Volunteering at PANDA

PANDA emerged from the vision of a small group of women and their families, giving their time to provide support to others who were experiencing perinatal mental health issues.  PANDA continues to rely on the dedication and work of volunteers to contribute to the valuable support and information services we provide.

PANDA recruits volunteers who have experienced, or supported others who have experienced perinatal depression or anxiety.  The lived experience means that volunteers are able to offer peer support.

At the moment PANDA is only able to accept volunteers who liv e in Victoria because we can only provide the training and support for volunteers who can attend our office.   There may be opportunities in the future for people from interstate to volunteer with PANDA.

Information Sessions are run throughout the year.  Registration is by application only.  To talk to a Volunteer Coordinator please call PANDA.

 

 

Why volunteer with PANDA?

Volunteering means that you are giving your time and skills/knowledge without financial payment.  However, volunteering does provide other benefits for volunteers.  Volunteers with PANDA can expect to gain or receive:

• Comprehensive  orientation training
• Opportunities for ongoing education and skill development
• Ongoing support
• Experience in a work environment
• Networking opportunities
• Personal development
• Satisfaction and rewards from meaningful volunteer work
• Enhanced self confidence
• Experience working within a team atmosphere

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do volunteers do at PANDA?

There are three principal volunteer roles at PANDA.  They are:

• Telephone Support Worker – This role requires the volunteer to attend at PANDA’s Fitzroy office to receive calls to the National Helpline.  Volunteers will provide support, information and referrals for families, and health professionals.
• Homestart Volunteer – Volunteers will be ‘matched’ to a family, and visit them to provide support, practical assistance and mentoring.
• Public Speaking Volunteer – Volunteers attend community meetings or health professional seminars to share their personal story about perinatal depression / anxiety.

Each volunteer role at PANDA has a role description which provides details of the position requirements. This ensures that:

• The aims and objectives of the position are  clearly documented
• The rights and  safety of volunteers are  protected
• Volunteers understand the expectations of the specific role.

Please click on the Role Description links above for a copy of the role description. This will open in a new window.

 

 

 

 

 

What does PANDA expect from volunteers?

In addition to the requirements of the role description, volunteers are expected to:

• Participate in orientation training
• Attend on-going professional development sessions/meetings when available
• Commit to a minimum of 12 months  active volunteering
• Attend regular shifts:

Telephone Support Workers – a weekly 3 hour shift

HomeStart Volunteers – a weekly 2-3 hour home visit

• Adhere to the procedures and practices of PANDA.
• Adhere to the confidentiality and privacy agreement is also essential.
• Undertake a National Police Check – arranged by PANDA
• HomeStart volunteers undertake a Working With Children Check.
• Assist at expo’s and community events when available

We encourage you to consider your availability when thinking about volunteering for PANDA.

It is important that prospective volunteers have recovered before they commence volunteering.

There may be challenges associated with the volunteer roles and the well-being of volunteers must be nurtured for both the volunteer and the effective delivery of the service.

 

 

How do I apply to volunteer with PANDA?

The expectations for each role are different, however the selection process for all roles requires:

• Attendance at an information session.  Once your application has been received and acknowledged you will receive an invitation to the next information session.
• Attendance at an interview
• Completion of referee checks
• Attendance and participation in orientation training.  Orientation training is delivered over 8 weeks, 3 hours each week.  The day of the week varies each term to provide a chance to attend if you have regular commitments on specific days.

Successful completion of each stage is necessary before volunteer applicants will be offered a position.

 

or Download a Volunteer Application Form (opens in a new window).