Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind has recently achieved the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard award, recognising the excellent work it does with volunteers.
The local mental health charity currently has over 60 active volunteers and working to benefit people with mental health problems.
Paul Christon, Service Manager, said: ‘We believe that our volunteers provide added value to the work we do through their skills and qualities. A lot of our volunteers have lived experience of mental health and we believe volunteering can be a part of their recovery as well as a way of helping other people through their recovery’.
‘We are delighted to have achieved this award for the second time since 2013. Our volunteers are the heart of Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind and we are thankful that our volunteers have been recognised for their contributions’.
Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers and aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experiences. Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind was assessed against a range of best practice standards and proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers.
Katie Cartwright, Teesside University Masters student, said “I definitely recommend anyone to volunteer for Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind, it gave me the boost I needed to fulfil my chosen career path”.
Volunteering for Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind also gave Katie the recognition of ‘Volunteer of the year Award 2016’ at Teesside University’s VolunCheers Awards (VolunTees Service). She also won Platinum Plus for over 250 hours’ worth of volunteering and training.
Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind currently has four opportunities to become a volunteer at the charity and welcome people from all backgrounds.
This week is an important calendar event for mental health charities. It’s ‘time to talk’ day on Thursday 2nd February, created by national charity Time to Change and aims to raise awareness of people suffering with mental health and for them to start the conversation.
Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind believes no one should suffer in silence and if you or someone you know is in need of help, the charity can provide support and guidance.
To find out more about being a part of the local charity, or find about the help we offer, please visit the website www.middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk/vacancies.aspx or call 01642 257020.