Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of expecting and new parents across Australia?
We are currently seeking volunteers in Melbourne who have experienced emotional or mental health difficulties during the perinatal period to support PANDA’s National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline.
Volunteers with a lived experience of struggling in some way during the perinatal period play an important role in PANDA’s National Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Helpline. They help the caller to feel understood and accepted because they themselves have been through something similar.
The PANDA National Helpline provides telephone counselling, risk assessment and support for families across Australia, with part of the service staffed by peer support volunteers. In addition to the work they do on the phones, our volunteers also conduct research into community services and provide referral information and factsheets to our callers via email.
Volunteers take part in an eight week training program before they begin their weekly three hour shift on the phones (10am-1pm or 1:30pm-4:30pm).They are provided with intensive ongoing support through their supervisor as they carry out the important work of the Helpline.
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression are common and serious mental health concerns. Left untreated, the impact can be devastating for individuals, infant and the family unit. If you want to make a difference and have experienced your own challenges in the transition to becoming a parent, we would love to hear from you.
Please be sure you have read through:
1. Knowing if you're ready to volunteer on PANDA's National Helpline
2. National Helpline Peer Support Volunteer Training
3. Peer Support Volunteer Position Description
You are welcome to call TSW Volunteer Coordinator on 03 9926 9090 with any questions or to discuss readiness issues.
Once we receive your application we will make contact with you. If you meet the selection criteria, we will arrange an interview which will take place via phone and/or in person. If you are successful we will conduct referee checks and offer you a place in our next training program.