Your voice matters! The Mental Wealth Academy is looking to recruit Volunteers for our Youth Communications Steering Group. No prior experience needed, just a willingness to explore mental health topics from a young person’s perspective, learning as you go along.
Who is it for?
We are seeking 16-25-year-olds with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds, who are interested in raising awareness of mental health topics and starting conversations through social media campaigning.
We encourage anyone who has experienced mental health challenges to apply. Last year, 51% of the young people we supported through the Mental Wealth Academy identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Representation matters and we encourage anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ to apply, as well as young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
What will I learn?
As a Youth Communications Volunteer, you will raise awareness of young people’s mental health through our social media, with the opportunity to attend bi-monthly meetings, either remotely or in person, taking part in group discussions and planning activities.
You will choose the topics and projects that appeal to you, depending on your skills, talents and interests. This is a great opportunity to develop and showcase your digital campaigning and multimedia skills.
What skills do I need?
You might already be a seasoned user of social media and digital production savvy, but no prior experience is needed. We are particularly keen on sharing youth voices via short-form video content on our Instagram and TikTok channels. There are many ways of doing this, whether you want to try appearing in videos yourself or contributing behind the scenes!
Our Youth Communications Volunteers will play a vital role in shaping the Mental Wealth Academy’s online voice by bringing new and important youth perspectives. Throughout, you’ll receive co-production support and the chance to develop and showcase your digital communications and mental health campaigning skills.
What is the time commitment?
You will spend a couple of hours per month creating content in your own time and to a schedule that suits you. You can work independently or as part of a team, depending on group interests.
We would ideally like participants to commit to co-producing two pieces of content per annum, but there is no set upper or lower limit.
Six Steering Group meetings take place each year, on the dates shown below. You can join either remotely or in person at one of our partnership offices. The meetings are an informal exchange of ideas in a safe space designed to encourage your creativity and self-expression.
We appreciate that the timing may coincide with your lunch hour, so feel free to bring your lunch along;
Tuesday 4th October 2022, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Tuesday 29th November 2022, 12.30 – 1.30pm
Tuesday 24th January 2023, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Tuesday 21st March 2023, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Tuesday 16th May 2023, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
““Young people's voices are at the heart of the Mental Wealth Academy. By sharing what mental health means to you, you can open up the conversation and encourage young people to better understand their own mental health. ””
Youth Communications Volunteer
About the Mental Wealth Academy
The Mental Wealth Academy is a partnership offering a programme of non-clinical mental health support for 16-25-year-olds experiencing mild-moderate mental health challenges.
If you’re a young person aged 16-25 experiencing mild-moderate mental health concerns, or a friend or family member looking to refer to us on their behalf, get in touch with the Mental Wealth Academy and find out about the support on offer.
Find out more
To express interest in joining our Youth Communications Steering Group, please email communications@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
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