We are committed to ensuring that all of our people (volunteers and staff) are able to maintain and manage their emotional and mental wellbeing. As part of this commitment we:
- Raise awareness of different issues
- Provide information and links to resources
- Hold regular topic-based information and discussion sessions via Zoom
- Provide one to one support
Click into the titles below to learn more about available support, resources and guidance.
General guidance and support
MND Association Volunteer Managers
Your MND Association Volunteer Manager is here to support you in your role and is the first port of call for you to raise any concerns or emerging issues.
For most roles this will be your Area Support Coordinator. They can signpost you to support through the MND Association such as our Mental Health First Aiders, or discuss changes to your volunteering to help you feel better – whether that’s reducing the pressure on you for a short time, taking a break or getting you more involved with something you love doing.
If you are not sure who to speak to, you can find contact details on our Staff Contacts page.
Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs)
We also have a team of MHFA's there to listen and to direct people to other sources of help and support. If you would like to speak to one of the team please let your Area Support Co-ordinator, Regional Fundraiser or Senior Campaigns Adviser know.
Speaking up about concerns
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t bottle it up.
There are several ways in which volunteers can raise an issue or a concern. The first point of call should usually be your volunteer manager such as your Area Support Coordinator, however you can also raise concerns to our volunteering team by emailing [email protected].
If you feel you need to make a formal complaint you do so by visiting our Feedback and Complaints page.
Presentations, meetings, and events
Every so often we put on a themed event via Zoom and invite someone with particular knowledge and expertise to facilitate it. Most of these events relate to wellbeing but some also relate to the wider topic of inclusion.
Financial wellbeing
Concerns about money and the cost of living can be difficult to manage. We have teamed up with the Money and Pension Service (MAPS) and using its Money Helper initiative have created a comprehensive financial wellbeing programme that includes tips, guides, tools and access to one-to-one debt advice.
- Introductory video
- Living on a squeezed income
- Help if you're struggling with bills and payments
- Talking to people or organisations that you owe money to (your creditors)
- One to one debt advice through the Money Adviser Network
Prefer the spoken word? Check out the Money Helper You Tube channel.
The Money Adviser Network is a partnership between Citizens Advice, National Debt Line and Step Change, which at the moment is only available if you live in England. You will need to enter some information and then decide if you want to speak to an adviser now or arrange a call back. If you live in Wales or Northern Ireland you will still be able to find a local debt adviser using the service.
External support
24/7 help - phone and text message lines
Samaritans (UK and Ireland): Call 116 123 – whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.
Shout (UK): Text SHOUT to 85258 to text with a trained volunteer.
Mental health support services local to you
Contact your GP to discuss any concerns over your physical or mental health – they can refer you to a specialist if needed.
It's important that as far as possible we are in good mental health before we are ready to support people living with and affected by MND. Looking after your mental health is not something we should only do if we are struggling, feeling low, anxious, or stressed. Our mental health is something we should prioritise and invest in, just like our physical health.
Explore the resources below to see what you can do to boost your mental wellbeing.
Positive mental health and wellbeing
Useful self-care resources, information, and support
-
MIND – How to improve your mental wellbeing
-
MIND – Complete a Wellness Action Plan to help you and your manager understand what helps you stay well in your role
-
Mental Health Foundation – Looking after your mental health
Join an online peer support group
You could join an online community or peer-support group so you can talk to others about how you feel.
Mindfulness and meditation
Podcasts
The Happy Place podcast is a great source of mindfulness and inspiration.
We particularly love the episode with Bjorn Natthiko Lindeblad. Bjorn shares his reflections from his time living as a forest monk in Thailand.
Helping others
Song and music therapy
If you are unable to find what you are looking for and require further support, please contact [email protected] during working hours (Monday to Friday, 8am until 5pm).