Volunteer

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CMHA Kootenays is a volunteer-driven organization that depends on volunteers like you to help us to develop our vision and provide services. All services provided by the Volunteer Programs are FREE!

Studies show that regular volunteer activity can have a positive effect on mental and physical health. Volunteering with CMHA provides the opportunity to build skills, learn more about mental health and meet new people, while helping build a more caring community. Because of the benefits of volunteering, we especially encourage those personally affected by mental illness to volunteer.

We can use help in many different areas of interest and skill. Some of our volunteer-based programs include:

Volunteers are trained to answer Crisis Line calls. Improve listening skills, provide referrals to community resources, speak to interesting people, and make a difference. Volunteers commit to an initial 40 hours of training and a minimum of one 4 hour shift each week. The volunteer communicates with the program coordinator about their availability.

This program trains volunteers to provide seniors at risk of becoming socially isolated with meaningful one-on-one telephone check-in calls.

The Senior Friendly Visitor program allows for seniors to have social interactions with a volunteer. This program matches trained volunteers with seniors living in the community based on the needs of the clients, skills of the volunteer and common interests.

Volunteers clear snow from pathways for assigned seniors and/or people with physical disabilities. Volunteers are assigned to a residence and are asked to shovel each time that the snow exceeds 1.5 inches.

At this time, we are no longer accepting applications of places to shovel; however, we are accepting volunteers.

Volunteers provide one-to-one assistance to seniors who require help with the tasks of grocery shopping. This program runs Fridays 1-3 pm. Volunteers are matched with a senior and help them to find all of the items listed on their grocery list. Once the shopping is completed, volunteers and shoppers meet at the Spice Hut and have tea/ coffee.

Volunteers registered through the Canada Revenue Agency will complete simple income tax returns for those who meet the program criteria. Criteria to be met is:

This is a seasonal program that runs from the end of February to end of April. If volunteers are willing, we may be able to process all year.

Through our Volunteer Kootenays program, we connect volunteers with a variety of opportunities with organizations across the Kootenays, including CMHA.