Family Resource Centre Placement for volunteers at CAMH

The Family Resource Centre is a unique volunteer driven program made up of special people who have or have had a loved one with primarily a mental health issue or concurrent mental health and addiction issue. The volunteers in this program understand what it means to love and/or care for someone who is experiencing a mental health and/or addiction issue. Volunteers in this program appreciate that families are often the primary support to their loved one. They recognize how important it is for family members/care givers to get support so that they are in a better position to help their loved one.

Volunteers in The Family Resource Centre have experience in accessing the often overwhelming and complicated mental health system. They share knowledge they acquired while making the emotional and stressful journey of caring for someone with a mental health issue. They offer printed material on CAMH and community services and have a lending library.

Volunteers need to have:

experience as a family member or loved one of someone with mental health and/or addiction issues
a strong belief in the importance of family as a resource for their loved ones
a commitment to nurturing the strengths of family members
empathy for people whose lives have been touched by mental health and/or addiction issues
solid boundaries and judgment
self-awareness
the ability to work independently

Volunteers come in for one three-hour shift per week when they may answer telephone calls or meet with family members in person in the Family Resource Centre office. Volunteers also share the responsibility of checking and responding to voice mail messages throughout the week.