Considering everything in her schedule, it’s no surprise Lovleen Mathode says “sleep,” when asked what she enjoys doing in her free time.
The 22-year-old is an honours psychology student at the University of Manitoba and works part-time at a hospital as a switchboard operator and at an assisted living facility for seniors as a receptionist. She also volunteers with three different organizations.
Among those organizations is Sara Riel, which supports people experiencing issues with mental illness or mental health challenges.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Lovleen Mathode, a psychology student, volunteers with three groups, including Sara Riel, which supports people experiencing issues with mental illness or mental health challenges.
Mathode volunteers with the organization’s “1-2-1” peer outreach program, which connects participants recovering from mental illness with volunteers that have their own lived experience with mental illness.
An aspiring clinical psychologist, Mathode got involved with the program in June, as a way to gain practical experience.
“I really want to work with people, so the 1-2-1 peer outreach program was about meeting people,” she says.
Volunteers and participants arrange a meeting place where both will feel safe and comfortable, such as a coffee shop.
They engage in conversation about whatever the participant wants to discuss.
The program helps participants in recovery, while also aiding them in building some of the social skills they may have lost because of COVID-19 pandemic isolation.
“We honestly talk about anything and everything,” Mathode says. “I’ve talked about everything from clothes to getting a little deeper into mental health issues and mental health struggles. It depends on how the peer’s feeling. We’re there to support them.”
Mathode’s own experience with mental health struggles motivates her.
“I used to not be as upbeat as I am today, and I wish I had someone there for me during that time,” she says. “I want to be that someone for somebody. If I can help someone in any capacity, I don’t see a reason not to.”
Mathode’s most memorable experience with Sara Riel was putting a participant at ease during their first meeting.
When the two first met, the participant was shaking with anxiety. After talking and getting to know one another, Mathode could see the participant relax.
The next time the two met, the participant ran to her and greeted her with a hug.
“At that moment, I felt on top of the world,” Mathode says. “It’s my most cherished memory with Sara Riel.”
Sara Riel is grateful for Mathode’s contributions, says Besher Kashalo, volunteer co-ordinator and mental health counsellor.
“Lovleen is an amazing, highly dedicated volunteer,” Kashalo says. “She’s really, really committed to the cause, and she’s brought some really great insight into how to make the program better.”
Sara Riel relies on about 60 volunteers, and Kashalo wants to add more people to that group.
In addition to 1-2-1 volunteers, Kashalo is looking for volunteers to help with administrative tasks as well as volunteers who can do receptionist work and greet participants.
(Anyone with questions can email Kashalo at [email protected]. Visit sarariel.ca to apply.)
“I’ve never worked or volunteered at a place more flexible than this one,” Mathode says. “They genuinely make their volunteers feel cared for, and applying here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
If you know a special volunteer, please contact [email protected]
