At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Havering Crisis Alternatives Service.
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
The main purpose of this role is to provide high-quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention. The postholder will support clients throughout their time in the service, empowering them with the skills to cope independently, while working in line with organisational values, the ethos of recovery, and principles of co-production. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of clients, delivering group activities and programmes, and clearly communicating the aims, objectives, pathways, and service model to enable clients to fully participate in and co-produce their support. The role also involves helping service users engage effectively with community professionals, developing peer support networks and community-based approaches, monitoring the health, wellbeing, and safety of service users, and contributing to the core work of the service. Accurate and timely administration, referrals, assessments, and service reviews are required, alongside participation in supervision, appraisals, training, and team development activities. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure effective service delivery and support for both clients and colleagues.
What do I need to bring with me?
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
Here's what the team will be looking for
The ideal candidate will have lived experience of mental health care pathways, including emergency department attendance, acute admissions, and community mental health services, alongside a solid understanding of the issues affecting individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will be able to communicate effectively and provide support with dignity and respect, forming and sustaining trusting relationships with service users, carers, peer support workers, and professionals. Strong listening and verbal communication skills are essential to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, colleagues, and external agencies, both in person and over the phone. Knowledge of recovery tools, local mental health and wellbeing support, and the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations to provide appropriate signposting are required. The candidate will demonstrate strong prioritisation, time management, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Proficiency in IT, including MS Word, Outlook, and internet functions, as well as good literacy and numeracy skills to produce clear written correspondence, is expected. They will have a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to address them appropriately, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers. Strong communication, partnership building, and interpersonal skills are essential.
When will I be working?
You will be required to work between 5:00pm – 10:00pm on weekdays and 2:00pm – 10:00pm on weekends. Hours are scheduled on a rolling rota, which includes weekends and bank holidays.
Interview Steps
We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
- Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.
Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement
Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Important Information for Candidates
If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.
We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Woman’s Trust is a leading, specialist mental health charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2026, we stand at a powerful moment of growth and transformation. Each year, our trauma-informed, women-led services provide life-changing counselling, therapeutic support and advocacy to women and children across London. Our ambition is to scale this work to reach many more nationally. With a dedicated team of 45 staff, a strong financial foundation and annual income of £1.3m and a deeply committed Board of Trustees, we are poised to shape an ambitious new strategy for the years ahead.
We are now seeking an inspirational Chief Executive Officer to lead Woman’s Trust into this next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to guide a respected organisation whose work is not only transformative but often life-saving. The CEO will steer our strategic and operational development, strengthen and expand partnerships, grow sustainable income, and champion our voice across policy, public campaigns and mental health advocacy. Alongside a dedicated and collaborative team and Board, you will play a vital role in delivering and developing innovative services—supporting women and children, survivors navigating the justice system, and peer-led support groups—ensuring we remain responsive to the needs and experiences of those we serve.
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced people leader who combines strategic thinking with the ambition needed to position Woman’s Trust for growth. Confident in representing your organisation at a policy and advocacy level, you will act as a powerful ambassador for survivors’ mental health, influencing systems, shaping debate and strengthening our public voice. With strong financial and governance insight and the ability to build trusted, values-driven relationships across sectors, you will model a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. Above all, you will uphold our feminist, inclusive and survivor-centred values, nurturing an empowering and equitable culture for our staff, volunteers, partners, and—most importantly—the women and children we serve.
To read more about the opportunity and our work, including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.
If you have the passion, clarity and commitment to champion the mental health and wellbeing of women and children survivors—and the leadership to guide Woman’s Trust into a bold new era—we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing Date: 21 December 2025
People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 22 December - 6 January 2026
Woman’s Trust Panel Interviews:
· First Stage (online): 13 & 14 January 2026
· Second Stage (in-person): 22 January 2026
Please note:
This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.