Join our team as a Communications and History Volunteer, where you will play a vital role in researching and documenting the history of our volunteer service. Your contributions will help us preserve our legacy and share our story through various communication channels, including our Stronger Together newsletter.

Key Tasks

• Research and document the history of the volunteer service, compiling information and creating comprehensive records.
• Undertake historical research projects related to our service, providing valuable insights and perspectives.
• Assist with communications tasks, such as preparing content and editing the Stronger Together newsletter.
• Promote and engage in various mental health awareness events and dates, collaborating with the Volunteer Manager and Connecting Through Craft volunteers to produce resources and organise displays.
• Collaborate with the team to develop engaging and informative materials for internal and external audiences.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in all historical documentation and communications.

Skills and Experience Required

We are seeking volunteers who have empathy, a non-judgemental attitude towards mental health challenges, and who share our CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect, and Empowerment.

Volunteers include people who want to make a positive difference to the lives of consumers, carers, staff, and the broader service. We welcome volunteers from all life stages, backgrounds, and value diversity within our service.

For this role, we are looking for volunteers who are:

• Passionate about history and research.
• Skilled in written and verbal communication.
• Detail-oriented and capable of producing accurate documentation.
• Proficient in editing and preparing content for newsletters or similar publications.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Comfortable using various research tools and databases.
• Creative and enthusiastic about promoting mental health awareness.

Shifts Available

Flexible during weekdays, with a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week or fortnight over 6-12 months.

More about Hunter New England Mental Health

Hunter New England Mental Health is part of the Hunter New England Health District. We deliver a range of mental health inpatient services and community mental health care, from prevention and early intervention to treatment, rehabilitation, and continuing care.

The HNE Mental Health Volunteer Service was established around 2001. Volunteers are involved with HNE Mental Health in many different roles across the District.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Help us build a strong and resilient community - healthy people, now and into the future.
• Invest your time with meaning and purpose and improve your wellbeing.
• Become part of an essential and valuable asset to NSW public health.
• Improve your perception of mental health challenges and help break down stigma.
• Develop your communication skills and confidence.
• Gain experience in a mental health service, including networking with professional staff.
• Obtain a reference after a qualifying period.

Other things you need to know... It is important you’re aware of the NSW Health mandatory requirements for volunteers. Prior to commencing with us as a volunteer, you will need to:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Undergo a National Police Check and for some roles, a Working with Children Check.
• Comply with NSW Health vaccination and health screening requirements.
• Agree to the NSW Health Code of Conduct.
• Complete mandatory orientation and training.
• Agree to comply with NSW Health policies and procedures.

We will help you meet these requirements and complete the paperwork.

Once your application has been received, we will contact you to organise a "meet and greet" in which we can discuss roles and assess your suitability for volunteering in HNE Mental Health.

There will be no financial cost to you when undertaking any of these checks or training.