It’s a bit of a tricky time to be existing in the world right now. With devastating realities in Afghanistan, South Africa and India, it’s tough not to feel completely helpless.
In Melbourne, we actually have so many incredible organisations with important volunteer opportunities, that it’s good to remember that we can always do our bit to help.
What’s going on around the world right now, continues to highlight how privileged we are in Australia. With so much suffering, there’s never been a more integral time to help out in your community and communities that matter to you, in any way that you can.
With that being said, here are some of the best volunteer opportunities in Melbourne.
Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES)
Volunteering at AMES sees you assisting newly arrived migrants and refugees settle into life in Australia and specifically in Victoria. With so many aspects of new life and new culture to take in, your role could see you teaching English, giving practical help (things like taking public transport, paying bills, helping with taxes) or even helping them to pursue a career.
How to get involved: You can contact AMES via their website and set up an interview with the volunteer coordinator.
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
The way our government treats people seeking asylum is pretty terrible. If you want to put your skills to use and help be a part of the solution, the ASRC are always looking for new volunteers. Volunteers are the main framework of this organisation and there are so many ways you can get involved, whether it’s in food production, sourcing clothes or even working in the health and law departments.
How to get involved: You can head to the ASRC’s website to browse available roles and express your interest for the next volunteer recruitment round.
Mind Australia
Mind is all about mental health, which is a booming issue right now in this pandemic climate. Each year, Mind supports almost 10,000 people who’ve been affected by mental health. You don’t need to have professional expertise to volunteer at Mind. They’re always looking for caring volunteers, to visit those living with mental illness and assist in combating social isolation. If that’s not for you, you can also help out at their gorgeous community garden in Thornbury.
How to get involved: You can download an application form from the Mind Australia website.
CERES
CERES is all about sustainability and living the best life we can for our environment. If you love working in the garden, then this is the perfect place for you to volunteer. Plant your own delish organic produce to share or help out with the maintenance of their massive grounds, near Merri Creek in Brunswick East. The Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies is an award-winning, non-for-profit sustainability centre, where volunteers have the opportunity to come together for community-based learning and share ideas about living well; together.
How to get involved: Register online via the CERES site.
Lost Dogs’ Home
This is a bit of a cute one. Being a volunteer at the Lost Dogs’ Home means changing the lives of thousands of animals that end up without a home, or have come from an abusive or traumatic past. Not only does this volunteer position require you to constantly shower these gorgeous pets with love, but it also allows you to gain experience in the animal welfare sector, which is in constant need of new industry leaders.
How to get involved: Read more about volunteering by visiting the website.
Melbourne City Mission
Melbourne City Mission provides services for Victorian youths experiencing homelessness and is now the state’s largest provider of homelessness services, in addition to helping other vulnerable demographic groups across the city. Volunteering ops range from helping young people get up their driving hours and achieve their P’s, to being companions to homeless elderly, to address isolation, loneliness and mental health repercussions.
How to get involved: Visit the website to see what opportunities are currently available and to apply.
Switchboard Victoria
Switchboard provides peer-driven support services for LGBTQIA+ people and their families, allies and communities. They’re always looking for volunteers who are peers, which means all volunteers must be LGBTQIA+ or questioning. They also require you to be 18+ to volunteer. A volunteer will see you assisting with Rainbow Door – a specialised hotline for LGBTQIA+ that provides support and assistance free of charge, visiting members of the community who are struggling at home, counselling sessions to support LGBTQIA+ members with specific issues relating to their identity, family issues and sometimes include suicide prevention.
How to get involved: You can register via their website
Get the latest from Thrillist Australia delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe here.