About the Role:

Do you have a passion for working with young people and making a meaningful impact in their lives? Hunter New England Mental Health Volunteer Service is seeking dedicated Volunteers to join the Nexus Connect Volunteer Program at Nexus, our Child and Adolescent Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit located at the John Hunter campus. In this role, you’ll help provide supportive companionship and engaging activities for young people receiving care in a sensitive and compassionate environment.

Key Tasks:

• Engagement Activities: Participate in creative and recreational activities that foster connection, fun, and positive interaction with young people.

• Companionship: Provide supportive companionship to young people in the unit, offering a calm, friendly, and empathetic presence.

• Active Listening: Be a good listener and offer a non-judgmental space for young people to talk, while maintaining appropriate volunteer boundaries.

• Encouragement and Motivation: Help motivate and encourage participation in group or individual activities to promote social interaction and emotional wellbeing.

Skills and Experience Required:

We are looking for volunteers who have a strong ability to build rapport with young people, especially those facing mental health challenges. Volunteers must embody our CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect, and Empowerment.

For this role, we are looking for individuals who have:

• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and communicate with young people in a friendly, non-judgmental manner.
• Creativity and Engagement: Enthusiasm for engaging young people in activities that promote creativity, relaxation, and enjoyment.
• Empathy and Understanding: A supportive attitude towards young people facing mental health challenges.
• Patience and Adaptability: Ability to respond to the needs and interests of young people, creating a welcoming and safe environment.
• Commitment: Regular availability to provide consistent and predictable support for the young people in the unit.
• Understanding of Boundaries: Ability to navigate volunteer boundaries with professionalism and care.
• Resilience: Comfortable working in an acute mental health inpatient setting and able to remain calm and grounded in challenging situations.

Shifts Available:

• Wednesdays: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
• Sundays: 2pm - 5pm Commitment to regular weekly availability preferred.

More about Hunter New England Mental Health

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

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 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 guide you through these requirements and cover the costs associated with these checks and training.

Once your application is received, we will arrange a "meet and greet" to discuss the role and assess your suitability for this volunteer opportunity.