We have many activities, events, programs and projects focused on supporting people living with mood disorders and their families. We wouldn't be able to provide all the support we do without our incredible volunteers.
As a volunteer with Hope + Me - Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO), you have the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and be involved in purposeful, meaningful work.
Volunteers receive a complimentary membership to Hope + Me - MDAO. Volunteers also receive initial and ongoing training by a team of generous, supportive and accepting individuals. Volunteers learn more about mood disorders, treatments and coping skills and have the opportunity to build skills in areas such as telephone and computer work, interpersonal communications and administrative work. Volunteers also have opportunities to provide leadership, support, information and resources in groups and programs, telephone and administrative support, and communications work in an office setting.
We offer a number of volunteer opportunities, which will be discussed further during the volunteer application process:
Peer Support
1. Telephone Information and Peer Support (TIPS) Volunteer
The Telephone Information and Peer Support Line volunteer has two key roles, providing general reception for the Hope + Me - MDAO Toronto office and providing information and peer support through the provincial Warm-Line. Volunteers greet visitors, transfer calls to appropriate staff, answer general email inquiries (designated volunteer), and assist with the members borrowing library. Through the Warm Line role volunteers provide a listening ear and support regardless of diagnostic criteria and information about Hope+Me - MDAO programs and other resources as requested. Various office support duties may be assigned as necessary, including but not limited to photocopying, preparation for meetings, filing, etc.
2. Group Facilitators
Group facilitators coordinate and facilitate peer support groups in various regions of Ontario. Facilitators welcome participants and explain group format and expectations, create a peer space that is inclusive of varied cultural, gender, and psychiatric identities by meeting participants “where they are at” and draws on personal and community knowledge of diverse peer experience beyond diagnostic criteria or use of mental health services. The role requires some basic data collection and administration as well as training and networking opportunities. Completion of Peer Support Training is required to become a group facilitator.
Community Engagement
1. Community Engagement Committee
Members of the Community Engagement Committee (CEC) are responsible for developing new and engaging display material, interactive and engaging activities and creative ways of representing the organization within the community. The committee also facilitates the preparation and execution of community events. This includes conducting research on upcoming events, making note of, and selecting from resources available, developing new materials when appropriate, scheduling CEC members to attend the various events, and providing relevant feedback based on the success and learning opportunities of the events being attended.
2. Peer Talk Volunteer
Participants in the program speak from their personal, lived experiences with mental illnesses, or from their experience of supporting someone with a mental illness. The Peer Talk speakers bureau meets twice monthly and meetings will provide opportunities for members to:
- Present both impromput and prepared speeches
- Learn how to plan and manage meetings
- Give and receive constructive feedback
- Participate in a comprehensive, self-paced education program
- Work with fellow club members within a friendly, supportive, engaging and inspiring environment
- Gain greater self-confidence by managing a dynamic array of tasks and responsibilities
Administration
The Office Support Volunteer provides a range of support to staff at the Hope + Me - MDAO Toronto Office. Duties may include data collection, program evaluations, desktop publishing, maintaining databases, creating and editing documents and brochures, photocopying, filing. In addition, the Office Support Volunteer may be asked to:
- Administer program evaluations or research questionnaires as necessary
- Adhere to guidelines established in the Policy & Procedure Manual, including the reporting of any violations.
- Use discretion at all times to ensure the good reputation of Hope + Me - MDAO
To apply to be a volunteer please click here to complete the online application.
For volunteer inquiries and challenges with the volunteer application, please reach out QV at quangvum@mooddisorders.ca
