Volunteering

Volunteer with us

We are delighted to announce that the National Lottery Community Fund are supporting our fantastic Volunteering project at VITAL.

VITAL is truly an exceptional organisation to be part of. We are the oldest user-led organisation run in the UK and managed by people with personal experience of mental ill health and mental health services, either as a user or carer.

This allows us a unique insight that can genuinely empower service users to shape their own lives. We also think that being user-led makes VITAL a very dedicated and motivated team, who really make a difference to the lives of marginalized and vulnerable people. Volunteers are a crucial element of VITAL and their support and dedication is central to the organisation.

We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds with various interests, skills, and experiences, and are open to new ideas. We are particularly interested in hearing from those who have used our services.

For more information, please contact tracy.pickwell@vitalprojects.org.uk or click on the link below.

Become a Trustee

VITAL are seeking to recruit enthusiastic and committed individuals with a range of skills to the Trustee Board.

We require dynamic and motivated people who are sympathetic to the aims and objectives of VITAL and can help the organisation to develop into the future.

Learn more

Why VITAL need Volunteers

Their contribution of time, skills and knowledge allows us to expand and improve our service provision.
The direct experience of mental health difficulties (e.g. as a service-user, carer, worker, etc.) that many of our volunteers possess can enable greater understanding and empathy with clients; and inform planning and strategy.
It can form part of a volunteer’s path to recovery.
It can help spread awareness and understanding of the service-user perspective of mental health issues.

Benefits of Volunteering

There are so many benefits from volunteering and at VITAL volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Here are just a few of the benefits you could gain from volunteering with us:

Personal Growth & Development – Gaining experience in mental health advocacy, peer support, and charity operations can be personally and professionally rewarding.
Skills Development – Opportunities to learn skills from those who work within the sector.
Improved Mental Well-being – Helping others can be therapeutic and contribute to your own recovery journey.
Career Progression – Experience in a user-led charity can be valuable for those pursuing careers in mental health, social work, or nonprofit sectors.
Stronger Community Connections – Being part of a supportive network fosters meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose.

Impact to the wider community:

More Inclusive Mental Health Support – Ensures services are designed by and for the people who need them most.
Advocacy & Policy Change – User-led charities like VITAL play a crucial role in influencing mental health policies and services to better meet the needs of the community.
Cost-Effective Solutions – We provide essential services that complement mainstream healthcare systems, reducing pressure on public services.

Learn More

Download our Volunteering Leaflet here for further information about the opportunities we offer.

Volunteering leaflet