Supported Volunteering is a SAVS project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, which supports people who may have experienced mental ill health into volunteering.

The aim of the project is to give volunteers one-to-one support to help increase confidence and reduce isolation, to highlight skills and experience and help identify the type of volunteering they might wish to do.

Volunteering is a great way to help others and yourself, and research shows it benefits people of all ages by increasing feelings of self-esteem, social connection and wellbeing. It can be a wonderful way to build upon your own good mental health.

A Supported Volunteer said,

“The Supported Volunteering Project has been very beneficial for me and my mental health. It has inspired hope and demonstrates that there is an alternative path to the typical mental health ‘medical’ model. It shows that I’m not written off just because I suffer from a mental illness. Instead the project lets me know I’m valued and useful. I’ve experienced kindness and support from the staff at SAVS and that has encouraged me to go forward and volunteer.”

To find out more about Supported Volunteering, CLICK HERE.