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 cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group (Dementia Service - Southampton Central and East)
Central Tuesday AM 10-12/ East Tuesday PM 13.00-15.00
Central and East Southampton - 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 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) 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***
VOLUNTEER cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group (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 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) 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***
VOLUNTEER cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group (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 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) 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***
VOLUNTEER cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group (Dementia Service - Southampton West)
Wednesday PM 13.00-15.00
West Southampton - 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 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) 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***
VOLUNTEER cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group (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 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) 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***
VOLUNTEER cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group (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 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) 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***
VOLUNTEER cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group (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 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group and to assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) 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***
Approx One day per week (or part) Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. 9-2pm OR 2-9pm. Extra time required at start for mandatory induction and training.
Winchester
Volunteer Opportunity Details:
This role is to be the first point of contact for those accessing our services, providing a friendly welcome, putting them at ease and helping the service run smoothly. Alongside this you will provide essential administration support to the Winchester and counselling teams.
You will be asked to assist with administration of our inboxes and data inputting, but the most important part of the role is providing the welcome and signposting for our services. For full information see the attached role description.
Please note: This role requires two references inline with our safer recruitment policy.
Due to the training we ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months for this volunteering role.
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.
Thursdays 12:30 to 14:30 (additional time required at start for mandatory induction, online training, and role specific training)
Eastleigh
Volunteer Opportunity Details:
To run and co-facilitate a gardening group for our service users within our outdoor space at Eastleigh Wellbeing Centre.
This will include guiding the group in tidying up the space, weeding, general maintenance of the space and caring for the garden. The group may also include potting, planting, upcycling and other more creative mini projects for the group to collaborate on. Ideally we would like someone with a passion for gardening and wellbeing, who would have the creative vision for our garden on a tight budget whilst working with other volunteers.
Please note - It is essential for this role you have some experience and interest in gardening and you mention this as part of your application.
DBS NOTE TO APPLICANTS - This role requires an enhanced level of disclosure.
Thursdays 12:30 to 14:30 (additional time required at start for mandatory induction, online training, and role specific training)
Winchester
Volunteer Opportunity Details:
To run and co-facilitate a gardening group for our service users within our outdoor space at Winchester Wellbeing Centre.
This will include guiding the group in tidying up the space, weeding, general maintenance of the space and caring for the garden. The group may also include potting, planting, upcycling and other more creative mini projects for the group to collaborate on. Ideally we would like someone with a passion for gardening and wellbeing, who would have the creative vision for our garden on a tight budget whilst working with other volunteers.
Please note - It is essential for this role you have some experience and interest in gardening and you mention this as part of your application.
DBS NOTE TO APPLICANTS - This role requires an enhanced level of disclosure.
1 day (4 hours) per week for a minimum of 6 months
Eastleigh wellbeing centre
Volunteer Opportunity Details:
The Admin Volunteer plays an important part in helping the wellbeing team deliver a high‑quality, person‑centred service.
This role provides essential administrative support and helps ensure that people who self‑refer into the service receive a smooth and welcoming first point of contact.
As an Admin Volunteer, you will play an important role in supporting service users as they move from referral to their first appointment with a Senior Wellbeing Advisor.
Your tasks may include contacting service users by phone, email, or speaking with them in person when they visit the Wellbeing Centre. You will provide timely information, answer basic queries, and primarily enter information into our IT systems.
This role is based in Eastleigh Wellbeing Centre, where you will work alongside staff. It is not a lone‑working position.
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.
VOLUNTEER Cafe Assistant weekends (Mayfield Garden Centre, Weston, Southampton)
Saturday or Sunday (10am to 2.30pm)
Southampton
Volunteer Opportunity Details:
Mayfield Garden Centre is a garden centre in Weston, Southampton, based in the old walled kitchen garden at Mayfield Park. Every penny we make from plant and cafe sales is invested back into helping people with mental health issues.
Our newly refurbished cafe offers tea, bean to cup coffee, herbal teas, hot chocolate and a range of cold drinks. Our cafe also offers some really lovely cakes, sandwiches and afternoon tea.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our friendly café team.
Duties will include
Preparing hot and cold drinks
Preparing sandwiches, cakes and hot food
Taking orders and serving customers
· General kitchen duties, cleaning, washing up
Previous experience in a hospitality setting is desirable. We are looking for applicants who are available to volunteer 10am to 2.30pm for a minimum of once a week. In particular we would like to hear from applicants to help us on Saturday and Sunday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tina accessed NHS Talking Therapies’ employment service after experiencing stress and burnout at work. She describes the support she received as ‘life-changing’.
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.