Volunteering opportunities

I first came across EyUp! as a service user when someone suggested that I should think about volunteering for the charity. I had been receiving treatment for severe depression and anxiety, but I realised that if I was going to get better, I also needed to do something constructive, which would get me meeting and working with people again. In addition, I wanted to give something back to SWYPFT, an organisation which had helped me so much.

EyUp! seemed the perfect fit with my background as a director for a local charity; a job I had loved but had given up due to poor mental health. Using my skills and experience I led a full review of EyUp! and then worked with Trust staff to produce a business plan. I now volunteer on the Operational Group and the Charitable Funds Committee.

It’s been great to see the charity develop and grow. Importantly, although I’m a volunteer, I have an equal voice and I’m able to influence the direction and work of the charity.  It’s made me feel valued, as well as helping me to gain confidence and strength. I have now gone on to volunteer in other roles in the Trust and I’ve become the chair of another charity.

I have really enjoyed volunteering for EyUp!, everyone is very friendly, supportive and works as a team. It is so rewarding to be a part of a forward-thinking charity that does such invaluable work in improving people’s mental health and wellbeing.