Aware urgently seeking volunteers to join its support team

Aware, Ireland’s national organisation providing support, education and information services for people affected by depression and bipolar disorder, is seeking new volunteers to join its support team.

Aware relies on the passion and dedication of its community of some 400 volunteers to enable the organisation to continue to provide its free support services nationwide, essential services that have a profound impact on individuals and families throughout Ireland. No prior qualifications or experience is required, as comprehensive training as well as ongoing support and education is provided by the organisation. Applications are being accepted now at www.aware.ie.

Aware volunteers are a hugely diverse group of all ages and from all walks of life. Some have their own experience of mental illness, either directly or through supporting a loved one, which has inspired them to want to support others going through similar experiences. Other reasons for choosing to volunteer include an interest in mental health, desire to give back to the community, add to or enhance skill sets, meet new people or simply having some spare time.

Aware is currently recruiting volunteers for the following areas:

Support Line: The Aware Support Line is a crucial service providing callers with telephone support and information about issues relating to their own mood or the mood of a friend or family member who may be experiencing depression, bipolar disorder or other mood related conditions. It operates 365 days a year from 10am-10pm.

Support & Self Care Groups: Support & Self Care Groups offer a space where people living with depression and bipolar disorder can talk openly with peers in a group setting and explore the helpful options available. The groups take place virtually via Zoom and phone in, with a number of in-person locations to include Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kerry and Waterford.

Life Skills Online: Based on the principles of CBT, this is an 8-week programme designed to help participants learn more about how we think and how this can influence our actions in helpful or unhelpful ways. Participants benefit from the support of an Aware volunteer each week as they work their way through the programme.

It is important that potential volunteers are compassionate, possess good communication skills, take direction and show enthusiasm and passion for mental health and the work of Aware. It is also vital that applicants are willing to make a weekly commitment to Aware (c. 3 hours), participate in ongoing training as required and are confident using technology. As part of the recruitment process, all volunteers are guided through a series of training sessions to teach them how to respond to various scenarios by allowing clarification, consideration of options and encouraging helpful actions while adhering to Aware’s ethos, policies and procedures. These opportunities are available to people all over Ireland over 21 years of age. Aware can facilitate and support remote volunteering.

Aware is fully committed to its volunteers, consistently achieving the Investing in Volunteers Award, the quality standard for best practice in volunteer management.

For more information, please visit: www.aware.ie or phone Aware on 01 6617211.