Has your organisation experienced a rise in volunteers from other sectors as a result of the recession? Join in the discussion where members are debating the greater diversity of volunteers' backgrounds as a result of the recession and whether they will stay or go once it's over. What do you think will happen?
Both trends in volunteering and the professionalism of volunteering are likely to impact on mental health service providers. A large proportion of service providers afford mental health service users and others with opportunities to volunteer and support service users securing volunteering: significant number of service providers rely on volunteers to support their services, for example gardening, eco-therapy, student placements in counselling services, lunch clubs, outings, etc.
Providers could see a considerable rise in the number of service users seeking to return to work or enter the workplace through volunteering. Changes in public spending levels and any resultant pressure on funding may also lead to providers wishing to make more use of volunteers. As anti stigma works leads to a positive impact it is likely mental health service providers may be able to attract volunteers from a larger pool.
It might be worth reviewing how support is given to people especially around one off or short term volunteering. Thinking about supporting those people with fluctuating needs in volunteering may also be useful.
Reviewing how your organisation attracts and retains volunteers is likely to be essential, as is reviewing risk management regularly.
Natalie
Third Sector ForesightHas your organisation experienced a rise in volunteers from other sectors as a result of the recession? Join in the discussion where members are debating the greater diversity of volunteers' backgrounds as a result of the recession and whether they will stay or go once it's over. What do you think will happen?
Tessa
Both trends in volunteering and the professionalism of volunteering are likely to impact on mental health service providers. A large proportion of service providers afford mental health service users and others with opportunities to volunteer and support service users securing volunteering: significant number of service providers rely on volunteers to support their services, for example gardening, eco-therapy, student placements in counselling services, lunch clubs, outings, etc.
Providers could see a considerable rise in the number of service users seeking to return to work or enter the workplace through volunteering. Changes in public spending levels and any resultant pressure on funding may also lead to providers wishing to make more use of volunteers. As anti stigma works leads to a positive impact it is likely mental health service providers may be able to attract volunteers from a larger pool.
It might be worth reviewing how support is given to people especially around one off or short term volunteering. Thinking about supporting those people with fluctuating needs in volunteering may also be useful.
Reviewing how your organisation attracts and retains volunteers is likely to be essential, as is reviewing risk management regularly.