good enough.
Support Session volunteers support people directly to resolve problems and make their voices heard. People who use health and care services sometimes need support to understand their options, or to access local services. You might help someone to understand information they’ve been given about plans for their care, or support them to know their options and rights when they have to make a decision.
Service Team volunteers support with events, networking and awareness raising. You’ll be helping your local advocates to reach people who need support. You might also get involved with group advocacy and self-advocacy workshops, helping give people the skills to empower themselves. These roles are ideal for people who already have a connection to their community, or would like to build one.
Former police officer Jackie was sectioned on a mental health ward. Now, she volunteers to support people in the same situation. “When you live through something like that, you want to give someone else the help you never had. This is giving me my confidence back.”
Why volunteer?
Volunteering with VoiceAbility is ideal for people who have or want experience in human rights, health, care and wellbeing – but we care more about your values and empathy than your level of experience.
You’ll develop skills in communication and confidentiality, add experience and knowledge to your CV, and know you’re making a genuine difference to people’s lives.
As a volunteer you’ll receive full training, support from the volunteer team and your local advocates, and paid expenses.
Accountant Ben’s priorities changed after a serious illness. “I wanted to give something back. It’s really rewarding as you get to use your knowledge and skills for a really good purpose.”
To get involved:
- visit voiceability.org/volunteering to find out more, and register your interest online
- email volunteering@voiceability.org
- call 0300 303 1660
What is advocacy?
Advocacy is free, independent support to help you have your say in decisions about your health, care and wellbeing.
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility makes sure people are heard when it matters most.
Voiceability is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services, with local teams around Scotland and England.