Are you passionate about mental health and the arts? Do you want to gain new skills, meet creative people, and help shape one of Scotland’s most inspiring festivals?
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) is looking for ten people to join our new volunteer collective — a year-round volunteer group that will help us tell powerful stories, support events, and explore mental health through creative content.
What You’ll Do
- Produce regular content for our website (articles, interviews, photography, illustrations, etc.) exploring events and issues in mental health and the arts
- Collaborate on a group project during the festival — like a zine, podcast, or digital publication
- Get involved with programming and event production for selected events
- Support the team by helping out and being a friendly face at events during the festival
- Take part in training days, with workshops covering subjects like journalism, mental health awareness and creative planning
What You’ll Gain
- Confidence and experience in journalism, events, mental health and the arts
- New skills in writing, interviewing, editing and more
- A chance to connect with others who care about mental health and the arts
- Travel expenses paid or reimbursed, plus free tickets to events
- Lunch and refreshments provided at training days and events
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to anyone based anywhere in Scotland, aged over 18. We’re especially keen to hear from people based within easy travel distance of Glasgow to support in-person meetups.
You don’t need to have any specific experience — we’re looking for people from diverse backgrounds with creative ideas, a passion for storytelling, and an interest in mental health and the arts.
Commitment
This will be an ongoing volunteer opportunity for the next three years but we are looking for an initial commitment of six months, until December 2025. You should intend to be based in Scotland throughout this time.
Volunteers will be expected to:
- Attend a volunteer induction, either in-person or remotely, on Friday 18 July 2025
- Attend a minimum of two in-person training days per year, as well as regular online meetups
- Contribute to at least one article or piece of content published on our website each year
- Provide support at a minimum of three events during the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, which this year runs from 20 October to 9 November 2025
How to Apply
Apply using our online application form. Applications are open until 23.59pm on Sunday 22 June.
Shortlisted applicants will be offered a short informal interview to find out more about you and your interest in the role. Interviews may take place in-person at the Mental Health Foundation office in Glasgow or online via Teams, depending on your preference.
