Supported volunteering co-ordinator Claire van Loon Sim (47) said she started working for Volunteering Otago last month.
She replaced Glenys Geytenbeek, who retired after working at the referral service since its inception 18 years ago, she said.
She provided the additional support so people with mental health issues could experience volunteering, she said.
The service was referral-based and agencies such as occupational therapists and doctors referred clients ''if they think that volunteering is something that would help support their road to recovery'', Mrs van Loon Sim said.
Volunteering offered clients a ''healthy engagement'' with the community, she said.
The volunteers gained confidence and enabled them to move into more socially appropriate situations, she said.
Social isolation was a huge issue with mental health issues and new technology had increased referrals, she said.
''The advancement of technology had supported that social isolation. People can work from home, on their computers and cellphones and they don't have to get out and mix in a work environment ... so volunteering provides people with an opportunity to engage with other people socially and in work-type situations.''
The volunteer programmes ranged from street appeals - ''a once-a-year thing'' - to working in an opportunity shop, which required more of a time commitment, she said.
Forty-seven people, aged between 18 and 70, were registered on the programme.
''We are looking for more referrals and looking for new volunteer opportunities from organisations that use volunteers.''
Feedback from past referrals had been positive, she said.
''Several people have said that it has been pivotal to their recovery and their return to being productive in the community.''
The service covered the Otago region but there were long-term plans to expand nationwide, she said.
''That's the big dream.''
