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Volunteer

Help us build a caring community. Volunteer for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Volunteers are people who donate their time to help out and make a difference in their community. Give the gift of yourself, your time, your effort, and discover the benefits of volunteering.

As mental, social and behavioural health problems increase throughout our society, help is needed now more than ever. Come and grow with us as we work for Ontario’s mental health.

If you’ve ever wondered about the value of supporting CMHA, consider these facts:

1 in 5 people in Ontario will experience a mental health problem during their lifetime
1 in 8 Canadians will have a condition serious enough to receive hospital care
Canada’s suicide rate of children and youth under 21 is among the highest in the world

For more information, see About Mental Health.

Our vision at CMHA is "mentally healthy people in a healthy society." Find out more about our Mission, Vision and Values.

Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering

Who can become a volunteer?

Adults and teens, students, working professionals, homemakers, retirees, the unemployed preparing to return to the workplace, and anyone interested in mental health issues. Anyone can volunteer.

Why be a volunteer?

Volunteering is an opportunity to

Meet new people
Put your skills to good use
Learn new skills
Make a difference
Add valuable experience to your resumé
Help your recovery

What kind of volunteer work does CMHA offer?

You can help us in

Fundraising
Special events
Office support
Research and library work
Public education
Board and committee work

How much time is required?

It’s up to you. Some volunteers donate a few hours each week or each month. Some volunteer for specific projects at select times during the year. The amount of time needed has a lot to do with the kind of volunteer work you choose.

How do I volunteer for CMHA?

Contact your local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. For locations and contact information, see Local Branches.

Related Resources

More Information about Volunteering

Consumer Participation on Boards
Voices of Experience: Consumer and Family Involvement in the Mental Health System, Network, Fall 2006
Obligations as Managers of Volunteers: Police Checks and Workplace Accommodations
Communication Strategies for Managers and Volunteer Coordinators in the Workplace

Links

Imagine Canada: Imagine Canada helps charities and non-profit organizations fulfill their missions; champions corporate citizenship and helps businesses partner in the community; and helps Canadians and their governments understand how the work of charities, non-profit organizations and community-minded businesses is important to our country and its future.
Ontario Network of the Canada Volunteerism Initiative: Information and resources for Ontario volunteers. This initiative ended in January 2007.
Nonprofitscan.ca: An information resource for non-profit organizations.
Values Added: A nationwide initiative to promote the value of the Canadian non-profit and voluntary sector.