Some of us manage volunteers ‘at the coalface’, others work as ‘second tier’ co-ordinators, developing national volunteer programmes with little or no day-to-day contact with volunteers, still others act as volunteer ‘brokers’-volunteer bureau staff, bridge builders or support staff who match volunteers to external placements in the community. Whatever our role, we are no more immune to the influences, biases and sources of misinformation surrounding mental illness than any other member of the general public.
Because of our lack of awareness about the effects of mental illness, we sometimes react to it in predictable ways, some of which are listed here:
Fear
It’s human nature to fear the unknown. In addition, if something is portrayed as terrifying, dangerous and unpredictable, regardless of how factually true the portrayal may be, we’re still afraid. Very few people are willing to ‘come out’ about their illness so we have very few examples of the positive ways people successfully cope with mental illness in their daily life. What we have instead are cultural stereotypes of madness: in the movies, on TV, in newspapers. Is it any wonder many of us are too scared to consider working with people with experience of mental illness? Hardly. Is it any excuse for not involving people? Absolutely not.
What to do
Most of us could benefit from a healthy dose of reality and a bit of myth-busting. Contact a branch of Mind or a local mental health support group and ask them if they can deliver some mental health awareness training. Ask a service user to come and talk about what it’s really like to live with mental illness.
AM Training, in association with Volunteering England delivers ‘Mental Health Awareness for Volunteer Managers’ and SANELINE can design training to fit specific purposes.
Discomfort
Many disabilities are uncomfortable reminders of our own vulnerability to accidents, ageing and illness. Issues around working and supporting people experiencing mental ill health can be especially uncomfortable for many people. We know so little about its causes and because of its devastating effects on families, work and life circumstances, we don’t like to think how it might affect us. And we often alienate people because of our discomfort.
What to do
The best way to lessen the effects of people’s discomfort is through education and information. Direct exposure training, awareness raising and a pro-active, open approach to discussing uncomfortable issues will go a long way towards alleviating any discomfort.
Assumptions
Too often we base our behaviour on assumptions about things we know little or nothing about. There are a few ‘classic’ attitudes people often hold in relation to people with experience of mental illness highlighted below.
What to do
Don’t assume. As the joke goes: ‘assume’ only makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’. Talk to people and ask open, direct questions to get a full picture of how you can make the best of your volunteer’s time and effort. Be aware that circumstances change over time. Regular re-evaluation and feedback will keep the relationship strong and effective and as the volunteer develops in confidence he or she will develop in ability, another benefit to the organisation.
