Meet Uzma – Guide-Line Support Worker
Uzma is one of our longest-serving members of staff having worked at Bradford District and […]
Bradford District and Craven Mind are proud to have over 100 volunteers that give their time to support us.
Last year we supported over 17,000 people with their mental health and wellbeing through Bradford District and Craven.
Every year demand for our free mental health support continues to grow and our volunteers are a crucial part of helping us to reach people when and where they need it most.
We truly value every volunteer at Bradford District and Craven Mind. Whether you choose to volunteer regularly with us or as a one-off we are so grateful for you to give your time.
Benefits
- Add your experience to your CV or Linkedin
- Get support through our assistance programme Wisdom
- Meet other volunteers at regular social events and Volunteer drop-ins
- Access free mental health training on Mental Health Awareness, Resilience and Stress
- Receive rewards throughout your time volunteering with us, including Citizen Coin points
- Claim expenses like travel and parking or a drink if you are a Community Companion volunteer
- Volunteer at events in the community like Ilkley Food & Drink Festival, Bradford Pride and Bingley Weekender
Volunteering opportunities
Our volunteer team are always on-hand to talk to if you would like to find out more information about any of the roles. Get in touch with them by email and we’ll be in touch to help you decide which role is best for you.
Befriending volunteer
If you can spare 1-2 hours per week to support someone feeling lonely and isolated please get in touch.
Role: Community Companion
Service supporting: Your volunteer role will support our Community Companions service
Location: Bradford District and Craven
Commitment required: 1 hour per week or 2 hours per fortnight
Role description: Providing one-to-one support to those aged 18 plus face-to-face or in the home, encouraging them to attend local community groups/activities or take up new hobbies. Training is provided.
Tea 'n' Talk Facilitator
Tea ‘n’ Talk Facilitator – Bradford
Location: Manningham Library
When: Day and Time TBC
Commitment required: once per month for a two-hour session
Role description: Facilitating a group for anyone feeling lonely, isolated and in need of conversation.
Tea ‘n’ Talk Facilitator – Skipton
Location: Broughton Community Centre, Skipton
When: Tuesdays – Monthly – 11am to 1pm
Commitment required: once per month for a two-hour session
Role description: Facilitating a group for anyone feeling lonely, isolated and in need of conversation. Group will be dementia-friendly
Tea ‘n’ Talk Facilitator – Ilkley
Location: Menston Library, Ilkley
When: Mondays – Monthly – 1pm to 3pm
Commitment required: once per month for a two-hour session
Role description: Facilitating a group for anyone feeling lonely, isolated and in need of conversation. Group will be dementia-friendly
Tea ‘n’ Talk Facilitator – Grassington
Location: Grassington Community Hub
When: 2nd Friday of every month – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Commitment required: once per month for a two-hour session
Role description: Facilitating a group for anyone feeling lonely, isolated and in need of conversation
Tea ‘n’ Talk Facilitator – Restore Recovery College
Location: Restore Recovery College, BD4
When: last Friday of a month, 9.30am to 11.30am
Commitment required: once per month for a two-hour session
Role description: Facilitating a group for anyone feeling lonely, isolated and in need of conversation
Safe Spaces Volunteer
Role: Volunteer with Safe Spaces.
Location: Shipley, Keighley.
When: ongoing.
Role description: Safe Spaces is for those in mental health distress, this could be severe anxiety or panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, intense depression or feelings of disassociation. If you have a passion for helping others or lived experiences with mental health then volunteering is a great way to build confidence and give back to your community. You can volunteer in the Keighley Crisis Hub (Mon – Sun between 5pm and 10pm) or our Children and Young Peoples’ Space (Mon – Fri between 3pm and 9pm) .
Volunteer stories
Mike’s story
I found befriending very rewarding.
Hifsah’s story
I like supporting people in my community.
Rebecca’s story
“I started volunteering with Bradford District and Craven Mind in April 2022. I wanted to volunteer as a befriender as I know the value of having someone to talk to. This can make such a difference to someone who could be feeling isolated because of their mental health. It’s important to break the stigma of mental health and people feeling they need to hide away, as talking to someone or just knowing someone is there can help so much.”
“On our first call, my befriendee and I discovered we had quite a few things in common – we liked the same sports and just got on from the get-go, we do get on very well which is really nice. I think I’ve learnt a lot from the person I’m matched with, and I think hearing their story has made me look at certain things in a different way as well. I know what it is like to be alone and I can understand the value of having someone telephone or arranging to meet up for a coffee.”
Some people may not get to see or speak to many people or even anyone at all for days at a time, so for them to know someone will be contacting them, wanting to talk to and meet up with them can make a huge difference.
“For them to know someone has an interest in them for no other reason than friendship, for them to talk to, or for them to just listen to someone else talk for an hour or so a week can help that person’s confidence, self-belief and just all-round wellbeing.”
Oliver’s story
“I have been volunteering for seven months now. I wanted to be a part of the team for this important charity that focuses on mental health and wellbeing, and, for a psychology graduate like myself, it’s been a valuable experience.”
The thing I enjoy most about volunteering is talking with clients – making them feel valued, cared for and understood is my reward.
“Community Companions is an important service that enables me to use counselling skills and psychological approaches to improve clients’ mental wellbeing.”
