Pathways SMIS gathers families, significant others and friends of a loved one living with a mental illness to improve the lives of our loved ones through education, support and advocacy.

Canada Day 2019 Parade with Pathways SMIS family members and volunteers.

Would you like to use your knowledge and experience of caring for a loved one with a serious mental illness to help others who are going through something similar?

Do you want to give your gifts of hope and compassion to others in a similar position to you?

Are you passionate about using your power to effect systems change?

Volunteering with Pathways is a way to put your skills, knowledge and passion into action and build a community of care.

Join us on the front lines with parents, siblings, partners, adult children, friends and grandparents who care for a loved one with an SMI as we build the Pathways SMIS commmunity!

Current volunteer opportunities

Updated June 25, 2024

Event Volunteer
Volunteer on a casual basis to help with set-up, hosting an information table or being a part of the success of an event that raises awareness and celebrates Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society.

Pathways Committee Member
Join like-minded family members who are passionate about contributing to the focus area of a committee and to participate in the success of families helping families.

  • Education Committee – Supporting the Family to Family Course, Leaders, Workshops, Presentations
  • Support Committee – resources and training for peer support volunteers
  • Advocacy Team – Contribute to systems change. Bring your knowledge of grassroots organizing and passion for helping families and caregivers of a loved one with a mental illness.
  • Governance Committee – Create policies, coordinate board nominations and contribute to board oversight
  • Fundraising Committee – Help create partnerships, sponsorships, grant applications, donations, and events

Grant Writing Volunteer
Use your persuasive writing skills and gain important experience writing grants to different types of organizations.

Office Volunteer
Use your organizational skills and eye for detail to gain experience in an office environment.

Family-to-Family Course Leader*
Deliver our highly popular educational program for families, significant others and friends of a loved one with a mental illness and build strong connections with families in a similar position to yours.

Family Peer Supporter*
Support families, significant others and friends of a loved one with a mental illness on a one-on-one basis and build strong connections with families in a similar position to you.

Support Group Facilitator Volunteer *
Facilitate support groups that support families, significant others and friends of a loved one with a mental illness and build strong connections with families in a similar position to you.

Board Member

Bring your leadership skills, expertise and ideas on how we can better support families caring for a loved one with a mental illness as a member of Board of Directors.


We’ll provide training where appropriate and help you put your skills and expertise to work in ways that make a measurable difference in your community.

* Please note you must have taken the Family-to-Family course to volunteer for this position. If you haven’t attended our Family-to-Family course, please click here to view our next course dates.

Get involved

If you have any skills that you would like to bring to our team that isn’t listed as a volunteer opportunity, please tell us more about how you’d like to get involved in the form below.

Please complete the volunteer form below to get the ball rolling.

Please contact us at info@pathwayssmi.org if you have any further questions.