Volunteer in a Mental Health Organisation in South Africa

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Ongoing

Description: Atlantic Volunteers is a registered non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, that strives to support local organisations through the work of volunteers who come from the global community. It is our belief that volunteer work does not only support the organisations we work with, but serves to enrich the lives of volunteers themselves. Working in community-based and non-profit organisations in South Africa provides volunteer with an opportunity of a lifetime to experience a different country, a unique culture, and another way of life, all while developing the skills needed to succeed in school or in the workplace.

Volunteer programmes are completely customised to the volunteer, meaning you may start at any point in the year provided registration is completed well in advance of the programme start date. After completion of a one-day seminar in preparation for living and working in South Africa, volunteers are accompanied to their organisation and introduced to the staff and supervisor. Atlantic Volunteers is then in touch with the volunteer regularly throughout their programme, and volunteers have the opportunity to attend monthly volunteer gatherings to share their experiences and meet other volunteers.

Atlantic Volunteers works with a variety of partner organisations in the Greater Cape Town Metropolis and surrounding areas. Below are examples of how volunteers support our partner organisations with regards to mental health:

- Facilitate computer classes or help clients search for jobs at a community-based rehabilitation centre for people with psychiatric disabilities.
- Promote the healing of survivors of violence and torture through individual and group sessions at a human rights organisation.
- Field calls, facilitate groups, and provide administrative support for an organisation preventing sexual violence and empowering survivors.

Cost in US$: R5700 (660) for volunteers, R7200 (840) for interns

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are 18 years of age or older, are planning to volunteer for six weeks or more, have a working knowledge of English, and are passionate about making a meaningful contribution to the South African community, we invite you to apply to volunteer with Atlantic Volunteers.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Atlantic Volunteers's Mission Statement: Established in 2005, Atlantic Volunteers is a registered non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, that strives to support local organisations through the work of volunteers who come from the global community.

The primary mission of Atlantic Volunteers is to provide assistance to community-based and non-profit organisations in the Greater Cape Town Metropolis and surrounding areas that heavily rely on volunteers and/or do not normally have access to volunteers. All of our partner organisations do important work, such as supporting children who are orphans, training community health workers, assisting victims of sexual abuse, and building homes for those most in need.

Atlantic Volunteers believes community-based and non-profit organisations are essential to the development and sustainable growth of a community. If you are seeking an opportunity to make a difference to a community through dedication, an open-mind, and innovative ideas, we invite you to apply to volunteer with Atlantic Volunteers.

Year Founded: 2005