Outside the Box

The experience of people in West Dunbartonshire and in other places is that becoming a volunteer is often good for people’s well-being and is an important part of their recovery. But if there is unwelcome pressure or tensions, these activities can be unhelpful. People in West Dunbartonshire have tried to build in steps to enable people to get the positive benefits, and wanted to check that these individual volunteers were getting the support they needed.

The Consumer Interest Group, which brings together members of the Mental Health Forums, NHS staff and local authority staff, decided to consult with the volunteers about their support needs. They asked Outside the Box to carry out this project for them. The members of the Consumer Interest Group gave advice on the planning and completion of the project.

The aims of this project were to

• describe the roles and tasks people are undertaking, what the good aspects of these are, for the people taking part, and any concerns or difficulties they face

• establish what support needs they have, in their volunteering roles or in other aspects of their lives, which affect their health and well-being

• suggest ways in which these support needs can be met.

A report on the project is due to be published on the 10th of October 2007, along with a summary and a set of checklists which people can use.

Isobel Plunkett
West Dunbartonshire Council