Spotlight on DVVA’s Mental Wealth Academy
What target groups do you help?
People with lived experience of mental health issues.
And how do the volunteers help?
The Mental Wealth Academy our a group of experts by experience, people with lived experience of mental health issues, who are working together with professionals to develop and deliver peer led mental health research and training. Volunteers will deliver this training to both employers and employees across Dundee with the aim of using their knowledge, skills and talents to highlight the importance of supporting employee mental health and improve the wellbeing of people in Dundee.
What volunteer roles do you have, and do you have any areas you wish to get more volunteer involvement?
We currently have two working groups made up of 12 volunteers – a developing training and a research group. The groups meet together as a whole to update on progress at our monthly steering group meeting. We are not currently recruiting new volunteers but expect to in the future and would encourage anyone who is interested in the Mental Wealth Academy to get in touch as we will be in contact as we make plans to expand the group.
What skills & experience are required to volunteer with you?
As a group we acknowledge that everyone has their own unique experiences to bring to the group, and so we are seeking people who have experience of mental health issues, long enough established that they understand the ups and downs of their own problems and want to use their skills to have a positive impact on others. No particular skills are required, and volunteers will be supported to learn new skills through their involvement in the Mental Wealth Academy.
What training can the volunteer expect?
Volunteers will be able to complete their Adult Achievement Award through the Mental Wealth Academy. Volunteers will also be able to complete train the trainer and delivering training to groups courses to prepare them to deliver their own training. Volunteers will also have opportunities to complete other courses about different mental health issues for example suicide prevention training.
