Supporting volunteers with mental health issues
Half the respondents to a survey answered the question, “what factors affected your experience of volunteering”, said other people’s lack of awareness of mental health issues or by their opinions on those issues. Others cited the lack of information about how their benefits might be affected, the side effects of medication, the need to provide references and work history on application forms, the limited choice of voluntary activities and the attitudes of staff and other volunteers in voluntary organisations.
The following incentives were suggested to encourage more participation:
- payment of expenses
- more support
- better health
- more time
- more rewarding and appropriate opportunities
- more information about available opportunities
- and more encouragement from a range of people.
(Taken from Volunteering for Mental Health, Institute of Volunteering Research 2003)
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