Meet Akshay: Volunteer, Counsellor, and Community Builder

Akshay is a volunteer host of Activate Mental Health’s weekly Hyde Park walks (supported by the Rotary Club of Northbridge) and the founder of Kintsugi Counselling & Coaching. From engineering to counselling, and from gliding to bachata, his journey blends adventure with empathy. In this spotlight, he shares how volunteering fuels his passions, professional growth, and community connection.

Akshay likes his motor bikes!

1) Tell us a bit about yourself and your hobbies and passions.  

Hi! My name is Akshay and I’m a volunteer with Activate Mental Health, where I often host the Saturday morning Hyde Park Walks.

I run my own private practice, Kintsugi Counselling & Coaching where I help early to mid-career working professionals who are experiencing disillusionment in their personal or working life to make meaningful changes so that they are able to live a liberating and fulfilling life.

In a previous life I used to work as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace and naval/maritime industries.

I’ve lived in 3 different continents and I speak 4 and a bit different languages.

During my time off I enjoy being outdoors, whether that’s, hiking, going for a surf or dive, flying gliders or dancing bachata.

During down time, I have a passion for cooking and I enjoy reading philosophy.

2) What made you motivated to look for a volunteering opportunity in Perth, and how did you stumble across Activate Mental Health?

I strongly believe in giving back as a means to not only contribute to community, but also to appreciate all that I’m lucky enough to have in my life, I’ve always tried to make time for it if I’m in a position to do so.

Hence, being involved in the mental health industry whilst enjoying giving back, and being outdoors, volunteering to host the Activate Mental Health Hyde Park walks was a naturally aligned opportunity, which found through govolunteer.com.au

3) What do you think of the organisation as a whole and the role it plays in the community?

I think the community building that AMH is facilitating is vitally important, particularly due to the modern day challenges of increasing social isolation and related mental health issues. One of the biggest challenges of the 21st century will be mental health and community related, and AMH is a great initiative to combat those challenges.

4) You've now run a few events. How have you found the experience to date?

All the events I’ve run so far have been a fun and friendly experience. It’s been great to meet and talk with the other volunteers and AMH participants. What a way to start the weekend, especially with the warming weather and coffee afterwards!

5) You're currently studying two diplomas, one for counselling and the other for life coaching. Tell us how volunteering with Activate Mental Health will enhance both your professional and personal aspirations.

Volunteering with AHM is strongly aligned with my professional and personal aspirations, as it allows me to engage with others and practice my professional counselling and life coaching related skills such as active and empathic listening, open questioning rapport building and more, whilst also helping in networking and awareness for my private practice.

6) What would you say to others who might want to volunteer for Activate Mental Health?

If you’re looking for a volunteering opportunity where you’re not only giving back to the community and contributing to a cause, but also doing things that you enjoy, having fun and making friends, AMH is the perfect opportunity!

Akshay (2nd from the right) with the other Activate Mental Health Hyde Park walking group volunteers.

7) How can people find Kintsugi Counselling and Coaching?

You can find my business on Facebook, Instagram and my website.

You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

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.