Introduction

Welcome to the Beyond Blue community! We’re so happy to have you join us as an Event Volunteer.

Before you can start helping out, you need to complete this quick volunteer induction. It'll only take about 10 minutes, and once you're done, you'll be able to apply for volunteer roles.

Beyond Blue would like to acknowledge Volunteering Australia, the national peak body for volunteering, for providing best practice policies and guidelines. Many of these have been included in our volunteer induction program.

Welcome message from Beyond Blue’s CEO Georgie Harman

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” This is one of my favourite quotes. Recent times have reminded us of the importance of connection, kindness and compassion.

Since the year 2000, Beyond Blue has been providing information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health and to prevent suicide, whatever their age and wherever they live.

We want to make sure that every person in Australia has the tools and understanding to take care of their mental wellbeing.

In Australia, almost a third of people will experience an anxiety condition in their lifetime, and one in seven people will experience depression in their lifetime. Sadly, every day in Australia, nine people take their own lives.

We work with community to improve mental health and make it easier for people to feel better earlier, get well and stay well.

Volunteering at Beyond Blue

At Beyond Blue, we believe in connecting with our community and making a positive impact on mental health. That’s why we participate in a variety of events and activities that allow us to start important conversations, reduce stigma and discrimination, and let people know that we're here to support them.

Our Event Volunteers play a crucial role in helping us make a difference at these events. Whether it's chatting with the community about mental health, handing out information resources, or assisting with setup and pack down, there's a volunteer role for everyone. 

There are no set days or hours, so volunteering with us can fit alongside work, family or study commitments.

We participate in a variety of events, such as sporting events, community gatherings, festivals and expos. We prioritise events that connect with the diversity of Australia’s population, such as those in rural and remote areas, reaching First Nations communities, multicultural communities and the LGBTIQ+ community.

Why volunteer with Beyond Blue?

Volunteering with Beyond Blue is a wonderful opportunity to build awareness about mental health and break down the stigma surrounding it. 

Not only will you be helping to support those who may be struggling with anxiety and/or depression, you'll also be doing something positive for your own mental wellbeing. Studies show that volunteering can make people feel more connected to others and give them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

Our Beyond Blue volunteers feel proud and fulfilled as they use their skills to make a difference in the community. Many volunteers have shared with us that they feel a deep sense of satisfaction after participating in an event.

How do I apply to volunteer at an event?

You can find opportunities coming up near you by checking out the Volunteering Opportunities page on the website. We’ll also email you when we have volunteer opportunities near you.

If you find an opportunity that interests you, you can register via the website. The Volunteers Team will be in touch to confirm your role!

What happens prior to an event?

About a week out from the event, you will receive an event brief via email with all the important details, like what to bring, what to wear, transport options, and your roles and responsibilities. You may also be invited to an optional virtual briefing with the Volunteers Team to say hi and ask any questions you may have.

What happens on the day?

You’ll arrive at the event, sign in and meet the Events and Volunteers team and other volunteers joining us for the day. We’ll run a short briefing to ensure you are comfortable and you’ll receive a Beyond Blue volunteer t-shirt to change into for your shift.

What happens after the event?

Other perks of the Event Volunteer Program 

• Take on a leadership role by becoming a Team Leader and help us plan events in your community.

• Share your thoughts and help us improve our program by giving us feedback through surveys.

• Enjoy access to additional volunteering opportunities through our Speakers and Blue Voices Programs.

As an Event Volunteer, you can expect to have various interactions with the public, from a smile and a nod or a quick acknowledgement of Beyond Blue’s work to more in-depth conversations about mental health.

Occasionally a community member might approach you in an emotional or distressed state. They may have a personal experience of a mental health condition, or they may have a friend of family member they are concerned about. You are welcome to engage in conversations around mental health if you are comfortable. 

If you feel the conversations is escalating and going beyond what you are comfortable with, we encourage you to let the person know you are volunteering with Beyond Blue and that you are not a trained professional. You can direct the person to a Beyond Blue team member onsite, or let them know about the free Beyond Blue Support Service. 

While this only occurs occasionally, we prepare volunteers for these and other situations by providing training and a copy of our pocket guide ‘Volunteer guide to engaging with the public’. 

We encourage our volunteers to listen with empathy but avoid giving out advice to community members. There will always be a Team Leader or Beyond Blue staff member available to help with these difficult conversations and to debrief with you afterwards.

Media 

We often attend events where there is local media on site. You may be approached by a journalist, reporter or a media outlet who might ask you to make a comment about the event or on the topic of mental health. We ask that you please do not make any comments to the media whilst onsite at an event. Please refer the enquiry to the Beyond Blue team member on site.

Social Media 

Volunteers are welcome to have their own opinions and share them on political and social issues. However, it's important to remember that when speaking publicly, these views should not be confused with the official position of Beyond Blue.

Feedback

We want to make sure our volunteers are enjoying their role as an Event Volunteer. That's why we'll be asking for feedback through regular check-ins and surveys. 

By hearing from you, we'll be able to understand what you enjoy about representing us at events, if you're feeling supported and happy in your volunteer role, and if there's anything we can do to make your experience even better. 

Age

Event Volunteers must be aged 16 years and over. Volunteers aged between 16 and 18 years of age must provide written consent from a parent or guardian.

As an organisation that values and strives to be inclusive, we want everyone to feel welcome and included in our volunteer program. 

We encourage people from all backgrounds to participate, including those with lived/living experience of a mental health condition or community members with a lived/living experience of disability. If you require any adjustment to enable you to participate in our volunteer program, please let us know.

Additionally, we understand the importance of cultural and religious sensitivity and strive to provide volunteer roles that are inclusive and respectful of all backgrounds. 

So, if you feel more comfortable in a particular volunteer role, please let us know. We’ll ensure you’re in a role that suits you best and makes you feel at ease.

We follow the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement set by Volunteering Australia, to ensure that we recruit and manage our volunteers in the best possible way. We also make sure to protect and promote the rights of our volunteers as outlined in Volunteering Australia's Statement of Volunteer Rights. 

As a volunteer, you have the right to:  

• Work in a healthy and safe environment 

• Have a job description and agreed volunteering hours

• Be provided with orientation to beyond blue via an induction 

• Be provided with sufficient training to fulfil your role

As a volunteer, you have a responsibility to: 

• Make a commitment to your volunteer position. 

• Be punctual and reliable, and notify beyond blue of changes to your availability

• Carry out the duties listed in your volunteer position description 

• Undertake training as requested and ask for support when needed

• Abide by Beyond Blue’s volunteer policy

Beyond Blue has the right to:

• Expect a commitment of promptness, reliability, performance from volunteers.

• Decide as to where the volunteer’s skill can be best utilised.

• Discuss volunteer performance and any need for change.

• Expect clear and open communication.

• Release an unsuitable volunteer should their conduct conflict with their volunteer rights 

You can read the full list of your rights and responsibilities in the Beyond Blue Volunteer Management Procedure.

Beyond Blue’s Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Policy

At Beyond Blue, we value and appreciate the contributions of our volunteers. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, where everyone feels respected and supported and where there is no room for discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation. That's why we make sure that our volunteers are managed and treated fairly and equitably in line with our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy.

All volunteers must familiarize themselves with our EEO Policy here and comply with it, as well as with the laws that regulate discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Our RAP supports us to collaborate and share knowledge, skills and expertise to build strong relationships with First Nations Peoples and communities and assists us to create a culturally safe organisation.  

Read more about Our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Beyond Blue’s Health Safety & Wellbeing Policy

As a volunteer with Beyond Blue, you deserve to feel safe and healthy while you work. Just like our employees, we want to make sure you are taken care of while you're with us. Here are a few things we ask of our volunteers:

• Take care of yourself and your wellbeing while you're volunteering with us.

• Watch out for the safety and health of anyone who may be affected by your actions.

• Work with us to follow all safety regulations and laws.

• Let us know right away if anything happens while you're volunteering. It's important that you report any incidents to your supervisor right away. 

Read the Beyond Blue Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

Screening Checks

At Beyond Blue, we care about the safety and wellbeing of children. That's why we require all our Event Volunteers to obtain a valid Working with Children Check (or equivalent in your state/territory) before participating in an event. If for any reason your background check is cancelled, you must let us know immediately. 

Insurance and security

Beyond Blue's Voluntary Workers Personal Accident applies for volunteers while on duty or on your way to an event or activity. It's a good idea to check with your own insurance company to see if your coverage extends to community volunteer work. 

To keep your personal items safe, we suggest not bringing anything of great value to events. While we'll do our best to keep an eye on things, we can't take responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Grievance

As a volunteer, you have the power to speak up about anything that may be bothering you during your volunteer experience. If you have any concerns or issues, please feel free to talk to our Volunteers Manager. 

Read the Beyond Blue Grievance Policy.

However, if the issue cannot be resolved, you can always reach out to our People and Culture team via email at peopleculture@beyondblue.org.au.