Volunteering somewhere?

[Marilynj28]

Hi all!

i have a quick question and am looking for some suggestions!

im working right now on my pre-reqs to apply to school for my Bachelors in Psych Nursing program (we have that here in Canada)

but one of the things they look for is hours of volunteering in places that kind of are along the same line dealing with mental health.....

but my problem is i cant think of any places that would actually take volunteers in those kind of settings.

I know most of you are from the states, but even just a broad suggestion of what i can check out might help me! Thanks in advanced!! :)

Marilynj

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

First, if there are psych institutions around, see if they'll accept volunteers. Same thing for psych units at your local hospital. Also try local LTC or nursing homes--most of them have Alzheimers/cognitively impaired patient units.

Also contact your local department of health (or whatever you call the Canadian equivalent) to see if they offer psych/mental health services in your area and if they need volunteers for any of the programs.

Just keep in mind that because of liability reasons, what you'll be able to do as a volunteer will probably be limited.

[gewmac]

Hey

In the states, Buffalo , New York, there is a program called Compeer. Here is the link

Using the healing power of friendship to change lives...

It involves becoming a mentor/friend to someone who has a mental health diagnosis. It is not direct care, but would allow you to cite experience with people who have a mental health diagnosis. In my area, the local organization holds social events and other get togethers.

Perhaps Canada has a similar program.

GMac