| Our Service |
Hunter New England Mental Health is part of the Hunter New England Local Health District, providing a broad range of mental health services across both inpatient and community settings. Our care spans the spectrum—from prevention and early intervention to treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.
Established around 2001, the HNE Mental Health Volunteer Service plays a valued role in enhancing the experience of consumers, carers, families, and staff.
On this site, you’ll find everything you need to know about our volunteer programs and how to get involved. If a role interests you and you meet the requirements, we invite you to apply online.
| We want you! |
We are seeking volunteers who have empathy, a non-judgemental attitude towards mental health challenges, and who share our CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.
Volunteers include people who want to make a positive difference to the lives of consumers, carers, staff and the broader service. We welcome volunteers from all life stages, backgrounds and value diversity within our service.
Our staff and consumers (patients) rely on volunteers, so we need you to be reliable and commit for a minimum of 3 hours per week or fortnight, over a minimum period of 6-12 months.
| 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:
We will help you meet these requirements and complete the paperwork.
Once your application form has been received, we will contact you to organise a "meet and greet" in which we can discuss roles and assess your suitability for volunteering in HNE Mental Health.
There will be no financial cost to you when undertaking any of these checks or training.
| Need help? |
If you require assistance with your application or have any questions, please contact:
Erin Daley, Volunteer Manager on 0439 840 994 or Erin.Daley@health.nsw.gov.au
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
Q: Do you have designated roles for individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges?
A: While we acknowledge and value the lived experience of mental health challenges that individuals bring, we do not have specific roles designated solely for individuals with lived experience. Our volunteer opportunities are open to all individuals who meet the necessary requirements and are passionate about supporting mental health. We do not offer "volunteer peer work".
Q: Through volunteering with HNE Mental Health, can I count my hours towards an educational placement for a qualification I am completing (eg Peer Work, Counselling, Psychology etc)?
A: Unfortunately, we do not offer or support educational placements for volunteers.
Q: Is there a minimum time commitment for volunteering?
A: Yes. While time commitments can vary depending on the role, we generally ask volunteers to commit to a regular schedule to help provide consistent and reliable support. As places in our volunteer program are limited, we usually ask for a minimum of 3 hours per week or fortnight, over a period of at least 6 to 12 months. Specific details will be discussed during orientation.
Shifts available
Are you passionate about style, organisation, and making a difference in the lives of others? We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help restart our clothing pool at the Mater Mental Health Centre in Waratah. This initiative supports our consumers by providing access to clothing and essentials, ensuring they feel dignified and empowered during their stay.
Key Tasks:
Skills and Experience Required:
For this role, we are looking for volunteers who have:
Shifts Available:
Weekdays, times and days flexible and can be negotiated with the volunteer manager.
Help our volunteers manage a small library and run a book trolley service for consumers of our acute inpatient units at the Mater Mental Health Centre in Waratah.
Key Tasks
Shifts Available
A Collaborative Project between HNEMH Peer Workforce, HNEMH Volunteer Service, HNEMH Lived Experience Participation Unit and the Mater Mental Health Centre
Since 2020, Hunter New England Mental Health facilitated an initiative to distribute cards of kindness and hope to people who were spending the December holiday season in mental health units. We know that for many people this time is particularly challenging. This initiative is inspired by the US project ‘The Letters from No One’ and is commonly facilitated by people with lived experience of mental health challenges and their allies.
In 2023, around 300 cards were decorated, written and distributed across our mental health facilities in the District.
We would love your support to roll out this project again in 2024!
Workshops will be held in the November/December period with dates and times yet to be confirmed.
Become a Communications and History Volunteer with Hunter New England Mental Health! Use your research and communication skills to document our service's history and create engaging content for our Stronger Together newsletter. Collaborate on mental health awareness events, crafting impactful resources and displays. Help preserve our legacy and promote mental health awareness while gaining valuable experience and making a difference in our community.
Key Tasks
Shifts Available
Weekdays, flexible timing. Minimum commitment of 3 hours per week or fortnight over at least a 6-12 month period.
Join Our Nexus Connect Volunteer Program
Are you passionate about supporting young people? We are looking for compassionate volunteers to join our Nexus Connect Volunteer Program at the Nexus, Child and Adolescent Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit at John Hunter campus.
Key Tasks:
Shifts Available:
Weekly commitment preferred
Skills Needed:
Become a part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Apply today!
