Training

Training depends on the volunteer role. You can find out more about the training provided for each role here:

Services volunteers (email, helpline and Support Forum) - recruitment, selection and training is a comprehensive process. You don’t need any prior experience in mental health, although any personal or other life experience you have may be helpful. You will get ongoing support as well as initial training.

• Introductory sessions are held monthly: to find out more about the role, training and commitment.
• Selection Days are held about every six weeks for those who successfully pass the application stage.
• Training takes place over 2 Wednesday evenings and a consecutive Friday, Saturday and Sunday, for those who are selected.

Training is designed to be developmental; you progress through a series of increasingly challenging training situations. The initial focus is on helping you get in touch with your feelings, and with who you are, as it is through understanding yourself that you can best support others. 

Training includes group and individual exercises, didactic teaching, role play, self-reflection and mindfulness. Homework exercises, and sessions with mental health professionals, as well as input from service users and carers, increase your awareness of mental health issues and the mental health system.

The journey to becoming a fully trained volunteer is outlined in Becoming a SANE Services volunteer.

SID (database) volunteers – you will get full training and ongoing support from Pete, our SID Officer.

Office volunteers – you may not need any specific training; however you will get full support from the staff with whom you are working.

Volunteer service user/carer – you won’t need any specific training for this role, as you’ll be using your own experience. However, you will get full support to ensure that you feel comfortable in fulfilling this role.

For more information about training or any aspect of volunteering for SANE, contact Rohima Begum.
T: 020 7742 5539  E: volunteer@sane.org.uk