For the organisation spotlight this week, we would like to highlight Mind. Our relationship with Mind spans many years, not just with the volunteering team but Mind also work closely with many of the other Teesside University Student Support Services.

Mind are the leading mental health charity in Teesside, working with over 10,000 people in Teesside annually. Since 1985 they have been helping people to take care of their mental health, believing that everyone has the right to enjoy good mental health and have access to the best possible care and services.

Mind are a firm believer that volunteering is a great way to help others, learn new skills and connect with like-minded people. Volunteers are a key part of the team and Mind work hard to ensure that all volunteers have an enjoyable and rewarding experience whilst with them. It goes without saying how incredibly proud we were to award them with the “Organisation of the Year Award” in one of our previous Volun-cheers award ceremonies.

Why not look at the Appropriate Adult Volunteer opportunity on the volun-tees platform. Mind are looking for volunteers to act as an appropriate adult for people with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities and other vulnerabilities who are being detained in police custody.

Current and past volunteers have really highlighted how Mind have fully supported them throughout. The key areas in development have been anywhere from communication skills, planning, learning about maintaining professional boundaries, confidence, empathy and improved listening skills.

Did you know, every year one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. Could you be that volunteer to help, listen, support, advise, to never judge? A truly rewarding opportunity that with it, develops so many transferable skills that will last a lifetime.

Teesside Mind Middlesbrough and Stockton

If you would like to know more or how to apply for the volunteering opportunities, please contact volunteering@tees.ac.uk.