Volunteer Opportunity: Could you be a spunout Subject Matter Expert?

spunout, Ireland’s Youth Information and Support Platform, is looking for specialist volunteers to help validate a range of content across a variety of information topics.

Who is spunout?

spunout is Ireland’s youth information and support platform, working towards an Ireland where all young people are supported and empowered to thrive. Through our platform, spunout shares factual information on mental health and wellbeing, provides 24/7, free and anonymous support by text, and shares the stories and experiences of young people across Ireland.

What do we mean by Subject Matter Expert?

We are looking for psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, PhD level academics or people with at least 10 years’ work experience in a field listed below. 
Our content is also reviewed by young people, often with lived experience, to ensure it is accessible and in Plain English for our audience.

What is validation?

A cornerstone of spunout’s mission is to make sure that all content we publish is factually accurate, in line with best practice, relevant to our audience, and sensitive to the most correct and respectful language on any given issue. In order to achieve this, we engage with people and organisations who have subject matter expertise to vet and proof our content for accuracy, relevance and best practice.

What types of information do we need validated?

We are currently looking for volunteers to share their expertise with spunout on topics like;

• mental health (including social determinants of mental health and mental health as a spectrum)
• healthy relationships/relationship troubles,
• sexual health,
• drugs and alcohol,
• eating disorders,
• climate justice.

What does volunteering involve?

• Fact-checking content (factsheets/videos/scripts) to make sure it it up to date and in line with best practice
• Feedback on any information gaps in the content
• Feedback on if language/tone is appropriate, up to date and inclusive
• Suggestions for useful resources and signposting to relevant services, research
• Identify areas for further information or fact sheets
• Please note, this is a volunteer opportunity and not a paid position

Benefits of volunteering:

• Good opportunity for collaboration and cross-sector learning
• Positive contribution to the 16-34 year olds in Ireland
• Improved quality of information provision within your own sector

If you're interested in volunteering, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Skg1NAYqsX43CfbZA

If you want more information, please contact us at tricia@spunout.ie