Northern Health Volunteers

Support Recovery Through Connection, Compassion and Respect

Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can offer another person is your time.

The Forensic Mental Health Service at James Nash House is seeking compassionate, reliable volunteers who are committed to supporting people on their recovery journey within a secure mental health environment.

Working alongside experienced forensic mental health professionals, volunteers help create meaningful opportunities for social connection, learning and wellbeing. Through respectful engagement and participation in recreational, educational and cultural activities, volunteers contribute to a recovery-focused environment where every person is treated with dignity and respect.

Volunteering with the Forensic Mental Health Service offers the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing complex mental health challenges.
• Support recovery, inclusion and personal wellbeing through positive human connection.
• Work alongside a professional, multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Develop valuable communication, interpersonal and mental health awareness skills.
• Gain insight into a unique area of healthcare while giving back to your community.
• Experience the personal reward of helping others build confidence, connection and hope.

Working under the guidance and support of forensic mental health staff, volunteers may:

• Build positive, respectful relationships with patients through conversation and shared activities.
• Encourage and support participation in leisure, recreational and educational programs.
• Help promote social engagement and meaningful daily activities.
• Support patients' spiritual and cultural wellbeing where appropriate.
• Communicate regularly with staff regarding activities and patient engagement.
• Provide a verbal handover at the end of each volunteer session.
• Complete written summaries of patient participation or progress when requested by staff.

Volunteers are an important part of the broader care team, helping to create a supportive and recovery-focused environment while always working within the scope of the volunteer role.

We're Looking For People Who Are:

• Compassionate, respectful and genuinely interested in supporting people with complex mental health needs.
• Patient, empathetic and non-judgemental.
• Reliable, trustworthy and honest.
• Excellent communicators with strong listening skills.
• Comfortable working as part of a multidisciplinary team while following staff direction.
• Respectful of confidentiality and committed to maintaining professional boundaries.
• Able to relate to people from diverse cultural, religious and social backgrounds.
• Committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone.

Volunteers receive guidance and support to ensure they feel confident in their role. Maintaining professional boundaries is an essential part of volunteering within a secure mental health setting.

Volunteers are expected to:

• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Respect professional boundaries and avoid sharing personal information.
• Refer any concerns or challenging situations to staff.
• Follow all instructions provided by the clinical team.
• Adhere to SA Health's Code of Conduct, Respectful Behaviours Policy and Workplace Health and Safety requirements.

You won't be expected to work independently without support.

Volunteers receive orientation, training and ongoing guidance from experienced forensic mental health staff, ensuring they feel confident, safe and well prepared for their role.

Recovery is built through many small moments—conversation, encouragement, shared experiences and genuine human connection.

As a volunteer at James Nash House, you can help create those moments while supporting people on their journey toward recovery and wellbeing.

If you're compassionate, open-minded and committed to making a positive difference, we'd love to welcome you to our volunteer team.