Volunteering within the MMHF Bloke OpShops provides a strategic outcome through the involvement of males, and older males in particular, and their participation as volunteers in the MMHF Blokes OpShops,

The Blokes OpShops are also the public face of the MMHF. It is in these Bloke OpShops Volunteers (and volunteer staff) are expected predominantly to be males. This is most likely but not mandatory because the MMHF op-shops are simply Blokes OpShops selling men’s stuff – and not dresses and glass ware as is the case with most other op-shops where females are the predominant volunteering personnel and clientele.

As such men involved as volunteers in the Blokes OpShop retail outlets will do “worthwhile things” in a social male environment where there is a sense of purpose, and as a volunteer, doing a worthwhile “act of charity”. All of these things are good for men’s mental health and thereby the prevention of suicide.

Find out more by clicking on Volunteers to find out how to Apply to Volunteer Or Request a Copy of the MMHF Volunteer Policy Or Please click on Membership and complete the on-line MMHF Volunteer Application Form Or We can email the MMHF Volunteer Application Form to you if you simply email us anytime on info@mmhf.org.au

Directors decide whether to approve who can be a Volunteer.

An applicant will become a Volunteer when they are entered on the register of Volunteers.

A person immediately stops being a Volunteer if they:

• die;
• are wound up or otherwise dissolved or de-registered;
• resign, by writing to the secretary;
• have not responded within three months to a written request from the secretary that they confirm in writing that they want to remain a Volunteers.

We know that by volunteering you are generously donating your time, skills and efforts. But a volunteer environment is still a workplace, and as such, you have certain responsibilities that must be upheld. And of course, you have rights as well!

The following list is the basis of your rights as a volunteer.

You have the right:

• To work in a healthy and safe environment (refer to your State’s Work Health and Safety Act[s]);
• To be interviewed and employed in accordance with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation;
• To be adequately covered by insurance;
• To be given accurate and truthful information about the organisation for which you are working;
• To be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the organisation for which you are working;
• To be given a copy of the organisation’s volunteer policy and any other policy that affects your work;
• Not to fill a position previously held by a paid worker;
• Not to do the work of paid staff during industrial disputes;
• To have a job description and agreed working hours;
• To have access to a grievance procedure;
• To be provided with orientation to the organisation;
• To have your confidential and personal information dealt with in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act 1988; and
• To be provided with sufficient training to do your job.

Before you start, we will show you that:

• The organisation is a legitimate volunteer involving organisation*
• The purpose of the organisation matches your own values and beliefs
• The organisation carries public liability and volunteer personal accident insurance
• Your role is clear and specific
• The organisation can provide you with written information about its purpose and activities
• You are satisfied that the funds of the organisation are expended in accordance with its mission.

So now that we have covered your rights, here are your responsibilities:

All volunteers are expected to:

• Respect confidentiality and privacy
• Be punctual and reliable
• Carry out the duties listed in your volunteer position description
• Be accountable
• Give notice if your availability changes or you are leaving the organisation
• Report any injuries or hazards that you notice in the workplace
• Adhere to the organisation’s policies and procedures
• Deal with complaints in the appropriate manner
• Undertake training as requested
• Ask for support when needed
• Support other team members