What does being a media volunteer involve?
Find out more about the training and support Rethink media volunteers receive.
Media volunteers are 'real experts' who help reduce the prejudice, ignorance and fear that surrounds severe mental illness by speaking out in the media.
People tell us they enjoy being a media volunteer because it gives them the chance to help end the stigma of mental illness. It can be a positive, confidence-boosting and empowering experience.
We are keen to hear from service users, particularly people from black and minority ethnic communities, to help with our proactive campaigns and reactive media work.
Skills and abilities needed
Media volunteers need to enjoy talk about their experiences, be able to describe their experiences in simple terms - journalists are rarely experts in mental health - and be available at short notice if a story is relevant to them.
Who and what it involves
Journalists often need to interview people with experience of a particular issue, such as care in the community. Each media request is considered carefully before anyone is approached, to ensure the volunteer will enjoy the interview process and be able to help the journalist with the story.
We never give contact details to journalists without prior consent. We also ask people to try and get across a relevant Rethink campaign message, such as the importance of getting help early on.
Most media requests are for people to talk on the record and have their photograph taken, though there are some opportunities for anonymous interviews. The work generally involves a media volunteer, Rethink's Media Volunteers Manager and the journalist. Much of the work, including interviews, is done over the phone.
Training and support
Media volunteers receive a range of support, including a dedicated interview guide: You and media.
We can advise on preparing for interviews, such as understanding the story angle and help deciding what information to disclose during interviews.
Support is provided to media volunteers throughout the interview process, including when the final article or programme is published. Free media and campaigns training is available, and all media volunteers receive a quarterly newsletter to keep them informed.
Meeting up
We also organise social events, rather than formal meetings, so that media volunteers can get together, share experiences and best practice, such as getting advice on interview preparation from journalists.
Expenses
We try to keep expenses to a minimum by ensuring journalists and Rethink staff telephone the volunteer. The media outlet organising the interview should cover expenses incurred during the interview process. Any other out-of-pocket expenses are covered by the terms of Rethink’s policy on volunteer expenses.
Payment
There are some occasional opportunities for paid work, but it is rare for anyone (not just a media volunteer) to get paid for media work, as journalists see this as a valuable opportunity for the interviewee to promote their particular issue.
Time involved
The nature of media work means that some people are approached more often than others. You may only hear from us a few times a year, or could be approached more frequently. Either way, we very much value the support of all media volunteers.
For more information contact Liz Nightingale, Media volunteers manager:
tel 020 7330 9112
