This month Volunteer NH is focused on sharing resources and highlighting organizations addressing mental health issues. One of the ways Volunteer NH aids these Granite State organizations is through hosting Get Connected. Get Connected is a free-to-use volunteer opportunity database that matches organizations with individuals who are eager to give back to their communities.

To close out the month, we’re sharing how Granite State nonprofits utilize volunteers and Get Connected, and the passionate work carried out daily to beat the stigma of mental health issues and aid in one of our state’s biggest issues.

Connor’s Climb

1. How does your organization utilize service and volunteers to address challenges faced by those with mental health conditions? Why is this work important?

We are a very small organization comprised of just three staff members, and we serve the entire state. We use volunteers in a few ways. One is our Train the Trainer model, where we equip members of the public to provide our Signs of Suicide Training in their communities to schools. This allows us to significantly increase our capacity and serve many more school districts than we would be able to without volunteers. We also need volunteers to help us staff awareness tables at events with our resources and information. A considerable part of our mission is working to eliminate the stigma that surrounds mental health because studies show that stigma can be a huge barrier to people reaching out for help when they need it. By creating more visibility throughout our state, we are working to normalize the conversation around mental health. We find that one of the best ways to do this is to include youth voices, which is why we created our Youth Ambassador Program which is a self-driven volunteer program that meets once a month during the school year, over zoom with, us and a leadership coach to empire young people to increase awareness around mental health and reduce the stigma among their peers.

 2. What do you wish people knew about mental health and volunteer service around it?

We wish more people understood that supporting mental health isn’t just about crisis response, it’s about building a culture where mental wellness is valued just as much as physical health. That kind of change takes time, and it takes all of us.

You don’t need to be a professional to make a difference. Volunteering for mental health can be as simple as watching the language you use, sharing helpful resources, wearing a shirt with a supportive message, or checking in with someone who might be struggling. These small acts help reduce stigma and show others they’re not alone.

For those who want to do more, there are so many meaningful ways to get involved. At Connor’s Climb Foundation, we’re here to guide and support anyone ready to step up—whether it’s helping at events, raising awareness in your school or community, or becoming a trained mental health advocate.

Mental health advocacy starts with everyday people doing everyday things—and that’s where real change begins.

3. How could someone get involved with your organization to address needs?

One of the most impactful ways to get involved is through our Train the Trainer model, where we prepare volunteers to deliver the Signs of Suicide program in their communities. This significantly expands our reach and enables us to support a far greater number of schools than we could alone.

We also rely on volunteers to staff awareness tables at community events. These efforts increase visibility for mental health resources and help normalize conversations around mental health, an essential step toward reducing stigma, which remains a major barrier to people seeking help.

If you’re interested in helping behind the scenes, you can join our event planning committee to support the success of our outreach and fundraising efforts throughout the year.

For students, our Youth Ambassador Program offers a unique, self-driven opportunity to take action. Youth Ambassadors meet monthly on Zoom during the school year with our team and a leadership coach to develop initiatives that raise awareness and reduce stigma among their peers.

No matter your background, there’s a way for you to help create a more informed, compassionate, and proactive culture around mental health. Join our volunteer mailing list and we will reach out when opportunities are available.

Explore this organization’s volunteer opportunities on Get Connected

4. What inspires you and/or your organization to support mental health through service?

Our ultimate goal is to eliminate youth suicide. But we also recognize that mental health challenges touch nearly everyone at some point in their lives. That’s why our mission goes beyond prevention; we’re working to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for young people ages 10 to 24.

We want every young person to know it’s okay to ask for help—and that they’re not alone. By fostering open conversations and building a supportive community, we hope to create a culture where people feel empowered to reach out in their hardest moments and find the help they need.

Learn More and Get Involved