See Change, Ireland’s organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma, has opened applications for volunteers to share their lived experiences of mental health difficulties to help reduce stigma and discrimination.

See Change, is looking to expand its diverse team of 50+ volunteer Ambassadors to include more people from the LGBTQ+ community.

What is a See Change Ambassador?

See Change Ambassadors share their experiences of living with a mental health difficulty to challenge the stigma and discrimination that people with mental health difficulties face on a daily basis. There are a variety of ways that Ambassadors can share their stories, including through media interviews, public speaking in workplaces or at panel discussions, and article writing. All Ambassadors will receive training provided by See Change, such as induction training, public speaking and media training.

See Change Ambassadors play a key role in spreading awareness and debunking some of the myths and misconceptions that many people living with a mental health difficulty experience, which is vital to help reduce mental health stigma, shame and discrimination. To read personal stories from See Change Ambassadors, click here, or listen to the See Change Session with Alittlegail podcast on Spotify.

What current See Change Ambassadors say about the role:

“See Change has taught me to embrace who I am as a whole person and helped me break down the difficulties relating to my own self stigma by sharing my own lived experience of mental health and Self Identity. Loving ourselves and owning our truths is the bravest thing we will ever do.” – Dave Casey

“Experiencing toxic masculinity helped reinforce my self-stigma around my own sexuality. Through my community and drag I found the strength to truly find myself. Don’t be afraid to speak out and be you!” – Michael Verrecchia/Carrie Deway

Who should apply?

If you are from the LGBTQ+ community and are passionate about ending mental health stigma and discrimination, you should consider applying for this role. See Change asks that those who apply should be comfortable with sharing their experience of living with a mental health difficulty and are currently in a position of recovery and managing their wellbeing. Due to the nature of the role, good communication skills are essential.

How do I apply?

To find out more information about the role or to apply to become one of See Change’s mental health volunteers, email [email protected]. Successful applicants will be called for an interview. The closing date for all applications is March 27, 2022.

Where can I find out more about See Change?

See Change is funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Office of Suicide Prevention (NOSP), who help to ensure the continued running of the See Change projects, research and campaigns – including the Green Ribbon campaign. See Change is a project of Shine, alongside Headline, Ireland’s national programme for responsible reporting and representation of mental ill health and suicide. Shine is a national organisation that provides information and support for people affected by mental health difficulties and their families.

For more information about See Change, visit www.seechange.ie