Elevate the human experience in our acute inpatient units at the Mater Mental Health Centre, by managing a small library and connecting with our consumers (i.e. patients) through our Book Trolley service.

Key Tasks

• Being proactive in sourcing ongoing donations of books and magazines
• Take in and organise donations for the library, including screening for appropriate content.
• Management of the library.
• Setup the Book Trolley and take it around to the units in the Mater Mental Health Centre.
• Engage in positive connections with consumers in our units and assist them in selecting books, magazines or activity sheets.
• Ensure safe storage of the trolley and books, and wipe down in accordance with infection control guidelines

Skills and experience required

We are seeking volunteers who have empathy, a non-judgemental attitude towards mental health challenges, and who share our CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.

Volunteers include people who want to make a positive difference to the lives of consumers, carers, staff and the broader service. We welcome volunteers from all life stages, backgrounds and value diversity within our service.

For this role, we are looking for volunteers who are:

• Able to walk long distances in the hospital with the Book Trolley and be standing for around 2-3 hours
• Friendly with good communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to relate calmly to people experiencing mental health challenges
• Ability to work independently and under own initiative
• Good organisational skills

Shifts Available

Weekdays from 1pm to 4pm (2 volunteers per shift)

More about Hunter New England Mental Health

Hunter New England Mental Health is part of the Hunter New England Health District. We deliver a range of mental health inpatient services and community mental health care, from prevention and early intervention to treatment, rehabilitation and continuing care.

The HNE Mental Health Volunteer Service was established in around 2001. Volunteers are involved with HNE Mental Health in many different roles across the District.

Why volunteer with us?

• Help us build a strong and resilient community - healthy people, now and into the future
• Invest your time with meaning and purpose and improve your wellbeing
• Become part of an essential and valuable asset to NSW public health
• Improve your perception of mental health challenges and help break down stigma
• Develop your communication skills and confidence
• Gain experience in a mental health service, including networking with professional staff
• Obtain a reference after a qualifying period

Other things you need to know…

It is important you’re aware of the NSW Health mandatory requirements for volunteers. Prior to commencing with us as a volunteer, you will need to:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Undergo a National Police Check and for some roles, a Working with Children Check.
• Comply with NSW Health vaccination and health screening requirements.
• Agree to the NSW Health Code of Conduct.
• Complete mandatory orientation and training.
• Agree to comply with NSW Health policies and procedures.

We will help you meet these requirements and complete the paperwork.

Once your application has been received, we will contact you to organise a "meet and greet" in which we can discuss roles and assess your suitability for volunteering in HNE Mental Health.

There will be no financial cost to you when undertaking any of these checks or training.