Independent mental health advocate jobs

Are you passionate about ensuring the voice of children and young people are heard? Are you committed to advocating that children and young people’s rights are upheld? Do you believe that all children should receive consistently high-quality care in environments that strive to improve outcomes for each child?  Do you have experience in social work, education, inspection, advocacy or residential childcare management? Then we have an exciting opportunity for a professional like you.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor.

We are looking for individuals all across Yorkshire, including but not limitted to: Hull, Sheffield, Rotherham, Leeds, Bradford. 

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

AAFDA was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003.

Each year, around 150 families lose a loved one to domestic homicide. The actual number of suicides as a result of domestic abuse remains unknown.  Most of these families suffer significant problems including relationship breakdown, job difficulties/loss and mental and physical health issues. We help these families in many ways, our prime function being to provide families in England and Wales with specialist peer support and expert and specialist advocacy for the range of statutory reviews that will take place after domestic homicide.

AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) is a growing Charity and to meet the demands of this growth, we are looking for exceptional candidates to join our team in a highly rewarding opportunity. Although home based, some travel will be required - frequency will be commensurate to the role. We welcome applications from candidates with experience of domestic abuse.  We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.

Our Specialist Advocates support families impacted by fatal domestic abuse through provision of lay advocacy, for and on behalf of, families with a range of statutory service providers (e.g. those conducting reviews and inquiries, social services, police, housing) and work to build good relations between all parties.  To ensure that families get the support they need, you will use AAFDA’s Home Office endorsed seven-step approach to working with individuals and families, to ensure that they receive the best possible support and advocacy to restore dignity and relief for families and to help them cope and recover. Through trauma-informed approaches, you will:

listen to families and advocate for them in a complex system that too often treats them as passive participants and overlooks the value of their insight.
provide information, support, guidance, advice and advocacy on Domestic Homicide Reviews, Mental Health Reviews, Inquests, Independent Office of Police Conduct inquiries and other types of inquiries.
manage families’ expectations of the legal and procedural processes facing them by supporting families in meetings with agencies such as health, police and local authorities.
give families practical help on a wide range of issues - including help with letter writing or advocating with employers and local authorities on the families’ behalf.
Support AAFDA in our bringing families together in AAFDA’s peer support events, such as the Hear Our Voice weekend and the on-line peer support Zoom sessions, where families can speak with others to share their experiences and stories. This will involve occasional evening work.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
Excellent development and training opportunities
Pension Scheme
Healthcare Scheme
Employee Assist Scheme

Application Instructions

To apply for this role, please submit a supporting statement, outlining how you meet the person specification, along with your CV.

Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the criteria in the person specification. Please highlight and explain how you meet these in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants. Please note that we will not progress applications where the supporting statement does not address the criteria for the role being applied for.

Job Title: Eastern European IGVA

Location:Hybrid working with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London) and co-locations in three West London boroughs (Ealing, Brent, Hounslow)
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Permanent, Full-time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We are excited to share an opportunity to join Refuge as an Eastern European Independent Gender  Violence Advocate (IGVA) as we enter an important new chapter of growth, supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. This is a vital role which provides high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children in the community.

You will be part of a highly skilled and supportive team committed to collaborative working and continuous learning. This role offers the chance to strengthen multi-agency partnerships to enhance outreach and support for survivors, while also contributing to increasing professional understanding of the specific needs of Eastern European women and children affected by domestic abuse and violence.

You will provide capacity-building in the form of advice, advocacy, support, and briefings across three London boroughs to statutory agencies and community organizations around the needs of Eastern European domestic abuse survivors, to embed best practice across our communities.

It is essential for candidates to be proficient in one or more Eastern European languages.

We particularly encourage applications from Romanian, Lithuanian or Polish speaking candidates.

You will have proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to women as well as up-to-date knowledge of legislation relating to survivors of gender-based violence.

You will have excellent casework skills, good written and verbal communication skills, clear professional boundaries and be a proactive team player.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing date: 9am on 27 October 2025

Interview dates: 3 and 4 November 2025

LGBT Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) Birmingham & West Midlands.

Full-time 37 hours per week.

Birmingham LGBT is seeking to recruit a full-time LGBT IDVA covering Birmingham and the West Midlands to ensure that LGBT victims/survivors of domestic violence have access to an IDVA who will offer support, signposting, advocacy, risk management and safety planning.

We recognise the importance and advantages of diverse workplaces and communities, and we acknowledge under-representation in our workforce of Black, Asian and global majority people; people with a Romany or Irish Traveller background, and people with lived experience of migration. We particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds, identities and lived experiences

The successful applicant will join a motivated and enthusiastic team based at the Birmingham LGBT Centre in central Birmingham.

Salary: £27,506 per year, plus up to 5% matched pension contributions.

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, with some evening and Saturday work;

Annual Leave entitlement: 25 days.

Two-year, fixed-term contract, may be extended subject to funding.

Birmingham LGBT is an equal opportunities employer.

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 28th October 2025.

Applications should be sent by email 

Applications will be reviewed anonymously and candidates selected for interview will be invited shortly after the closing date.

Download an application pack from our website. 

For more details or an informal chat about this vacancy, please phone us and ask for your contact details to be passed on to Steph Keeble, Director.
 

Main Duties

 ·Provide independent advocacy and support to LGBT survivors of domestic violence.

·Work with survivors from the point of crisis and offer intensive support to help ensure short-term and long-term safety.

·Maintain multi-agency links and partnerships through protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors of domestic violence.

·Empower service users by providing them with emotional and practical support, thus enabling them to access their rights, empowering them to make decisions and increasing their life options.

·Inform survivors of full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety.

Casework Management

·To advise and support LGBT survivors of domestic violence.

·To undertake advocacy casework, working with survivors following an initial assessment of their needs, working within a structured key-working relationship.

·To provide one-to-one-emotional, practical, legal and advocacy support to survivors through the development of an individual support plan, including risk assessments, safety planning and assistance in accessing other relevant services such as the police, counselling, housing, and legal services.

·To support LGBT survivors of domestic violence who are going through the criminal justice system.

·To develop and maintain good working relationships and links with other agencies, referring service users to appropriate specialist agencies where necessary as part of a support plan and in consultation with them.

·To ensure that any issues in relation to child or adult protection concerns are responded to in line with Birmingham LGBT’s policies and are brought to the immediate attention of the line manager.

·To deliver training on LGBT domestic violence.

·To work within Birmingham LGBT’s policies and procedures.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Information Management

·To participate in the collection and maintenance of information on relevant referral agencies and local services.

·To ensure high quality and effective statistical monitoring is undertaken at all times in accordance with Birmingham LGBT’s procedures.

·To produce monitoring reports as requested by the Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

·To maintain accurate, confidential service-user records of contact details and interventions, ensuring that personal information is up-to-date and that it is kept secure and confidential at all times in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Birmingham LGBT’s procedures.

·To ensure that feedback from service users and agencies is actively sought to inform the continuous improvement and development of the service.

Professional Development and Training

·To keep up-to-date with developments in legislation, policy and local and national government initiatives that address domestic violence.

·To attend and prepare for regular meetings with the line manager and to participate in individual appraisals in accordance with Birmingham LGBT’s policies and procedures.

·To attend internal or external training events, meetings or forums, as requested by the line manager and in line with the post-holder’s professional development plan.

·To attend regular team meetings.

·To carry out other duties as may from time to time be reasonably required by the line manager.

·To support colleagues with general duties at the Birmingham LGBT Centre.

At Fear Free, we take pride in delivering exceptional services across the Southwest region, and we are excited to announce that we are launching a new team delivering sexual violence therapeutic support across Wiltshire and Swindon. Part of a diverse team of professionals supporting adult and child victims of sexual violence, you will play an integral role in providing one-to-one and group support for adult survivors. 

The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) will work within a multi-agency system to provide a proactive, person-centred independent service for adult and children who are victims of sexual violence, empowering choice through informed decision making. Key elements of the role include: 

• Risk assessing and helping to keep service users safe (safety planning). 

• Working with primary and secondary schools within Wiltshire to provide support and guidance on how to support children affected by sexual violence or abuse 

• Providing informal education in assemblies and schools around consent and healthy relationships around Wiltshire

• Provision of 1-1  psychoeducational support sessions, with a focus on safety and stabilisation. 

• Enabling victims to access statutory and other services. 

This ISVA role requires the building of effective relationships with other agencies especially educational settings within Wiltshire that may support victims of sexual violence, developing referral pathways and creating outward facing information resources and campaigns to raise awareness and build confidence in reporting sexual violence. 

The ISVA will be required to work to the Quality Standards for services supporting victims/survivors of sexual violence. 

This fixed term role for 12 months will be based in our Trowbridge office, with expectation of paid travel across the area. Fear Free supports staff to work flexibly and we operate hybrid working (working both remotely and in the offices). 

Key Responsibilities 

• To provide a person centred, client focused, independent service, distinct from the role of a crisis worker or counsellor, primarily for the benefit of the victims of sexual abuse. 

• To work with family members and supporters of victims to provide information and support where appropriate and required. 

• To work within educational settings like primary and secondary schools in Wiltshire to ensure there is support for DSLs who support students who have been victims of sexual abuse. 

• To deliver educational sessions in school assemblies and classes around consent and healthy relationships. 

• To be point of contact for schools in Wiltshire for advice and guidance. 

• To work with victims who have chosen to report their abuse and those who have not and provide a victim led service to all service users, empowering choice through informed decision making. 

• To complete a support needs analysis, including risk assessments, in relation to support and counselling services and create an individualised safety plan for each client. 

• To provide specialist psychoeducational support, focusing on safety and stabilisation, to support victims to manage their experience of trauma. 

• To provide practical and emotional support to meet the needs of each individual service user to enable them to move forwards towards recovery. 

• To refer on to other support if required, including internally to our other therapeutic based supports. 

• To provide sensitive and non–judgmental support, enabling the service user to regain control and self-esteem. 

• Encourage/assist clients to develop their own support network. 

• To provide information to enable clients to make informed decisions in relation to the self-referral option, medical care, forensic examination, making a police report, mental health and sexual health and onward referrals.

• To promote the service to external agencies where applicable.

• To produce clear record keeping/documentation, in a timely manner according to Fear Free’ policies and procedures. 

• To assess, offer and gain consent from the client for any onward referrals. 

• To document clearly any safeguarding concerns, complete any relevant risk assessments and liaise with relevant safeguarding teams and attend MARAC, MASH and Children’s’ Services meetings if appropriate.

• Ensuring that the service user’s views, opinions, wishes and needs are understood, respected and listened to and held at the forefront of support, whilst fully complying with all safeguarding requirements. 

• Safeguard the health & welfare of service users and their families. 

• Enable service users to participate in the design, delivery and evaluation of services. 

• Utilise evaluation and monitoring systems to ensure high standards of service are consistently achieved. 

• Ensure support provided is accessible to clients in terms of location and times.

• To manage a case load – balancing new referrals, existing cases and closing cases. 

• To offer specialist advice to other professionals and agencies where required. 

• Live and work the FearLess values: kind, open, receptive, robust, pragmatic and expert. 

General 

• Live and embody the FearFree values.

• Work at all times in accordance with the requirements of the Lone Working Policy and Procedure. 

• Attend and contribute to team meetings. 

• Update written and computerised records with accurate and clear information. 

• Contribute to effective team working with a flexible and pro-active approach, including cover for other team members’ holidays and sickness. 

• Undertake agreed training and keep updated on changes in legislation, policy and best practice. 

• The post holder will deal with highly confidential information relating to vulnerable people.

• Ensure security of data, especially sensitive personal data, in line with the information security policy

• Work within Fear Free Policies and Procedures at all times.

• Employees have responsibilities in respect of health and safety.  In particular they will: 

• Co-operate at all times with management in the implementation of and adherence to health and safety policy and procedures; 

• Take reasonable care for their own safety and for the safety of others who may foreseeably be affected by their actions at work; 

• Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for the purpose of health and safety at work; 

• Report all health and safety concerns to line managers; 

• Assist with the completion of the risk assessment programme. 

• Any other duties that may be reasonably required. 

To apply, please download the full job description/person specification along with the application and equality monitoring forms. Please send the completed application form and optional equality monitoring form direct to FearFree. 

There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged. 

For information about the processing of your personal data at FearFree, please visit our website. 

FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace.  We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued. 

About Women in Prison

Women in Prison is a national, women-led, feminist organisation. We deliver front line support to women harmed by the criminal justice system, through our work in prisons, in the community and ‘through the prison gate’ as they resettle back into their communities. We also campaign for systems change that addresses the root causes of offending, reduces the harmful impact of prison, and creates workable, community-based alternatives to imprisonment.

Job Purpose:

The Family Advocate will provide trauma-informed specialist support to women in the community and in prison who are at risk of losing custody of their children/have already experienced child removal. This role will also upskill colleagues, and work with Children’s Social Care teams to improve the response to women impacted by the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibility Areas 

1.      Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive support to women in contact with the criminal justice system, who are at risk of experiencing/have experienced child removal. 

2.      Provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions on Children’s Social Care and family court processes, and increase Children's Social Care teams' knowledge and understanding on women in the criminal justice system.   

3.      Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as Children’s Social Care, probation, prison, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s needs. 

4.      Monitor case management systems to ensure accurate and timely data recording, aligning with contract KPIs and WIP policies.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working as Team Leader / managing people?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for a confident and experienced people manager, who will lead and support teams based in and around the London area, to join our team.  We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.

About the role?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader to join our team covering a variety of boroughs in London.  You will be a passionate supporter of quality driven, outcome centric, advocacy provision and in coaching others to achieve the exacting standards of excellence in advocacy required to support our clients.

About you

We are looking for a strong and resilient leader with experience of managing a team. Desirably you will have worked or volunteered in a welfare, supporting role, or caring for adults or young people who have support needs.

You will be committed to driving high performance and practice standards by actively engaging with our Practice Management team to interpret data. Thereby, making informed decisions and ensuring that the highest standards of advocacy are achieved.

You will ensure a culture of learning and continuous development through a mix of team and supervision meetings, and reflective practice.

You will be experienced in managing risks relating to the safety and wellbeing of staff members and the safeguarding of service users.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring your team delivery of the highest standards of advocacy, ensuring that all contact with clients is outcome driven.

You will support your team and ensure that they have the necessary skills to make a difference in peoples lives on a daily basis.  Assisting them to grow in confidence and empowering them to assist those in need of support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with people across the organisation to assist you and your team, fostering a learning culture where all views are respected.

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications: Midnight on Friday 17th October, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Job Title: Domestic Abuse Helpline IDVA (Domestic Abuse Helpline Independant domestic violence advocate)

Location: Warwickshire 
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (Until 30 September 2026)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Helpline IDVA, supporting survivors of domestic abuse and their children, from the point of crisis, providing high quality independent advocacy and support.

Referrals to the Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (DVSW) will come via a single-point-of-access Freephone telephone number, or email, from professionals on behalf of victim survivors and victim-survivors who want to self-refer. Referrals can come through any agency, or self-referral, and pathways are well established with all local statutory and support services including the police, social care, housing, health, education, mental health, drug and alcohol services and the voluntary sector. The DVSW service will accept referrals for any survivor living in Warwickshire, at any level of risk, on a needs-led basis.

The Helpline IDVA will work closely with Refuge’s community outreach service support workers, the MARAC team, deputy managers, and the refuge accommodation team.  Refuge’s deputy manager for the community outreach will manage the helpline worker alongside the outreach workers, taking overall responsibility for monitoring, reporting, and meeting outcomes across the community outreach support service.

The Helpline IDVA’s post is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative way across all referring agencies and therefore it is an important aspect of this job that the post holder has experience of working collaboratively with a range of other agencies.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 23 October 2025

Interview Date: 31 October 2025

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Crisis Café Support Worker
Reference: 307
Responsible to: Crisis Cafe Coordinator
Salary: From £24,336 Per Annum (pro rata for part time hours)
Hours: Full-time 37.5hrs (Part-time hours considered starting from 15hrs)
Work pattern: Working on a 7-day rota, working 17:30pm - 01:30am.
Working Base(s): Ware
(expectation to travel across Hertfordshire where necessary: Stevenage, Watford and Hatfield - mileage paid when not working at home base)

About the Service

Our Nightlight Service is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways.

We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline, crisis centres, crisis cafes and a weekend Crisis House. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary. As a member of our team you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach as to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect.

The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Services are:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis to support better outcomes and reduce the demand on statutory crisis services and emergency services.

At the Crisis Cafes we promote and enable people to access support in a way that suits them, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply by providing a safe space to have time alone or engage with trained staff.

About the Role

Mental Healthcare Support Workers are key members of staff delivering the Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Service, taking part in a rota covering 7 days per week, ensuring the delivery of quality crisis support services and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the crisis cafe and helpline provision. Working closely with other staff (bank staff, volunteers), coordinators, team leaders and Crisis manager to ensure services are of the highest quality and support the continued growth and development of the service.

By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery.

Whilst experience is advantageous, the most important thing to us and the people we support is having the right values, skills and commitment to delivering high quality, person centred mental health crisis support.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Closing date for applications is 26th October 2025 
Interviews to be held week of 3rd November 2025 
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if sufficient applications are received so would encourage early applications.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Crisis Café Support Worker (Bank)
Reference: 308
Responsible to: Crisis Cafe Coordinator
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Hours: 0 hours contract (Bank)
Work pattern: Working on a 7-day rota, working 17:30pm - 01:30am
Working Base(s): Hatfield

About the Service

Our Nightlight Service is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways.

We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline, crisis centres, crisis cafes and a weekend Crisis House. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary. As a member of our team you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach as to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect.

The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Services are:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis to support better outcomes and reduce the demand on statutory crisis services and emergency services.

At the Crisis Cafes we promote and enable people to access support in a way that suits them, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply by providing a safe space to have time alone or engage with trained staff.

About the Role

Mental Healthcare Support Workers (Bank) are key members of staff delivering the Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Service, taking part in a rota covering 7 days per week, ensuring the delivery of quality crisis support services and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the crisis cafe and helpline provision. Working closely with other staff (bank staff, volunteers), coordinators, team leaders and Crisis manager to ensure services are of the highest quality and support the continued growth and development of the service.

By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery.

Whilst experience is advantageous, the most important thing to us and the people we support is having the right values, skills and commitment to delivering high quality, person centred mental health crisis support.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2025
Interviews to be held week of 10th November 2025
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if sufficient applications are received so would encourage early applications.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Crisis House Support Worker
Reference: 306
Responsible to: Crisis House Coordinator
Based: Crisis House – Hemel Hempstead
Salary: £24,366 per annum, pro rata for part time (First salary review after successful probation completion)
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours (Part-time considered)
Working days: Shifts available covering 7-day rota, Early: 7am-3pm, Late: 2pm-10pm Nights: 9pm-8am
Contract: Permanent

About the Service

Our Nightlight Crisis House offers a safe, homely, and welcoming space for anyone feeling distressed and experiencing a crisis.

The Crisis Centre and rest of Nightlight Services (Café’s, Helpline, Daylight provision) is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways.

We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline, crisis cafes and 24/7 Crisis Centre. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary.

As a member of our diverse team, you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect. By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery.

The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) Nightlight Mental health Crisis House are:

• To endeavour to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of people experiencing a mental health crisis across Hertfordshire.
• To provide 24/7 support for individuals experiencing mental health crisis in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing clear and effective pathways to other services provided by HMN and other third party and/or statutory providers.
• To remain a source of independent support for all Service Users.
• To provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis, employing a person-centred approach in order to enable better outcomes for those in need as to reduce the demand on statutory Crisis and Emergency services.

About the Role

As a Crisis House Support Worker you will be a key member of staff supporting the delivery of the Nightlight mental health Crisis Service. You will take part in a rota which covers a 24/7 hour service, 365 days a year. Drawing upon your own lived and/or professional experience (where applicable,) in order to provide a mix of face-to-face, therapeutic and holistic support for those accessing overnight provision. You will work closely with other staff as part of a team in supporting the development of quality Crisis Support and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the provision.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2025.
Interviews to be held week of 10th November 2025

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

Equal Opportunities 
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings.

No agencies please.

About Trade

Trade Sexual Health (Trade for short) is a small health and wellbeing charity based in Leicester. We currently have eight staff and more than 40 volunteers.

Trade began as a grassroots gay community response to HIV in Leicester in the late 1980s. Throughout the 1990s, Trade worked creatively to spread information about sexual health and HIV prevention to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the city (GBMSM).

Trade has been a registered charity since 2000. Over the last 25 years, our core work has focused on improving the sexual health of gay and bisexual men across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. We have always taken a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the range of issues that might impact gay and bisexual men’s ability to look after their sexual health. As a result, we started a counselling service – Approach Counselling – to support community members in improving their mental wellbeing.

We now draw on this experience to tackle wider health inequalities related to sexual health and HIV, and to provide peer support for anyone living with HIV in the areas where we work. For a small charity, Trade has always ‘punched above its weight’ and we have a national profile for the innovative sexual health work we do.

We currently hold contracts to deliver sexual health promotion and HIV prevention outreach in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland to LGBTQ+ people, asylum seekers, and a range of racialised communities that experience significant inequalities in relation to their sexual health.

We have a history of providing peer support to people living with HIV, and this is now becoming a growing strand of our work. This post is central to the delivery of HIV Peer Support in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (and builds on our experience of delivering similar services in Northamptonshire).

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to deliver first-line peer support to people living with HIV, of all genders and backgrounds, in Leicestershire. The postholder will be based at the Trade offices in central Leicester and will work closely with clinical staff at the Jarvis Clinic at Leicester Royal Infirmary. They will ensure that people who have been recently diagnosed, are struggling with their diagnosis, or are re-engaging with HIV care feel supported and have the information they need to live well and thrive with HIV.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), bringing personal knowledge and experience to the role.
• Collaborate with a small group of volunteer peer mentors to support people living with HIV.
• Assist in recruiting new volunteers and ensure patients needing ongoing peer mentoring are matched with suitable mentors.
• Support individuals in developing self-management strategies, addressing stigma, reducing social isolation, and improving wellbeing.
• Develop a catalogue of services, groups, and support options for signposting.
• Encourage engagement with HIV treatment and care, improving ART adherence and promoting viral suppression.

Job Activities

• Triage new patients to identify specific support needs.
• Coordinate appointments between mentors and mentees.
• Refer or signpost individuals to specialist services (e.g. mental health, housing, benefits, immigration).
• Support the British HIV Association Standards of Care and National Standards in HIV Peer Support.
• Contribute to innovative approaches to peer support delivery.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and secure records.
• Assist in compiling quarterly monitoring reports for Leicester Public Health.
• Represent Trade professionally at forums and meetings.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with partners.

Accountability

• Reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
• Receives peer staff supervision for project-specific needs.
• Accountable to the Trade Board of Trustees.

General Competencies and Conditions

• Competent in using software for word processing, data management (e.g. Excel), and social media.
• Able to work across various venues in Leicester and Leicestershire.
• Full driving licence preferred but not essential.
• Capable of independent decision-making and appropriate signposting.
• Maintains professional boundaries and handles client distress sensitively.

Working Conditions

• Primarily based at Trade offices, with regular visits to the HIV clinic.
• Expected to attend team meetings, training days, and key events (e.g. World AIDS Day, National HIV Testing Week).
• Shares domestic tasks with staff and volunteers.
• Undertakes other duties as reasonably required by the Board of Trustees.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested upon appointment.

Person Specification

Genuine Occupational Requirement:
The postholder must be living with HIV (as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Experience

• Lived experience of HIV and understanding of its impact – Essential
• Experience supporting vulnerable or marginalised communities – Desirable
• Experience working collaboratively with NHS services, charities, or support organisations – Essential

Skills

• Effective communication with diverse individuals and organisations – Essential
• Ability to work independently and use initiative – Essential
• Mentorship skills to support and motivate others – Desirable
• Strong organisational and time management skills – Essential
• Ability to deliver and develop a peer mentoring scheme – Essential

Knowledge and Understanding

• Knowledge of HIV and the support needs of people living with HIV – Essential
• Understanding of peer support benefits for long-term health conditions – Essential
• Familiarity with safeguarding policies and practices – Desirable
• Awareness of the benefits and challenges of volunteering – Essential

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to personal development – Essential
• Alignment with Trade’s mission, vision, and values – Essential
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion – Essential
• Supportive of team and volunteer development – Essential

We will shortlist for interview week commencing 3rd November, all candidates will recieve a response at this time.

We plan to hold interviews the week commencing 10th November

Communications and Community Engagement Officer

Contract: Part-time | 21 hours per week.

Salary: £20,540 per annum (Actual)

Kingston Carers' Network (KCN) is an independent charity providing information, advice, advocacy and support to unpaid carers of all ages who are caring for someone with an illness, disability or substance misuse problem.

We are looking for a dynamic and creative individual with a passion for communications and social change. We are currently supporting over 4000 carers, including over 800 young carers, who are caring for a relative or friend with a disability, illness, mental health problem or substance addiction. The successful candidate will have the ability to build and cultivate relationships with local organisations, as they will be managing our various social media channels. Recent experience of working in a communications role within the charity or public sector is essential.

Benefits include: 

• 4% matched pension contribution,
• flexible hours,
• hybrid working,
• and enrolment in the Carers Trust training programme.

This post is subject to a basic DBS check.

Closing date: 5:00 pm on Monday 3rd November 2025.

Interviews: Wednesday 12th and 19th November.

Kingston Carers’ Network, registered charity number 1151456

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Based in Skylight Oxford, Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ

Contract: Permanent

About the role

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.

Crisis Skylight Oxford is located in the Old Fire Station in the centre of the city. Our team provide a one to one specialist housing led service to help people find and secure affordable housing. We offer person centred support and will help people with anything else that will support someone to end their homelessness, such as mental health and well-being, finances or finding employment. Alongside the coaching we offer practical and creative workshops.

The Old Fire Station building also accommodates a range of flexible arts spaces which are run by an independent arts company.  

As a coach/ lead worker in the structured coaching team with a landlord liaison specialism, you be supporting people to prevent their homelessness or supporting people who are homeless into the Private Rental Sector.

You will be the lead worker for people who have engaged well with the service and are able to work with you to develop and follow a personalised plan to end their homelessness.

With a specialism in landlord liaison you will be finding, securing and maintaining the relationships we need with private and social landlords to provide a supply of good quality and affordable homes for Crisis members.

The key to success will be your ability, as part of the Crisis team, to make collaborative, consistent and persistent relationships with each person

About you

· Experience of working within a relevant sector (e.g. homelessness, mental health, drug and alcohol treatment) and have good knowledge of relevant housing, homelessness and welfare legislation

· Excellent understanding of the rental housing market local to Skylight Oxford and experience of sourcing and procuring properties including demonstratable knowledge of the legal requirements when letting a property

· Understanding of both the needs of social and private landlords and the barriers and opportunities faced by people moving out of homelessness and into housing.

· Effective negotiation skills with the ability to mediate between parties who may have different priorities and to broker agreements

You may have experience in; Homelessness, Mental health, Drug and Alcohol or the Criminal Justice System.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.  

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

· A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.

• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy. 
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave. 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly 
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Monday 3 November 2025 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview

Interview date and location: 12 November 2025, either in person at our Oxford Skylight, Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ or online Microsoft Teams

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help. 

For more information about our work please visit

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094