How long have you volunteered with CMHA Kelowna?
I have enjoyed volunteering with CMHA in Kelowna since 2015. I do new member intakes for the Wellness Development Centre, facilitate peer support groups and mentor peers one-on-one.
What motivated you to volunteer at CMHA?
I was actually asked to become a Peer Mentor. I wanted to accept the invite because I wanted to help people the way that I had been helped.
What makes this volunteer experience a meaningful use of your time?
It feels very gratifying to be able to help other people. Most of the time, I learn just as much from the people I mentor as they do from me.
What is the most memorable accomplishment of your volunteer experience with CMHA?
I mentored one peer that suffered from severe social anxiety. In the beginning she was unable to walk in to the wellness centre by herself. By the time we were finished with our sessions, she was not only attending peer support group, but she was actively participating in discussion.
