MindWise operates a volunteer programme designed to empower and engage those with mental health issues (and those without) to develop their skills and knowledge, improve their confidence and social skills, support others, and improve their employment prospects whilst adding value to the delivery of MindWise services and those provided by other voluntary organisations.

ACTIVE 8

Is a five year programme financed by the Big Lottery Fund which is open to anyone over the age of 18 to participate in (the programme has a emphasis of recruiting 80% of participants who have mental health issues and 20% who do not). Volunteers can take part in one or more of the 8 elements of the programme which are: Self Management Programme, Carers Recovery Programme, Life Skills, Volunteering In-house, Volunteering Externally, Group Facilitation, Committee Representation and Media Volunteering. The programme offers a range of free training across all 8 elements and also promotes social integration and relationship building through its series of annual ‘away day’ activities. Volunteers are reimbursed for all ‘out of pocket’ expenses and to date Active 8 volunteers have made a significant impact in terms of adding value to MindWise services in areas such as shop volunteering, volunteer tutors, media volunteering and fundraising volunteers.