South East and Central Essex Mind Ltd

Registered Charity No. 1148451

Volunteering Opportunity:

Trusts and Foundations Volunteer

About the Service

South East and Central Essex Mind have a track record of over 50 years of delivering quality mental health services to anyone who has mental health problems. With a strong belief in working with stakeholders and partners, we ensure the needs of those experiencing mental issues are met.

We provide supported housing that helps people who have had mental health issues live independently again. We operate a support line and drop-in clinic for anyone who is experiencing difficulties, including relatives and friends who are seeking advice about a loved one. We also have specialised projects which help those with PTSD and Psychological trauma and also a youth counselling project. Alongside these services, we also run counselling and peer support programmes and we are also a provider of mental health training to schools and businesses in our area.

Although affiliated to national Mind, we are an independent organisation with our own constitution and board of directors. We are responsible for funding mental health services in the South East and Central Essex region. Our vision is of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all and that treats everyone experiencing mental health problems fairly, positively and with respect

Volunteer Role Description (brief description of what the role will involve tasks and activities, responsibilities etc.):

The volunteer will assist with each stage of fundraising from grant-making bodies, helping to develop the organisation’s systems and processes, bids and applications and ultimately helping to increase the charity’s income from trusts and institutions.

Duties:

Assisting with:

Prospect research: Researching grant-making bodies, creating briefs on their priorities, updating our database, planning schedule of applications;

Creating and developing existing applications/bids, including copywriting, design, and research

Creating and developing existing budgets and schedules with support and input from SECE Mind teams;

Helping the team with other tasks as required.

Personal Qualities or Skills

Essential:

Superb written and verbal communication skills, including confidence with the English language

Good knowledge of mental health or related field issues, priorities, trends etc.

Proven ability to work independently and manage own workload, motivated and helpful attitude

Evidence of a methodical approach, excellent attention to detail

Proficient with Microsoft packages, including Word and Excel

Share SECE Minds’ vision and mission

Ideal:

Prior experience volunteering or working in a similar organisation or a demonstrable interest in mental health

Experience in a similar role or doing similar tasks, for example copywriting, prospect research, database management;

Understanding of processes and tools involved in project management, and monitoring, evaluation and learning in projects.

Any age restrictions: Over 18 years

Hours: One afternoon a week

What Volunteers Will Gain:

Whereas no formal training is required nor will be provided for the role, SECE Mind will make sure volunteers have the support required to work on their projects and are committed to developing the skills and experiences of volunteers, ensuring the placement is interesting and useful for the volunteer.

Main Point of Contact:

Kristina Stazaker, Development Manager

01702 601123