become an ambassador on the Tandem: Public relations work for more openness in dealing with mental illnesses
Mut fördern e.V.
- Disabled People
- LGBTQI*
- Migrants & Refugees
- Seniors
- Women
- Democracy & Human Rights
- Equal Opportunities
- Health Promotion
- PR & Communication
About the volunteering opportunity
The MUT-TOUR is Germany's first action program in which people with and without experience of depression travel throughout Germany on tandems and on horseback. Through encouraging public relations work, they contribute to greater openness in dealing with depression.
Your Tasks
Every year we look for people who want to become part of our stage teams. During the Germany-wide stages (5 to 8 days), we experience community, daily exercise, honest conversations and outdoor adventures. At the same time, we use public relations work to set an example for more openness in dealing with depression and other mental illnesses. The topic of loneliness also comes up again and again in conversations with people in public places, and here too we create a feeling of "you are not alone".
Every day, we walk 55 kilometers in a group of 6, sleep in a tent and cook using a camping stove. Along the way, we talk to journalists and people along the way about our experiences with mental health crises and encourage people to seek support.
The MUT-TOUR is not only open to people who have experienced a crisis, but also to relatives, sports and nature enthusiasts and anyone who wants to get involved for the common good.
Every day, we walk 55 kilometers in a group of 6, sleep in a tent and cook using a camping stove. Along the way, we talk to journalists and people along the way about our experiences with mental health crises and encourage people to seek support.
The MUT-TOUR is not only open to people who have experienced a crisis, but also to relatives, sports and nature enthusiasts and anyone who wants to get involved for the common good.
What's needed
For this volunteering opportunity, advanced German skills are required.
You don't have to be explicitly sporty! It is more important that you have a suitable attitude and that it "fits". The following activities should be feasible for you:
- Cycling in a team of 6 on three tandems.
- On average, we cycle about 55km per day. This is usually doable, but still fills the day and is also physically demanding. In extreme cases, it can be as little as 35 km (Allgäu) or even 70 km (North Sea with tailwind). In fact, there are adjusted daily distances and we remain flexible because we have no fixed overnight accommodation. If necessary, we can take the train, for example in record temperatures.
- We camp with the group for a few days and nights and sometimes stay with spontaneous hosts.
- We do our best to do several interviews with journalists every day, content for our socials and also some "selfies" from a tripod, for example in front of town halls.
Time required
Once
On weekdays
You can take part in at least one stage (5-8 days, plus arrival and departure days).
Important notice
5-8 days are too long for you? Then join our teams as part of a public ride-along campaign for up to 15 km on your own bike. You can also plan a small individual ride with a group of people together with us, please contact us directly. There are also walk-alongs planned. If you are interested, you can find detailed information here.
Location
Mut fördern e.V.
As a self-help organization, we want to live in a society in which mental illnesses receive the same attention as physical illnesses.
We achieve this by openly educating people about mental health issues and creating spaces for encounters and exchanges that are open to all people and in which they can experience self-efficacy.