Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do at TTP. Your time and commitment make it possible for us to empower, support, and increase resilience and well-being in our communities.
Our dream was to connect volunteers like you, who are passionate about entering caring professions and eager to make a difference, with organisations that desperately need your helping hands and hearts.
Our volunteers are trained as support group facilitators. They run art-based support groups in different settings in the community- on their own or in teams.
Why volunteer for us?
- You’ll receive training, guidance, and mentorship
- Have the opportunity to get hands-on experience working in the community
- Learn from your fellow volunteers
- Grow as a person and a future mental health professional
- You’re provided with all the supplies and art materials you’ll need
How does the volunteering process work?
Application
Check to see if our applications are currently open for Pretoria/Johannesburg. The need for volunteers fluctuates all the time- so don’t worry.
You will be placed on a waitlist if we do not currently need volunteers in your area.
Screening
Prospective volunteers are invited to be screened by our board members (check out our team) in virtual interviews. You will also need to submit a police clearance report.
Training
Once a volunteer is approved, they can immediately begin their training process. Training happens online through pre-recorded sessions, with a quiz for each unit and live role-play sessions with your mentors. The training is free of charge.
Probation
After a volunteer completes training, they begin their probation if one of the sites suits their schedule*. Their first 2-3 sessions are conducted with their mentors to ensure they have appropriate guidance.
Volunteering
Once volunteers have satisfactorily finished their probation, they can begin running their group after being matched with a suitable site.
What do we look for in a volunteer?
-Have their own transport (or can cover the costs of their own transportation)
-Come from a humanitarian-based background (studies in psychology/law/social work etc.)
-Are in their final year of undergraduate studies / studying towards or have completed a postgraduate degree (optional, but encouraged)
-Are emotionally mature
-Are patient and empathetic
-Are good communicators
-Are culturally competent and aware
-Willing to sign on for a year-term contract
-Willing to volunteer weekly
-Have an existing volunteer experience (optional, but encouraged)
-Have existing counselling skills or training (optional, but encouraged)
FAQ
What sites are available?
While we try to accommodate volunteers’ preferences for settings/age groups and their schedules, we cannot guarantee that we can find a suitable match for you.
*Being invited for an interview and completing training does not guarantee being placed with a community as we are bound by our partner organisations’ schedules.
Does this training qualify me to be a counsellor/psychologist/art therapist?
NO. This training does not lead to any qualification, certification or registration with the HPCSA. It is practice and skill-based training and only intended to help you facilitate our art-based support groups. We do however provide reference letters and referee reports for volunteers who meet the necessary requirements to help them on their journey.
What does the program cost?
No cost. The training and program are free, however, volunteers are expected to cover their own travel costs.