The WSLHD Cumberland Hospital Westmead conducts Hearings under the NSW Mental Health Act (2007). The Hearing is to focus on the adult inpatient's progress. Families are invited to attend the Hearings.

Our volunteer program recognises the value of family support & the relative's contribution to an adult's wellbeing. The volunteer role is to support the family, to work with our staff involved in Hearings and liaise with the volunteer facilitator.

The Mental Health Service supports this program, firstly by processing volunteer paperwork to register you as a NSW Health Contingent Worker with WSLHD. During an interview with you, we talk in detail about the program, answer your questions, allowing you to decide if the program suits you. Support and training is provided. including a program of 5 weekly sessions of safe & practical training. A new volunteer is required to complete online mandatory training modules and participate in an Orientation session with other new volunteers.

Benefits:

*Volunteers tell us the role fulfills a desire to help others in a field which interests them.

*Volunteers share a common purpose which aids their learning, provides mutual support.

*Volunteers enjoy working in pairs which recognises our duty to practice in a safe setting.

*We all share a desire to address stigma in mental health and disability, which our volunteers understand.

*While waiting with volunteers before the Hearing, families feel able to share their living experience as a mental health carer.