Volunteer with MND NSW
MND NSW volunteers have a range of backgrounds and skills, a shared commitment to working with people with motor neurone disease and their families, and a desire to help MND NSW achieve its goals. Their support is vital. It helps us reduce overheads and direct money where it is most needed.
You can make a difference at MND NSW and will benefit from the experience by learning new skills, honing old ones and making new friends. You will get a sense of satisfaction in making a valuable contribution to our work. People choose to volunteer for many different reasons, and hopefully, you will too!
You should be at least 18 years of age unless volunteering with a parent or other adult support person. You will also need flexibility - things don't always go according to plan! You will need to agree to be on time and agree to attend MND NSW volunteer orientation. If you are accepted into the volunteer program, you will receive more specific information about your volunteer assignment and work schedule.
Beyond the personal satisfaction of knowing that you have been instrumental in bringing dignity and quality of life to a person with MND, you will also experience the gratitude of our members and their families as well as the staff of MND NSW. Volunteers also receive a regular newsletter every quarter providing an update on what's happening at MND NSW and other interesting information.
A way to meet new people
What better way to meet new friends? Volunteering connects people - if you're new to the area or just want to expand your friendship circle, considering volunteering with us as a way to get involved in your community.
Our members can use your help
From time to time all of us need a little bit of help. Our members (people with motor neurone disease) need help and assistance in a variety of different ways. If you feel a need to help, then volunteering with MND NSW is a great way to fulfil your desire!
Help researchers find out more about motor neurone disease and help MND NSW continue to provide services to people living with MND
If you are interested in helping bv volunteering to raise funds for MND research and services, you are also helping our members. Funds raised are used to find out more about MND causes and effects and to help run MND NSW services, such FlexEquip, our service that helps people with MND get access to equipment, and education programs for members, carers and health professionals.
Gain Recognition
MND NSW provides Certificates of Volunteer Participation to our volunteers. Some achievement awards, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, require participants to engage in community service. Being part of a volunteering organisation makes getting that requirement a whole lot easier!
A Great Career Move
More and more, employers are looking to community service to be the distinguishing factor among applicants. Putting your volunteering experience on your resume shows commitment, experience in the field and a willingness to go the extra mile in order to finish a job.
Volunteering also offers a range of opportunities for people who are unemployed to maintain existing skills and to develop new ones. Some ways that volunteering can benefit people who are unemployed include:
- increasing self esteem and self-confidence
- providing an opportunity to participate in new activities
- developing new contacts - networking
- exposure to job opportunities as they arise
- opportunity to help others in need
- to work in the area that suits your interests and skills
- the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
This is a difficult question to answer. Yes, there are certainly times when you will feel sadness, helplessness and even grief. Having said that though, most of our volunteers tell us that the joy of being part of bringing quality and dignity to another person's life, and the immense privilege of being a part of another persons MND journey adds a dimension to their volunteer experience that cannot be measured. We provide all of our volunteers with training and support and will be there with you to celebrate the highs and support you during the harder times.
If you are interested in being an MND NSW volunteer, let us know by completing the form on this page or you can call our Supporter Team ph. 02 8877 0999 to talk about applying.
Yes, MND NSW conducts a Criminal Records Check on all our volunteers. Many people already have police checks for other positions and question if they need to have another one. All our volunteers need a new Criminal Records Check which MND NSW will pay for.
We have some volunteers who come into the MND NSW Centre at Gladesville every week but just as we ask you to be flexible. We also agree to be flexible and will tailor your role to fit around your availability. Regardless of whether you have lots of time or very limited time to volunteer, we would love to hear from you.
Any expense that you incur on behalf of MND NSW will be reimbursed. Any travel costs will need to be approved prior to incurring the cost. We wouldn't normally cover the cost of your travel from home to the place of volunteering; however we will cover travel costs if, for example, you were transporting a member to and from an appointment. All costs will need to be discussed and approved prior to the cost being incurred.
No, you don't need any formal qualifications - just a willingness to be involved and to learn.
At MND NSW we encourage families and couples to volunteer together, however this may not always be possible for every role. We will endeavor to find a role that matches your requirements.
Yes you can, however you will also need to:
- have lived in Australia for a minimum of twelve months
- have a valid Australian visa
- have excellent oral and written English language skills
- provide two Australian professional and two Australian personal referees.
Would you like to become an Ambassador for the MND Association of NSW and raise awareness in your local community?
MND NSW now has a number of inspirational speakers who are available to present talks to schools, service clubs, fundraising groups or any interested party to help inform the community of the work of Motor Neurone Disease NSW.
If you are interested in participating in this program MND NSW will provide you with an Ambassador Kit; containing up to date information about MND, Mission of the Organisation, history and funding information, and provide you with training and support.
For further details on MND NSW Ambassador Program you can register your interest on the form below
MND NSW members live right across NSW, as well as in ACT and the NT, so we are seeking volunteers for many areas.
Yes, all of our volunteers are covered by our comprehensive Volunteer Accident and Injury Insurance policy, a copy of which can be obtained at the time of your interview.