Volunteer at CAMH

Read the descriptions above to decide which program you're best suited for, then complete the appropriate application. Please only apply to one program at a time and wait for a reply from the coordinator before applying to the other.

Potential candidates will be contacted by a Volunteer Coordinator for an interview, followed by screening of character references and police reference check. If selected, the coordinator will schedule you to attend a mandatory training/orientation. After successful completion of training, you will have to get a TB test, attend a registration/orientation to go over volunteer expectations, and sign a confidentiality and service agreement. You must be able to make at least a one-year commitment.

You must be 19 years of age or over to apply and be able to make a minimum one year commitment.

Yes. All Volunteer Candidates must be fully vaccinated in order to volunteer at CAMH. Anyone not fully vaccinated will not be eligible to participate in CAMH Volunteer Resources assignments.

This depends on what your skills, interests and availability are and what positions we have available. We hold onto applications for six months, contacting volunteers when and if a suitable position comes up.

We prefer that you commit to one position for a minimum of six months before exploring other volunteer opportunities at CAMH.

Volunteers only work in areas where staff and patients have expressed a need for volunteer assistance and a staff member has agreed to supervise the volunteer.

Yes. We welcome volunteers over the age of 19.

Yes, you must have a Police reference check when volunteering at CAMH.

CAMH does offer student placements, but not through Volunteer Resources. Visit Clinical & Research Opportunities for Professionals in Training for more information about student placements.

It helps you raise your community profile as a good corporate citizen and encourages networking among organizations. Volunteering also helps create a sense of social commitment and responsibility among employees. It builds team spirit and morale while improving productivity and job satisfaction.

One good way is to create a corporate volunteer committee. This empowers your employees to take ownership. You can invite speakers in to promote the values of volunteering and motivate employees to participate. You could even publish an article or write a post on the company blog.

Activities can include leading or helping with hospital-wide special or seasonal events, baking socials, sport challenges, adventure programs and site beautification projects.

Find out more about our Corporate Volunteer Program by contacting us by phone (416 535-8501 ext. 36238) or email. Fill out an application form here. Or learn about our Corporate Partnerships.

Volunteering with a Clinical Program at CAMH is a great way for volunteers to gain front line exposure in a mental illness and addiction setting. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage and interact with patients in a wide array of settings, both at CAMH and in the community, and in a variety of activities based on patient needs. All positions require a minimum one-year commitment. 

Research Volunteers assist staff in obtaining information necessary for research projects. The departments in which volunteers work vary depending on the availability of the programs. Length of commitment is contingent upon the assignment and volunteers typically assist five to eight hours per week. The skills required for these positions include:

• knowledge of research methodology
• experience using SPSS (statistical software)
• some prior relevant research experience.

Suits Me Fine Program

Suits Me Fine is a clothing store for CAMH clients, where donated new and gently used clothing is available free of charge. The store offers essentials such as socks and undergarments, casual wear, and formal attire, which help clients feel good and prepare for important events, such as job interviews.

For more information regarding the Suits Me Fine Program please contact Norma McDowall.
Email: Norma.Mcdowall@camh.ca
Phone: (416)535-8501 ext. 36010

Pet Therapy Program 

The volunteer (handler) goes through the same recruitment process as any person who has an interest in volunteering at CAMH. Once the volunteer is accepted, their dog is evaluated for four hours in an external dog certification process. When the dog is deemed suitable, they receive the official CAMH photo ID badge, lanyard and bandana, and are scheduled, with their owner, for visits.

Successful canine applicants:

• are at least one year old
• have basic obedience skills
• enjoy meeting people
• have a friendly, calm and gentle disposition
• are up to date on all vaccinations and in good health
• can commit, with their owner, to weekly visits for one year.

For more information regarding the Pet Therapy Program please contact Theresa Conforti. 
Email: Theresa.Conforti@camh.ca
Phone: Phone: (416)535-8501 ext. 32995

Mobile Library Cart 

The library cart goes to various units to provide patients a variety of resources such as book, magazines, movies and video games. 

For more information regarding the Mobile Library Cart please contact Sokhary Pao
Email: Sokhary.Pao@camh.ca
Phone: Phone: (416)535-8501 ext.33074

Social support (Language specific) 

Volunteers provide social support by meeting a client once a week for one hour either onsite or in the community and they communicate in the language patients are most familiar with. Volunteer must be fluent in specified language.

• Hindi 
• Urdu
• Cantonese
• Tamil  
• Vietnamese
• Spanish 
• Arabic 
• Portuguese 
• Mandarin 

Please indicate the language(s) you can speak in your volunteer application

Tutoring (Math, English, science, history etc.)