About the project

The Supported Volunteering Project, funded by Big Lottery Community Fund, supports people who may have experienced mental ill health into volunteering.

The aim of the project is to give volunteers one to one support to increase confidence and reduce isolation, to highlight skills and experience and help identify the type of volunteering they might wish to do.

“I had no idea that when I started volunteering it could lead into a job. My supervisor saw qualities in me that I didn’t know I had and helped me develop more skills. It gave me the confidence to apply for jobs and then I got one!”

Benefits to Members

Increase your confidence
Reduce Isolation
Connect with others
Become part of something
Add structure to your day

Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering in Southend on Sea can help our community thrive and create pride and joy in our town. And it’s good for you, too! Part of being a great volunteer is loving what you’re doing. Finding something that you’re passionate about, that inspires you, then using it to help your community. There are dozens of reasons to volunteer – you just need to find the ones which feel right for you!

Reasons to volunteer:

  • develop new skills
  • make new friends
  • career booster
  • give back to a cause you believe in
  • feel involved
  • impress yourself
  • help others
  • it’s fun
  • it’s good for your health

One to One Support

Supported Volunteering helps you to find the most suitable volunteering opportunities for you. We will support you through the whole process to make sure you are comfortable.

People volunteer for lots of individual reasons and we understand that.

Bitesize Volunteering

Not sure about volunteering or can’t commit to regular days?

Join one of our small groups and get a taste of volunteering for a few hours while helping a local charity. Whether it’s beach cleaning, picking up litter in the park or helping at an event, our project co-ordinator can help you get involved.

Coffee Group

A chance to meet new people, chat about volunteering and find out what’s going on in Southend for people looking to improve their mental well-being.

Contact the Supported Volunteering Team on 01702 356 021, or send us an email.

Proudly Sponsored by

The National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund, legally named the Big Lottery Fund, is a non-departmental public body responsible for distributing funds raised by the National Lottery for “good causes”. Since 2004 it has awarded over £6 billion to more than 130,000 projects in the UK.