VOLUNTEERING & JOBS
Gain skills, meet people, and make a lasting difference
WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Create a warm welcome and support with admin tasks such as answering the phone and filing.
Create social media content, writing funding bids and promoting and organising fundraising events.
Visit inpatients on acute psychiatric wards and offer information about services once discharged.
Maintenance and facilities work both indoors and outdoors such as fixing, painting and sorting.
"I would advise anyone to volunteer with Restore, all volunteers get great training and support."
Student Placement
Restore is often able to offer placements to students aged 18 or over on recognised training courses such as Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Mental Health Nursing or similar courses.
Tutor with the Oxfordshire Recovery College
Volunteer tutors with Oxfordshire Recovery College are the life-force of the College. Whether you bring lived experience or a professional background, get in touch to discuss ORC tutoring.
About Volunteering for Companies, Groups and Teams
Team building, strengthening bonds and employee engagement in the community while supporting local mental health.
Volunteering offers unique opportunities to strengthen relationships, challenge stigma and create goodwill amongst colleagues. Whether it be working in the gardens, pruning the allotments, painting and decorating a building, or helping at events, you’ll be collaborating as a team for positive outcomes.
Voluntary donations are welcome and many organisations form ongoing partnerships.
Infineum
"We all had a great sense of accomplishment knowing that the people receiving mental health support would be able to use the plot for their much-needed planting activity."
Tamarindo
"Our work with Restore has been both incredibly rewarding and fun! It has allowed us to connect with each other on a deeper level and to work together towards a common goal."
FAQs
What support are volunteers offered?
Volunteers receive initial training, ongoing support and regular news to keep in touch with what is happening at Restore. Volunteers can claim out-of-pocket travel expenses and lunch if volunteering for a full day.
Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
All volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.
What training is provided?
A bespoke induction will cover policies and role specific training. Further development is available once you have started, and regular volunteers can complete accredited Mental Health First Aid training.
What is the expected commitment?
Most volunteers commit to a weekday per week or fortnightly, and commit to a six month minimum. Ad-hoc volunteering opportunities are available, including helping at events, and team days for corporate partners. Please make contact to discuss what's possible.
Can people who have experienced mental ill health volunteer?
Yes, applications are actively encouraged from people with lived experience of mental ill health. Many of Restore's staff and volunteers have their own experiences. Dependent on the severity, we assess each application on a case-by-case basis.
Can members of Restore become a volunteer?
Many members go on to volunteer at Restore. There should be a gap of at least three months between leaving Restore as a service user and applying to volunteer.
What if a regular commitment isn't possible?
Restore always need volunteers to help at events, including at weekends. This might involve helping to set-up and run stalls, giving out leaflets, or cheering on Restore participants at a challenge event. And, for teams, one-off days can be arranged.
