Volunteering Opportunities in UK for Psychology Students

1. Mental Health Volunteering

  • Mind: A leading mental health charity in the UK offering volunteering roles in helplines, peer support groups, and fundraising.
  • Samaritans: Volunteers can provide emotional support over the phone or face-to-face, helping people in emotional distress.
  • Rethink Mental Illness: Offers a range of volunteering roles where you can support people affected by mental illness through advocacy, peer support, and social activities.
  • The Mental Health Foundation: Volunteers can engage in activities promoting mental health awareness, education, and research.

2. Research Volunteering

  • Psychology Research Studies (University Labs): Many universities in the UK have ongoing psychology research projects that seek volunteers for studies. Participating can help you gain insight into research methods and contribute to important studies.
    • Check university psychology departments for research assistant opportunities.
  • The British Psychological Society (BPS): The BPS often has opportunities for volunteering in various research projects, as well as networking with professionals in the field.

3. Youth and Children’s Support

  • YoungMinds: A charity focused on children’s mental health, offering opportunities to volunteer with young people, run campaigns, and raise awareness.
  • Barnardo’s: Volunteers work with children and families, supporting them with emotional and behavioral challenges.
  • The Children’s Society: Volunteers can help support vulnerable children and young people in various ways, from advocacy to direct support in mental health services.

4. Counseling & Support Roles

  • Cruse Bereavement Support: Volunteers provide emotional support to those grieving the loss of a loved one.
  • Relate: Volunteer to provide relationship counseling and support for individuals and couples.

5. Crisis and Helpline Support

  • Crisis Text Line UK: Volunteers can become trained crisis counselors, offering support to individuals going through mental health crises via text.
  • The Trussell Trust: Volunteers work in food banks and support clients who are in need of immediate relief, often interacting with individuals experiencing various mental health challenges.
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