Abi’s story
Abi reached out for support from our Community Companions service when she was feeling isolated. […]
Volunteer with us and make a real difference to people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Bradford District and Craven Mind are proud to have over 100 volunteers supporting our mental health services and outreach in the community.
Whether you can spare a few hours each month or more we have a range of opportunities for you to get involved. Volunteering can also be a great way to gain valuable work experience, many of our volunteers have gone on to become staff members.
Check out the volunteer opportunities below.
Volunteering opportunities
Our volunteer team are always on-hand to talk to if you would like to find out more information about any of the roles. Get in touch with them by email and we’ll be in touch to help you decide which role is best for you.
Community Companion
If you can spare 1-2 hours per week to support someone feeling lonely and isolated please get in touch.
Role: Community Companion
Service supporting: Your volunteer role will support our Community Companions service
Location: Bradford District and Craven
Commitment required: 1 hour per week or 2 hours per fortnight
Role description: Providing one-to-one support to those aged 18 plus face-to-face or in the home, encouraging them to attend local community groups/activities or take up new hobbies. Training is provided.
Tea 'n' Talk Facilitator
Tea ‘n’ Talk Facilitators
Location: Bradford and Craven
Commitment required: once per month for a two-hour session
Role description: Facilitating a group for anyone feeling lonely, isolated and in need of conversation.
Safe Spaces Volunteer
Role: Volunteer with Safe Spaces.
Location: Shipley, Keighley.
When: ongoing.
Role description: Safe Spaces is for those in mental health distress, this could be severe anxiety or panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, intense depression or feelings of disassociation. If you have a passion for helping others or lived experiences with mental health then volunteering is a great way to build confidence and give back to your community. You can volunteer in the Keighley Crisis Hub (Mon – Sun between 5pm and 10pm) or our Children and Young Peoples’ Space (Mon – Fri between 3pm and 9pm) .
Administration Volunteer
Location: BDC Mind, BD1 4QU
Commitment required: As and when needed
Role description: Support the running of our reception at BDC Mind including welcoming visitors, administrative tasks and generally support the office team with the running of the building.
Student Placements
We work with local colleges and universities to provide placement opportunities across our services. Get in touch if you would like more information.
Mike’s volunteering story
I found befriending very rewarding.
Hifsah’s volunteering story
I like supporting people in my community.
Rebecca’s volunteering story
I started volunteering with Bradford District and Craven Mind in April 2022. I wanted to volunteer as a befriender as I know the value of having someone to talk to. This can make such a difference to someone who could be feeling isolated because of their mental health. It’s important to break the stigma of mental health and people feeling they need to hide away, as talking to someone or just knowing someone is there can help so much.
On our first call, my befriendee and I discovered we had quite a few things in common – we liked the same sports and just got on from the get-go, we do get on very well which is really nice. I think I’ve learnt a lot from the person I’m matched with, and I think hearing their story has made me look at certain things in a different way as well. I know what it is like to be alone and I can understand the value of having someone telephone or arranging to meet up for a coffee.
Some people may not get to see or speak to many people or even anyone at all for days at a time, so for them to know someone will be contacting them, wanting to talk to and meet up with them can make a huge difference.
For them to know someone has an interest in them for no other reason than friendship, for them to talk to, or for them to just listen to someone else talk for an hour or so a week can help that person’s confidence, self-belief and just all-round wellbeing.
Oliver’s volunteering story
I have been volunteering for seven months now. I wanted to be a part of the team for this important charity that focuses on mental health and wellbeing, and, for a psychology graduate like myself, it’s been a valuable experience.
The thing I enjoy most about volunteering is talking with clients – making them feel valued, cared for and understood is my reward.
Community Companions is an important service that enables me to use counselling skills and psychological approaches to improve clients’ mental wellbeing.
