Designing Connection: How Justin Shaped Volunteer Inductions at Activate Mental Health
- AMH Volunteer Team
- Nov 26
- 3 min read
As Activate Mental Health moved towards becoming a registered charity in November 2024, we sought the expertise of Justin Lewis, a specialist in training and development, to build an effective volunteer onboarding system. A committed advocate for men’s mental health, Justin successfully led the program through four iterations. He is now stepping back to focus on his own initiative, MenTALL. Discover more about Justin’s contributions to our cause and the significant impact he has had.
1) Tell us why you chose to get involved with Activate Mental Health
I loved the mission and purpose of AMH and the connection to community. The values aligned with my personal values as well. In addition, the passion by those volunteering alongside Rahul was evident early on and was something I wanted to be a part of.
2) What was your role regarding volunteer recruitment?
I had the task of streamlining the recruitment and onboarding process. Firstly, we defined that 2 intakes per year were required which put some structure around volunteer recruitment. Once that was in place, I designed a 2-hour classroom-based experiential induction workshop which we commenced rolling out in March 2024. To compliment the induction workshop, a virtual session was designed with a purpose to give volunteers more of the nuts and bolts on how to run a successful AMH event.
3) How did you feel about the outcome of your contributions?
It was an incredibly rewarding project and seeing it come to life (and being a part of it) has given me so much satisfaction. I have been the lead facilitator for the 4 inductions we have run thus far which has contained a healthy number of volunteers attend. The energy and enthusiasm in each of the sessions has been infectious - and the process works with Activators then going on to host events and activities throughout the community.
4) What do you think makes AMH such a successful concept?
I think it's the simplicity that makes it successful. Social connection and belonging is so important and what AMH has done is to give people in the community a variety of events and activities to engage with - all at low or no cost but the benefit gained is huge.
5) You're now moving into the men's mental well-being space with your initiative Mentall. Could you tell us about it and your passion for Men's mental well-being?
So part of the natural fit with Activate is the support of mental health. It is this area and men's wellbeing overall that I am incredibly passionate about. Providing men with a space to "work" on themselves in all facets of their wellbeing (mentally, emotionally, physically) is an area that is much needed and I am doing my part to help support this.
6) How can people follow your work with Mentall (eg social media links)
You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram @MenTALL and / or head to my website for more info as well!
Here's how you can support Activate Mental Health:
Volunteer for Activate Mental Health 🙋♀️: Click here to find out more about volunteering for Activate Mental Health.
Donate to Activate Mental Health🎗️: If you'd like to support Activate Mental Health in its mission to "Improve well-being through fun and human connection", you can donate to us here.
Sponsor Activate Mental Health 🤝: If you'd like to become a sponsor of Activate Mental Health, please email hello@activatemh.com.au.
About the author:
As the founder of MenTALL, Justin is a Program Designer, Facilitator and Coach. He creates safe spaces to help men spark change and become their best selves. You can also find out more about Justin at his LinkedIn profile.
