Advice Volunteer Volunteer Roles

Job Description

Role Title:  

Volunteer Information Advice and Guidance Assistant (x 2) 

Where: 

Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL with travel to other locations within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). 

When:  

April 2023, minimum commitment of 6 months 

2-5 hours weekly

Between 10am-2pm

Monday to Wednesday 

About Nova: 

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.  

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by: 

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action

Purpose of role:

Support the Nova Information, Advice and Guidance Programme team respond to the challenges and needs of the community enabling them to thrive.

Role Description:

This role will act to assist Advisors delivering support to people helping them improve skills for employment purposes. With the disruption of Covid-19, many households have been thrown into a continuum of health and financial challenges which have in some cases demotivated and reduced self-esteem. In the short-term our aim is to intensively support 30 RBKC individuals rediscover their potential, increase their confidence and assist them in reaching their potential through training, volunteering and longer-term secure meaningful paid employment.

You will:

• Enjoy listening and helping others in a non-judgemental manner 

• Be able to work in a team and seek guidance when needed

• Have a naturally resourceful outlook

• Have a genuine interest in providing Information, Advice and Guidance

• Support advisors to successfully deliver robust services according to client needs

You need to be:

• DBS Checked

• Confident in the use of IT

• Some experience of supporting people 

• Inquisitive

• Committed

• Competent

• Reliable

• Honest

• Punctual

• Patient

• Fair

• Open minded

• Respectful of client information and circumstance 

• Clients may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different challenges. 

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently

Further information:

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• IAG qualification or experience of community work would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor:

Head of IAG / Head of IAG Development and Strategy

How to apply: 

Please email your updated CV and brief covering letter (no more than one A4 page) outlining why you would like to join the IAG team.

Citizens Advice Exeter and Citizens Advice Torbay are separate and independent charities, with separate Boards of Trustees. For efficiency reasons we share senior staff and have many shared administration functions. We are both looking for new Trustees.

The advice and assistance we give to people helps them to resolve their problems, providing life-changing outcomes. We also work hard both locally and nationally to use the knowledge we get from our clients to influence policy makers and legislation.

Do you want to join an organisation that:

¨ Wants to help the community and change things for the better?

¨ Wants to make sure everyone gets the advice and support they need?

¨ Is committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality?

If so:

¨ Do you have the appropriate skills, and the time?

¨ Do you want to get involved in running influential and important local charities?

 Both Charities  are currently looking to recruit at least two Trustees

Citizens Advice Exeter is also looking to recruit:

• A Vice-Chair Resources to, initially, chair the Resources Committee with a view to becoming the Chair in the next 12 months on the retirement of our current Chair, who has been in post for 20 years.

Citizens Advice Torbay is also looking to recruit:

· A new Treasurer to replace the existing incumbent, who leaves at the end of May 2024, who has been in post for 3 years.

People from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. We actively encourage applicants from minority groups.

Both charities would prefer applicants to be resident close to the EX postcode (for Exeter) and TQ postcode (for Torbay), or to have a good awareness of the local social issues.

You must be able to attend at least eight evening meetings a year (CA Exeter), or at least six meetings a year (CA Torbay). You will need to undertake appropriate training, to keep yourself briefed on current issues, and to think strategically to help drive the Charities to achieve their long-term objectives.

In return, you will benefit by

· Joining a family of paid staff, volunteers and fellow trustees who all work together to provide an excellent quality of service to our clients

· The pleasure of using your skills and experience to help others

· developing new skills and learning from your fellow trustees

· gaining the satisfaction of giving back to your community.

Join us as a Blood Pressure UK trustee and treasurer

Would you like to represent the Blood Pressure UK trustee board as our treasurer?

Who are Blood Pressure UK?

Blood Pressure UK is a national charity which was established in 1996. In the UK, 16 million people are estimated to have high blood pressure with one in three (5 million+ people) unaware their blood pressure is raised. Known as the Silent Killer as you can be unaware your blood pressure is raised until you experience heart attack or stroke, or it’s picked up in a random check.

For over 20 years we have been leading the light on people understanding their blood pressure numbers so if needed they can take the steps needed to reduce it. This culminates each year with Know Your Numbers Week! in September, a week-long campaign with a range of partners for people to understand their blood pressure numbers with advice and guidance of how to make vital changes to their lifestyles to change it.

Our Team

Blood Pressure UK currently have a staff team of three (two who are part-time). We contract an external accounting company to provide financial services to the charity including annual accounts, monthly management accounts, payroll, invoice creation and book keeping, making sure the charity complies with relevant governance for the charity commission and companies house.

What we are looking for…

We are looking for a qualified accountant, either working or recently retired with ideally experience of charity financial processes but not essential.

You may have a connection either personally or through family and friends with high blood pressure but it’s not a prerequisite for the role. Your experience and enthusiasm are the key factors we are looking for.

Blood Pressure UK are committed to equal opportunities and we want our board to benefit from the advantages that diversity brings, including different skills, life experiences and backgrounds. With that in mind, in this round of trustee recruitment we particularly welcome applications from people from underrepresented communities including those from South Asian, and Black African and Black Caribbean communities that reflect the communities we work with.

At Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership, our objective is to provide practical and emotional support, ultimately helping our clients achieve a sustainable position as full members of our society. Many of our clients are destitute, homeless and have no access to assistance from the government. Our mission is to provide access to advice and essential services until statutory services are in place.

Volunteering at the Drop-In centre provides an opportunity for you to help our refugee clients with any issues they might have. We have sessions running every Tuesday between 11am and 1pm at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Watford. The Drop-In provides an opportunity for refugee clients to come and discuss any issues they have and to be listened to by one of our volunteers. Many of our clients are likely to have lived here for a while but an issue or crisis in their lives means that they need to discuss it and seek some help. They may also be in the process of seeking asylum. We can provide advice and sometimes resolve their issue there and then and at other times we refer them to another agency or invite them to come back once their issue has been looked into.

The Drop-In Centre could not function without our team of committed volunteers, and we are always looking for additional help.

Full training given on starting the role as well as regular training sessions and continual support from more experienced volunteers.

Responsibilities:

· Help with filling in forms and interpreting official documents.

· Liaising with statutory and voluntary agencies.

· Referring clients for follow up action by our Case Review Team and linking them with a befriender.

· Referring clients to our partner solicitor who specialises in immigration law and comes to the Drop-In 4th Tuesday of the month.

· Advice on how to access appropriate housing and free food in the area.

· Access to the charity’s other services, such as free English classes.

Requirements:

· Able to attend at least one Tuesday Drop-In a month.

· Complete training as required and attend bi-monthly volunteer support meetings.

Skills:

· An ability to communicate and empathise with people from a variety of backgrounds and needs.

· Basic IT skills.

· Assist clients in accessing essential services such as legal, housing, financial and food.

· Can work well as part of a team.

· Enthusiasm to help refugee clients.

Desirable experience: 

· Previous volunteering experience.

· Previous experience working in a people-facing role.

If you are interested in becoming a Drop-In volunteer please apply via Charity Jobs or contact us and a volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss this further.

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.

The role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.

What will you do?

- Give witnesses and their supporters emotional support, guidance and information at court (e.g. explain court procedures and legal terms, support them with completing expense forms).

- Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.

- Go into the courtroom with a witness on trial day if permitted.

- Identify additional support to which we can signpost or refer witnesses.

- Work as part of a team with other Witness Service volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel.

What skills do you need?

You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:

- Be caring, mature, supportive and empathetic towards others.

- Be friendly and approachable with good listening and verbal communication skills.

- Be non-judgemental, impartial and have a confidential approach to supporting others.

- Have respect for the diversity of all people, which includes commitment to the service’s objective of ensuring equal access is offered to all witnesses and and their supporters.

- Be committed, trustworthy, discreet and prepared to adhere to Citizens Advice Witness Service standards to ensure we deliver a high standard of service to our witnesses and victims.

- Have the ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.

About East Sussex
Hearing Join us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.

We actively participate in various community events to bolster and enrich the services we offer, while also fostering collaborative working relationships throughout the county, for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf population. We are now on the lookout for a passionate Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Uckfield, to join our cause on a voluntary basis.

About the role
Volunteering as a HAM Volunteer offers an enjoyable opportunity to socialise and make new connections, all whilst contributing to the charity's vital services within the Uckfield community. You'll be involved in offering warm and helpful hearing aid maintenance services, along with sharing information and advice on hearing loss.

What you will be doing
• Meet and greet members of the public who visit HAM sessions
• Keep written records of help given
• Check and clean hearing aids
• Replace hearing aid tubing
• Check hearing aid batteries and issue replacement batteries
• Provide basic guidance on use and care of hearing aids
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services

If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a HAM Volunteer is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we're Here to Help You Hear.’

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers.

Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at their Eastbourne centre, and locally where possible.

What we are looking for:
• You're friendly, enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks.

To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16. 

All our Benefits Advocates play an integral role within our Information and Advice team and last year helped us to identify over £2.5 million in unclaimed welfare benefits entitlement for older people in the county. This money is life changing for our clients; improving quality of life and wellbeing, and supporting local services

We are looking for volunteers who are patient, sensitive and reliable, to assist older people to complete benefit forms such as Attendance Allowance. Appointments are usually in the older person's own home but can sometimes take place over the telephone. Full training and ongoing support are provided by our friendly and knowledgeable team.

Our volunteers will also raise awareness of and promote Age UK Devon services to clients, and record details of any other queries or concerns so that our Advisors can follow up with clients.

Skills required for this role are:

· Ability to empathise with others.

· Good verbal and written communication skills.

· Understanding of confidentiality.

· Patience, sensitivity, and reliability.

· Ability to respond appropriately to different and sometimes difficult situations.

· Working as a team member, referring to other team members when appropriate.

· Ability to work unsupervised and manage appointments.

· Good computer skills.

· Knowledge of the Benefits System (training will be provided).

Age UK Devon’s aim is to improve the lives of older people in Devon through delivering services and activities, promoting wellbeing and health, increase independence and access to local services as well as supporting families and carers - enabling people to get the most out of life.

Our volunteers donate their time to enable us to provide fantastic added value to our services and activities and bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to our organisation.

Our aim is to help you enjoy your role and to gain personal satisfaction on your volunteer journey with us – can you be the person we need to help us in supporting and making a positive difference to people in later life in the county?

If you would like an informal discussion about this role or have any queries, please contact Sarah Gunn – Advice and Wellbeing Manager (see our website for details)

Or if you would like to apply please visit Age UK Devon for more information on the role and how to apply.

About East Sussex Hearing
Join us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.

We actively participate in various community events to bolster and enrich the services we offer, while also fostering collaborative working relationships throughout the county, for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf population. We are now on the lookout for a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer – Peacehaven & Newhaven to join our cause on a voluntary basis.

About the role
Volunteering as a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Peacehaven & Newhaven offers an enjoyable opportunity to socialise and make new connections, all whilst contributing to the Charity's vital services within the Peacehaven & Newhaven communities. You'll be involved in offering warm and helpful hearing aid maintenance services, along with sharing information and advice on hearing loss.

What you will be doing
• Meet and greet members of the public who visit HAM sessions
• Keep written records of help given
• Check and clean hearing aids
• Replace hearing aid tubing
• Check hearing aid batteries and issue replacement batteries
• Provide basic guidance on the use and care of hearing aids
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services

If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Peacehaven & Newhaven is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we're Here to Help You Hear.’

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers.

Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at their Eastbourne centre and locally.

What we are looking for:
• You're friendly, enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks.

To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16.

Volunteers support witnesses to give their best evidence at court. They provide practical informationl about the court processes and emotional support. The service is free, confidential, impartial and available to prosecution and defence witnesses. 

No legal or court knowledge required. Full training provided and reimbursement of expenses. Excellent opportunity to contribute to the community, help others, meet people, learn new skills and gain an insight into the criminal justice system.

We are looking for volunteers who are friendly and empathetic and who have some time to offer during the week. Courts are open Mon to Friday 9-5 and we would be looking for 1 day per week, but welcome suggestions for more flexible arrangements. 

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBT+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff, and volunteers

Look forward to hearing from you. 

Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is the leading advice charity supporting individuals and families across the London boroughs of Merton and Lambeth.  We provide a range of information, support and advice services.  We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the issues challenging our clients and communities, as well as promoting the improvement of policies and practices that affect people’s lives both locally and nationally.

We were one of the first Citizens Advice services to open our doors in 1939. More than 80 years on, our support and services are as important as ever. We support people to resolve their advice problems and change their lives for the better. We do this on a free, confidential and impartial basis.

The Admin Volunteer role will support the Advice team in our Merton offices by

• Processing client paperwork

• Contacting clients to schedule and confirm appointments

• Contacting clients to check any outcomes

• Typing up client letters, ensuring full accuracy

• Printing and scanning client documents

• Updating service spreadsheets and database

Aim of this role:

• Gain and build on valuable skills and experience such as communication, admin, IT skills and working in a team

• Increase your employability

• Contribute to the smooth running of the advice service which makes a real difference to peoples’ lives

• Volunteer with a range of different people, independently and in a team

Locations

Merton offices (Mitcham and Morden), as well as outreach locations across Merton

What do you need to have?

You do not need specific qualifications or skills but you will need to:

• Be friendly and approachable

• Respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own

• Have good IT skills

• Be willing to learn about and follow Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection

• Be willing to undertake training in your role

How much time do you need to give?

We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer.

Training and Support

You will receive comprehensive training for this role and learning will continue through various methods of training. We will also reimburse all reasonable travel costs.

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people/people of colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people.

How to apply

If you are interested in the role and joining us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please see the link to our website for the full role descrition and how to apply by 6pm, Monday 6th May.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

The Communications Volunteer will write and coordinate our external communications. This includes CAW’s regular newsletter, stories and general information on our website, and campaign and research pieces. You will work alongside both our Research and Campaigns volunteers and key staff members.

• Work closely with our advice, partnership and community outreach team members to identify stories, case studies, advice and volunteering opportunities to promote

• Have the opportunity to write a regular newsletter for community partners and stakeholders to promote the work of Citizens Advice Westminster

• Produce short copy to promote our services for a variety of sources including our website and social media

• Explore and pilot new ways to promote our services to Westminster residents who currently don’t use our services, including through digital media

• Work with the Social Policy, Fundraising and Digital Media team to create high quality written content for campaigns and promotional materials

• Contribute to fundraising efforts by producing copy for general appeals, individual and group emails and our website

• Proofread and edit copy produced by others when requested

Skills, experience and time commitment:

• Enthusiasm and commitment to work alongside a motivated team providing advice and information for residents across Westminster

• Excellent writing, communication and “people” skills

• Experience in writing informative, persuasive or neutral content depending on the purpose of and audience for the communication

• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently

• IT skills necessary to support research across numerous existing Citizens Advice databases and platforms

• Knowledge and experience of marketing and communications which is transferrable to Citizens Advice

• Experience with digital media, layout/design, creating presentations and/or fundraising would be advantageous but are not essential for this role

Ability to commit 1 or 2 days a week to the role on a regular basis; location is flexible but it is helpful to be able to come to CAW at least a couple of times each month and to participate in Advice Forums and other regular activities as these provide useful insights into our work and our clients’ experiences

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• Our Head of People Development and Volunteering will support you as you join CAW and ensure that you get any training that you might need

• You will join a positive, supportive and friendly team of volunteers and paid staff

• All our volunteers are an integral part of our team. You are invited to attend regular trainings, to join social events and to support group activities

• Your line manager will provide regular individual meetings and support

• You will have access to national Citizens Advice e-learning, networks and resources.

• It is CAW policy that volunteers should get out-of-pocket expenses.

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW

Equal opportunities Citizens Advice Westminster is committed to equal opportunities, and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This means actively opposing all forms of discrimination and ensuring that the service is equally available to all people.

Confidentiality Everything that you see and hear in the organisation is private. All staff and volunteers must sign an agreement to observe a strict rule of confidentiality before they begin their role.

How to apply Role You will need to complete the online application form. If successful we will invite you for an informal interview where we will discuss your role, interests, and skills

We are looking for trainee volunteer advisers to join our advice team to support people across Ashford, Kent

You will be trained to give advice to clients across channels including face-to-face and telephone.

Volunteers make up around 75% of our workforce. We would not be able to provide such a vital free advice service without them.

What will you do?

• complete an introduction to Ashford Borough Citizens Advice and training for your role

• talk to clients over the phone, face to face, or online to explore what problems they've come for help with

• find information about the clients' problems and help them to understand their options

• support clients to take action to resolve their problems. This might include drafting or writing letters, making phone calls, or referring the client to another organisation

• write a summary of the clients' problems and what action you've taken

• look out for problems' that are common, or are unfair, and write a short report about the problem or a letter to an elected official like an MP, AM or local councillor

What's in it for you?

• make a real difference to people's lives

• learn about a range of issues such as benefits, debt, employment and housing.

• build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and problem solving

• work with a range of different people, independently and in a team.

• have a positive impact in your community. And we'll reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You don't need specific qualifications or skills but you'll need to:

• be friendly and approachable • be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own

• have good listening skills

• have excellent verbal and written communication skills

• have good maths and IT skills • be able to understand information and explain it to others

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection

• be willing to undertake training in your role

How much time do you need to give?

Ideally we ask for you to be available for 2 advice sessionsw per week, for at least 12 months.

We can be flexible so come and talk to us.

About Us
oin us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.

The heart of our efforts lies in the events we organise, acting as lifelines to generate crucial income. This income supports and enhances the services we provide for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf community. Now, we are on the lookout for a passionate Event Volunteer to join our cause on a voluntary basis

What you'll be doing
As an Event Volunteer, your role is diverse and impactful. From setting up our Gazebo and displaying banners to selling merchandise and collecting donations at events, your contribution makes a significant difference. Picture yourself engaging with the locals in Eastbourne town centre, sharing information about our upcoming events, or manning stalls at community gatherings like the Festival of Transport, an annual weekend event near Hailsham. You could be handing out flyers, offering advice, or simply fostering conversations about our invaluable services.

Our events are scattered throughout the year across East Sussex, with exciting plans for more in 2024! Whether you can commit to helping with one or two events annually or wish to make a more regular commitment. If you are seeking
a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing while having a good time, helping at our events is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as were ‘Here to Help You Hear.’

Specific Tasks & Responsibilities
• Meet and greet members of the public
• Support the setting up and taking down stalls at events which may include gazebos
• Hand out event flyers at specific locations
• Act as a Charity ambassador by promoting the event among your friends, family and colleagues
• Distribute event materials such as leaflets in your local area
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends
• Develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers.

What we are looking for
• You're friendly, welcoming and enjoy being part of events
• You enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks

Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at their Eastbourne centre, and locally.

To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16. 

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Peer Group Facilitators (Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities) to support our Community Services in Bristol.

You will be based at St Pauls and, ideally will be able to commit one and a half hours per week to volunteering (14:30 to 16:00 on Wednesday's)

This role is dedicated to providing a safe space for people to discuss the impact of racism. You will be allowing the participants to lead the group and discuss change that could come about through different organisations - for example, how can organisations (mental health organisations/charities) change things to better support people.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our service is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The Bristol Services team includes a Service Manager, Recovery Coaches, a Digital Officer, a Group Development Coordinator, a Community Development Worker and a Peer and Volunteer Coordinator.

What you will be doing as a Peer Group Facilitator

• Engaging with group members
• Keeping the group focused
• Welcoming people into the space
• Facilitating the space and allowing participants to lead

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Being non-judgmental and open minded
• Passionate about tackling racism
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality
• Being able to empathise

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.