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Volunteer with Us!
Interested in Volunteering
NAMI Lowcountry is mostly volunteer-run, and we rely on community support to keep our free programs and events going! At NAMI Lowcountry, we aim to make a lasting impact in the Lowcountry community and beyond. Our initiatives and activities are designed to catalyze true transformation. But above all, passion is at the heart and soul of everything that we do. Learn more about our opportunities.
It’s time to make a difference in 2024!
Support Group Leaders Needed
Your story can help others find comfort and healing!
We are seeking those who have a heart to help others. We offer very flexible options for groups and available times.
LEAD A SUPPORT GROUP.
What Is a NAMI Support Group?
A free, confidential, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (such as anxiety, depression, PTSD) or adults who are family members or caregivers of individuals living with mental illness. Groups provide insight into the challenges and successes of others facing similar circumstances. Groups are led by trained leaders who have had lived experiences. Groups are held in-person and zoom at various days/times.
NAMI Support Groups are peer-led support groups
As a facilitator, you will follow NAMI’s structured model to ensure everyone in the group has an opportunity to be heard and get support and ensure a safe space for support group members to gain hope and insight from the challenges and successes of people facing similar experiences. Our groups help others discover their inner strength and empower themselves through empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community in a non-judgmental space. Each Support group is 90 minutes. We ask volunteers to facilitate one group once a week, twice a month or once a month, depending on your availability.
To Facilitate any of our Support Groups:
If you are interested in becoming a facilitator for one of our Support Groups, you must meet the following requirements: We ask that all facilitators have access to a computer and have basic computer skills. We also ask that all facilitators attend a 2-day free training course (may be offered online or in-person). A facilitator must commit to co-facilitating a support group for at least one year. They must also attend a group two times within the year before attending training.
Requirements to become a Family Support Group Facilitator:
A facilitator for Family Support Group must have provided or currently provide care and support for a loved one with a mental health condition: a family member, friend, or significant other.
Requirements to become a Connection Support Group Facilitator:
This is a peer support group for adults with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, eating disorders, PTSD, etc. Each Support group is 90 minutes. You must identify as an individual living with a mental health condition in recovery and attend our training. You also must attend at least two Connection Support Groups prior to the training.
TEACH AN EDUCATION COURSE.
Teach a Family-to-Family Class:
Teach an 8-session educational program for family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions. You will use this evidenced-based program to empower people to become better advocates for their loved ones and increase their coping skills. NAMI provides all materials. We ask volunteers to teach one class per year. Guide participants as they learn about: •How to solve problems and communicate effectively •Taking care of yourself and managing your stress •Supporting your loved one with compassion •Finding and using local supports and services •Information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain •How to handle a crisis Commitment: Teachers usually commit to 2-3 hours/week for an 8-week period. Requirements- You need to be a family member or caregiver of an adult living with a mental health condition. You must be trained before teaching this class and need to have completed the course prior to training.
Teach a Peer-to-Peer Class:
Teach an eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. NAMI provides all materials. We ask volunteers to teach one class per year. You will guide participants as they learn about: •Developing confidence for making decisions •Practicing relaxation and stress reduction tools •Strengthening relationships •Enhancing communication skills •Learning about mental health treatment options Commitment- Teachers usually commit to 2-3 hours/week for an 8-week period. Requirements: You need to identify as someone living with a mental health condition who is living in recovery. You must be trained and need to have completed the Peer-to-Peer course prior to training.
Teach a NAMI Basics Course:
This is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers, and other family who provide care for youth aged twenty-two or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The program provides education concerning diagnosis and symptoms, as well as school issues and support. NAMI Basics is currently being offered online right now, but we are hoping to offer it in person again soon! Learn more at NAMI Basics | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Commitment- Teachers usually commit 2 hours per week for a total of 6 weeks per year. Requirements- You need to be a family member or caregiver of an individual living with a mental health condition who developed the symptoms of mental health issues prior to the age of thirteen. You must be trained and need to complete this course before training. For Class instructors: An instructor must attend the class before attending training (if one is offered online or within a 50-mile radius). They must teach a class at least once a year. NAMI Family to Family Instructor - A teacher must have provided or currently provide care and support for an adult loved one, 23 or over, with a mental health condition: a family member, friend, or significant other. NAMI Peer to Peer Instructor - A teacher must be an adult with a mental health condition and have personal experience managing their own mental health.
SHARE YOUR STORY AS A PRESENTER.
Give an In Our Own Voice Presentation:
As a presenter, you educate people about mental health conditions to change attitudes, assumptions, and ideas. These are free, 40-to-60-minute presentations where you provide a personal perspective and talk openly with others about it is like to have a mental health condition. Help others gain deeper understanding of their mental health conditions by dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions. Requirements: This opportunity is only for adults living with mental illness in recovery and you must attend our training.
OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER.
Events
NAMI Walks is our largest fundraising event of the year. All funds raised allow us to provide education, support, advocacy, and information to those with a mental health condition, their families, friends, and the community for free. Volunteering with NAMI Walks could include helping us with set up, handing out water, signing in participants, handing out t-shirts and clean up. Fashion & Fire is our fashion show held with local boutiques at a local venue. This year’s event was a huge success, thanks to our sponsors and volunteers. We need help with greeting, signing guests in, selling raffles, and helping with boutiques and models.
Outreach
Volunteers help to table events at the local Farmer’s Market, volunteer fairs and other outreach opportunities to educate our community and further our mission.
Office Assistance
We can always use help with writing thank you notes, donor correspondence, inventory management, office cleaning and much more!
If you have any questions or would like to get involved with NAMI Lowcountry, please email or complete this form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Get Involved. Stay Involved.
You will be visiting NAMI.org, enjoy your visit, and we will be awaiting your return.
