What do media volunteers do?
Our media volunteers are people with lived experience of mental health problems who share their stories in the news – including on TV, radio, podcasts, online and in newspapers.
There are lots of different ways to get involved. You might:
- Talk about your mental health on the radio or TV
- Do an interview with a journalist for a newspaper or magazine
- Share a quote for a press release
- Help TV producers to write accurate storylines about mental health
Whatever it may be, volunteers are supported by Mind’s media team every step of the way.
“Becoming a media volunteer for Mind has enabled me to turn a debilitating mental illness into an opportunity to stand up for myself and those around me. I've become stronger, braver and more confident than I ever thought possible.”
Jenny
How to become a media volunteer
Benefits of being a media volunteer
Our media volunteers told us they’ve:
- Felt like they’re making a difference and helping others
- Found it’s helped them to process their experiences
- Built their self-confidence
- Learnt new skills, like public speaking
- Added the role to their CVs, college or university applications
“I’ve never felt more fulfilled than when media volunteering. It’s helped me come to terms with my experiences and it’s given me a greater sense of purpose. I seriously can’t recommend it enough.”
Dan
What you might do as a media volunteer
Below are some types of media opportunities you might do, and what they usually involve.
Journalists reporting on mental health often want to interview someone with lived experience. This is where our media volunteers come in. Their voices help bring stories to life.
Some journalists do interviews over the phone or on video calls, and they'll quote parts of your conversation in their story. They might want to include a photo of you too. Other journalists might want to meet in person, like in a studio or a park.
The questions they'll ask depend on the topic and your story. We’ll let you know what they might ask before the interview. And we'll support you every step of the way.
“It was powerful to raise awareness together on camera, as a mother-daughter duo. The support we received from the Mind media team was phenomenal. Both they and the production team were so friendly, which made us feel at ease from the get-go. ”
Sandeep and her mum, Harkiran, shared their experiences in a BBC interview. Check out the interview.
A press release is a short news story that’s sent to the media. It helps us to highlight new research or a campaign from Mind.
Including the voices of media volunteers in press releases helps us make sure people with lived experience are at the heart of our stories.
Quotes will usually include your name, age and location.
“I hoped speaking out would help others to see there’s no shame in struggling and that support is available. The media team were so helpful and supportive. They took the time to explain the opportunity to me, what it would involve and answered all the questions I had.”
Emily shared her experiences about the cost of living in a press release. Read the press release.
Mind’s Media Advisory Service helps soaps and dramas to create accurate storylines about mental health.
We hold workshops with script writers, actors, and producers, giving advice on how to sensitively portray characters with mental health problems.
Media volunteers might go to these workshops to share their personal experiences. You might also give feedback on storylines.
"I helped with a storyline that featured a character experiencing psychosis. It was hugely rewarding to know that the character's portrayal would be more accurate thanks to my insight. One of the key benefits of volunteering with Mind is the fact you can make a real difference to how mental health is portrayed in the media."
Dan helped to shape a storyline in BBC Radio 4's show, The Archers. Read how he did it.
Preparing for a media interview
Once you've signed up to be a volunteer, you might want to check out our tips for how to prepare for a media interview. These tips came from media volunteers Emily and Haleem, as well as Mind's media team.
Media organisations we've worked with
Here are just some of the media outlets our volunteers have shared their stories with.
Our supporter promise
We're Mind. And we only exist because of the fantastic support of people like you.
We want you to know that we value your support, whether that's through taking action, giving up your time, being a member, fundraising, making a gift in your will, supporting our shops or donating.
We're committed to treating you with respect and openness, so we've made a promise to you.
