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Volunteer opportunities

Volunteering is a great way for you to make use of your skills, give back, meet new people and gain valuable experience while supporting the work of Solent Mind. Explore ways to get involved below.

Take on a role within a Solent Mind service

Use your experiences or passion for mental health to help our services deliver the very best information and support. These roles may have set hours each week or month, come with training and might be the first step towards a career at Solent Mind.

Many of our volunteers have a personal interest in mental health and bring with them their knowledge and experience, which is invaluable. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, particularly those who have experience of using mental health services.

Expression of interest

See below for specific vacancies we are currently recruiting for.

If you'd like to express an interest in a role not advertised, please complete our expression of interest form and we can keep your details on file for when something suitable becomes available.

We ask for a minimum commitment of six months for volunteering roles, due to the training and consistency needed. If you cannot commit to this, see the 'events volunteer' section below.

Volunteering Roles:

We publicise all our volunteering roles here. If there is a role you would like to apply for, please complete and return the application form. If there are no role profiles, please check back at a later date to see if there are any current vacancies

VOLUNTEER Retail volunteer (Mayfield Garden Centre, Weston, Southampton)
  • Various 9-4 preferred but would consider part day
  • Mayfield Garden Centre, Weston
  • Ongoing

Volunteer opportunity details:

When: To start as soon as possible, for at least 6 months.

Mayfield Garden Centre prides itself on being supportive and welcoming place for all, with a varied and thriving retail shop attached. This role is key to supporting our daily operation including keeping our shop looking great, providing excellent customer experience and in turn driving profits which we can plough back into our charitable work.

As part of this role we ask you operate the till, handle customer enquiries, greet and assist the customers, stock shelves and ensure our retail space is looking tip top.



How to apply

Email [email protected] for an informal chat and more information or apply using this link: Solent Mind - Volunteering application form

Apply Now
VOLUNTEER Dementia group supporter (Dementia Service - Eastleigh)
  • Wednesday AM 10-12
  • Eastleigh Wellbeing Centre
  • Ongoing

Volunteer Opportunity Details:

This role offers support and help to address a number of issues that a dementia diagnosis can bring, such as social isolation, loneliness and boredom. We run Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups that both people with dementia and their carer can attend.

In this volunteer role you will support in the running of the group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred groups for people living with mild to moderate dementia. This role will cofacilitate in ensuring the smooth running of the group and to support the group facilitator to run the group efficiently.

See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***


See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***

Southampton

Central

Monday

Southampton

East

Monday

Southampton

West

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - Hythe

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - New Milton

Tuesday

Hampshire

Eastleigh

Tuesday

Hampshire

Winchester

Friday

Hampshire

Basingstoke

Wednesday

Hampshire

Alton / Bordon

Tuesday

Hampshire

Andover

Friday

Hampshire

Petersfield

Wednesday

Hampshire

Fareham

Thursday

Hampshire

Gosport

Thursday

Hampshire

Havant

Tuesday

Role description


DBS NOTE TO APPLICANTS - This role requires an Enhanced level of disclosure.

How to apply

For more information, please email:
[email protected]

Apply Now
VOLUNTEER Dementia group supporter (Dementia Service - New Forest)
  • Hythe Tuesday AM 10-12/ New Milton Tuesday PM 13.00-15.00
  • New Forest venues TBC
  • Ongoing

Volunteer Opportunity Details:

This role offers support and help to address a number of issues that a dementia diagnosis can bring, such as social isolation, loneliness and boredom. We run Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups that both people with dementia and their carer can attend.

In this volunteer role you will support in the running of the group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred groups for people living with mild to moderate dementia. This role will cofacilitate in ensuring the smooth running of the group and to support the group facilitator to run the group efficiently.

See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***


See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***

Southampton

Central

Monday

Southampton

East

Monday

Southampton

West

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - Hythe

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - New Milton

Tuesday

Hampshire

Eastleigh

Tuesday

Hampshire

Winchester

Friday

Hampshire

Basingstoke

Wednesday

Hampshire

Alton / Bordon

Tuesday

Hampshire

Andover

Friday

Hampshire

Petersfield

Wednesday

Hampshire

Fareham

Thursday

Hampshire

Gosport

Thursday

Hampshire

Havant

Tuesday

Role description


DBS NOTE TO APPLICANTS - This role requires an Enhanced level of disclosure.

How to apply

For more information, please email:
[email protected]

Apply Now
VOLUNTEER Dementia group supporter (Dementia Service - Winchester)
  • Friday AM 10-12
  • Winchester Wellbeing Centre
  • Ongoing

Volunteer Opportunity Details:

This role offers support and help to address a number of issues that a dementia diagnosis can bring, such as social isolation, loneliness and boredom. We run Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups that both people with dementia and their carer can attend.

In this volunteer role you will support in the running of the group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred groups for people living with mild to moderate dementia. This role will cofacilitate in ensuring the smooth running of the group and to support the group facilitator to run the group efficiently.

See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***


See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***

Southampton

Central

Monday

Southampton

East

Monday

Southampton

West

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - Hythe

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - New Milton

Tuesday

Hampshire

Eastleigh

Tuesday

Hampshire

Winchester

Friday

Hampshire

Basingstoke

Wednesday

Hampshire

Alton / Bordon

Tuesday

Hampshire

Andover

Friday

Hampshire

Petersfield

Wednesday

Hampshire

Fareham

Thursday

Hampshire

Gosport

Thursday

Hampshire

Havant

Tuesday

Role description


DBS NOTE TO APPLICANTS - This role requires an Enhanced level of disclosure.

How to apply

For more information, please email:
[email protected]

Apply Now
VOLUNTEER Dementia group supporter (Dementia Service - Fareham)
  • Thursday AM 10-12
  • Fareham - venue TBC
  • Ongoing

Volunteer Opportunity Details:

This role offers support and help to address a number of issues that a dementia diagnosis can bring, such as social isolation, loneliness and boredom. We run Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups that both people with dementia and their carer can attend.

In this volunteer role you will support in the running of the group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred groups for people living with mild to moderate dementia. This role will cofacilitate in ensuring the smooth running of the group and to support the group facilitator to run the group efficiently.

See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***


See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***

Southampton

Central

Monday

Southampton

East

Monday

Southampton

West

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - Hythe

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - New Milton

Tuesday

Hampshire

Eastleigh

Tuesday

Hampshire

Winchester

Friday

Hampshire

Basingstoke

Wednesday

Hampshire

Alton / Bordon

Tuesday

Hampshire

Andover

Friday

Hampshire

Petersfield

Wednesday

Hampshire

Fareham

Thursday

Hampshire

Gosport

Thursday

Hampshire

Havant

Tuesday

Role description


DBS NOTE TO APPLICANTS - This role requires an Enhanced level of disclosure.

How to apply

For more information, please email:
[email protected]

Apply Now
VOLUNTEER Dementia group supporter (Dementia Service - Gosport)
  • Thursday PM 13.00-15.00
  • Gosport - venue TBC
  • Ongoing

Volunteer Opportunity Details:

This role offers support and help to address a number of issues that a dementia diagnosis can bring, such as social isolation, loneliness and boredom. We run Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups that both people with dementia and their carer can attend.

In this volunteer role you will support in the running of the group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred groups for people living with mild to moderate dementia. This role will cofacilitate in ensuring the smooth running of the group and to support the group facilitator to run the group efficiently.

See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***


See role description for further information.

***Please ensure you add which location you are interested in on your application form***

Southampton

Central

Monday

Southampton

East

Monday

Southampton

West

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - Hythe

Tuesday

Hampshire

New Forest - New Milton

Tuesday

Hampshire

Eastleigh

Tuesday

Hampshire

Winchester

Friday

Hampshire

Basingstoke

Wednesday

Hampshire

Alton / Bordon

Tuesday

Hampshire

Andover

Friday

Hampshire

Petersfield

Wednesday

Hampshire

Fareham

Thursday

Hampshire

Gosport

Thursday

Hampshire

Havant

Tuesday

Role description


DBS NOTE TO APPLICANTS - This role requires an Enhanced level of disclosure.

How to apply

For more information, please email:
[email protected]

Apply Now
EVENT VOLUNTEER Great South Run 18/10/26 (Portsmouth)
  • 9.30-2.30 on Sunday 18th October 2026
  • Southsea, Portsmouth

Event Volunteer opportunity details:

Volunteer and cheer at the Great South Run (Portsmouth) – Sunday 18th October (9.30am – 2.30pm)

We need one off volunteers to cheer, shout and support those raising money for Solent Mind and better mental health support across Hampshire.

Volunteers will be stationed in pairs (you can apply with a friend) at points across the course. When you see one of our runners go past in an iconic blue tshirt we want you to cheer them on to the finish line – banners, flags and bells provided!

We would also like some volunteers to meet and greet runners before the race and be based at the marque after the event to thank them.

Before the race there will be an online briefing, to ensure you are happy with the arrangements and staff will be available on the day.



For more information contact:



How to apply

Apply Now
VOLUNTEER Remind activity group (Dementia Service - Portsmouth)
  • Mondays at 9:30 - 12:00 at St. Swithin's Church, Southsea OR Thursdays at 12:30 - 3pm PM at Cosham Baptist Church 48 Havant Road, Cosham
  • Portsmouth

Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Mondays at 9:30 - 12:00 at St. Swithin's Church, Southsea

OR

Thursdays at 12:30 - 3pm PM at Cosham Baptist Church 48 Havant Road, Cosham

Extra time will be needed initially for training.  We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months due to the training and DBS requirements.  

Remind is a service delivering support to those living with dementia and their carers throughout Portsmouth.

The Remind team offers support and help to address a number of issues that a dementia diagnosis can bring, such as social isolation, loneliness and boredom. 

As a Remind volunteer you will support the Dementia Activities Facilitator to deliver a programme of activities for people with dementia and their carers in large, inactive groups.  Each session is different and provide a range of activities and support which we ask you to be engaged and get involved with.  From stimulating conversations, prompting memories, practical tasks and helping with refreshments these lively groups provide joy and respite to those who attend.

You will be invited for an informal conversation to discuss the role further.

For more information please contact::


DBS NOTE TO APPLICANTS - This role requires an Enhanced level of disclosure.

How to apply

Follow this link to apply via our form:

Apply Now

Other ways to volunteer:

Join us for an event

To celebrate campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week or fundraise for our vital services, we're out and about at events all over Hampshire.

You might come along to help our Fundraising team marshal an event, help wave the rainbow flag at a Pride event, cheer for our runners at a local marathon or paint faces on a charity stall. Share your details with us and you'll be first to know about new opportunities.

Please keep checking this space for new opportunities coming soon. Or email us at [email protected] for more information about our volunteering roles.

Click to express an interest in joining the event volunteer team


Corporate volunteering

Join colleagues for a volunteering day with Solent Mind. Mayfield Garden Centre offers a huge variety of activities including general repairs, decorating, gardening, clearance and more. Be part of our mission, to bring about positive change for people struggling with their mental health through gardening.


Corporate volunteering


Student placements

Solent Mind is really pleased to be able to support student placements which are highly beneficial to our organisation and to the students involved. We work with Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Reading Universities to offer a set number of student placements each year. These placements are agreed and organised directly between the University and Solent Mind.

We have limited capacity to offer placements in other locations but students are very welcome to apply for any of our existing volunteer vacancies. All of our current vacancies are advertised on our website – see above. Please state on your application form what course you are doing and what the requirements of your volunteering might be for example between which dates you can volunteer and how many hours you may need to complete. We will do our best to accommodate you wherever possible.

Click to express an interest in a student placement (not counselling)


Portsmouth placements

We are pleased to say we have a number of rolling placements available from February 2026 in our Portsmouth Team. A full role description can be found here, but we are seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers currently studying or who have completed undergraduate or postgraduate courses in health and social care (including Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Nursing, General Nursing, or Paramedic Science).

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine placement learning with continued volunteering activity beyond study, ensuring continuity of care for service users. Volunteers will play a vital role in delivering lived-experience peer support within the community, supporting Solent Mind’s community lived experience support service. For this role we ask you have lived experience of mental health that you are happy to share.

Open Minds Counselling placements

Our Open Minds counselling service which will have some placement opportunities as part of it.

Are you a qualified counsellor (who has successfully completed a 2 year Level 4 or 2 year Level 4/5 Diploma in Higher Education in any counselling modality) and want to get involved?

We can only accept students with a current fitness to practice.

Or are you a trainee counsellor, who has received your ‘letter of fitness to practice’, and want to the opportunity to achieve your required practice hours?

Please note, we receive a high level of applications for these placements and only contact those shortlisted.  The more information you include in your application, the stronger it is.

We are only accepting applications for placements starting in January 2027 from mid September onwards.  Please check back here for an application form closer to the time.


Lived experience participation

Lived experience participation means involving people with mental health conditions across our work. This is different from volunteering, in that we offer an optional payment for time and travel expenses for lived experience participation, to encourage as wide a variety of people to get involved as possible.

We particularly want to hear from current and former Solent Mind service users. 

Find out more - lived experience participation


Hannah's story

A passionate Psychology student at Southampton Solent University, Hannah has a strong interest in mental health and cognitive wellbeing. Eager to gain hands-on experience, she began volunteering with Solent Mind’s Remind service, supporting individuals living with dementia.

Read more about Hannah's story
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Tina's story

Tina accessed NHS Talking Therapies’ employment service after experiencing stress and burnout at work. She describes the support she received as ‘life-changing’.

Read more about Tina's story
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Cristina's story

With a passion for horticulture and psychology, Cristina leads the gardening group at our Eastleigh wellbeing centre, helping others discover the therapeutic benefits of looking after nature. Her work is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who attend.

Read more about Cristina's story
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