Volunteer Testimonials

Find out more about volunteering with Vitalise.

“I found myself sitting around and thought I need to do something. Why do I do it? It’s great, you get a lot out of it…..You do get attached to guests and that makes it great.”

Erica has been volunteering with Vitalise since 1997.  She saw a poster whilst a student at Southampton University, and as a student had 3  different volunteering positions.

“I’m a science teacher and have always done voluntary work. I’ve done it because I just enjoy it….You need to treat others as you would like to be treated and I think it is important to give to others.”

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Jordy is 19 and has been volunteering with Vitalise  as a gap student volunteer. He has come to the UK from Ecuador to develop his English and learn about British culture.

“Being a volunteer has helped me think about what I want to do. I haven’t missed home because it has been so much fun and busy. When I leave here I am going to go to America as a voluntary teacher of Spanish….I would recommend Vitalise to my friends at home.”

Find out more about volunteering with Portsmouth Mind. 

Mike is an American working in the UK. Since moving to Portsmouth he has been volunteering for Mind – Portsmouth as a befriender. This is despite having a full-time job.

“Why does an American volunteer support Portsmouth Mind? 1) to give back to society, 2) to help others feel better about life, and 3) to help myself realise life is not about taking, it is about giving to others.” 

Other Volunteers at Mind – Portsmouth have commented:

“I enjoy the variety and challenges of volunteering but always feel supported and able to contact someone if there are any problems.”

“I had personal experience of mental distress myself and feel by volunteering I really do understand and can give something back.”

“Volunteering at Portsmouth Mind has helped me into paid work as I had experience and could get a reference.”

And a client says: “My volunteer doesn’t get paid they see me because they really care.”