Mental health volunteer jobs

SANE is a UK-wide mental health charity working to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by mental illness. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of all mental health conditions; fight to improve frontline mental health services for individuals and carers; provide support, information and guidance through SANEline, our Call Back service, email and text support; and promote and host research into causes, treatments and therapies through its Prince of Wales International Centre for SANE research.

We are looking for people interested in providing compassionate support to people affected by mental health problems. This includes supporting people with severe mental illness, and carers, families and friends. In this role you will provide confidential emotional support by telephone, email and text, as well supporting our skilled volunteers through their development and during their weekly shifts.

This role provides valuable practical experience in providing emotional support to vulnerable people. Working within SANE support services requires a high level of empathy and emotional resilience as well as excellent communication skills. SANE takes take pride in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for both our staff and volunteers. Applications are particularly welcome from individuals with counselling, psychology or therapy qualifications or any other therapeutic disciplines who are committed to providing compassionate mental health support.

Hours: 2 to 3 days per week, a mix of afternoon-to-evening shifts & occasional weekend work to cover our 7-day service, with working hours of 2.30-10.30pm. All work is conducted on-site at SANE’s London office.

Starting Salary: £15.46 per hour

About you:

-      You must have experience of working with people with mental health conditions/mental illnesses and families and carers.

- You are personable, highly compassionate, and genuinely interested in supporting people from all walks of life.

- You are a warm and confident communicator.

- You can collaborate with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service on our SANEline Service.

What can you expect?

- To work within SANE’s framework, including regular check-ins, debriefs, and caller meetings. To receive training specific to your role.

- To become part of an established and diverse team.

- To gain exposure to a wide range of mental health problems.

- To gain valuable practical experience in providing emotional support to vulnerable people.

- A culture where team members support and learn from each other.

- A warm supportive and encouraging environment.

- Access to our staff Employee Assistance programme.

Requirements: 

• To undergo an enhanced DBS check.
• Expected start date – late August 2026.
• For all applicants staff - availability of a minimum of 2 days every week.

Please note: This vacancy may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is found as interviews are being conducted on an ongoing basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. 

Closing date: Friday 24th July at 12pm (midday). Interviews will take place in August, although they may begin earlier depending on number and quality of applications received.

To apply: Please read the full Job Description and Person Specification before completing application. Applicants must address all areas on the person specification (Downloadable below) and explain motivation for wanting to work for SANE. Applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

SANE is a UK-wide mental health charity working to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by mental illness. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of all mental health conditions; fight to improve frontline mental health services for individuals and carers; provide support, information and guidance through SANEline, our Call Back service, email and text support; and promote and host research into causes, treatments and therapies through its Prince of Wales International Centre for SANE research.

We are looking for people interested in providing compassionate support to people affected by mental health problems. This includes supporting people with severe mental illness, and carers, families and friends. In this role you will provide confidential emotional support by telephone, email and text.

This role provides valuable practical experience in providing emotional support to vulnerable people. Working within SANE support services requires a high level of empathy and emotional resilience as well as excellent communication skills. SANE takes take pride in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for both our staff and volunteers. Applications are particularly welcome from individuals with counselling, psychology or therapy qualifications or any other therapeutic disciplines who are committed to providing compassionate mental health support.

Hours: 2-3 days per week which can include weekends, to cover a 7 day service. Shifts generally run from 12-6pm or 12-8pm (some flexibility is available). All work is conducted on-site at SANE’s London office.

Starting Salary: £15.46 per hour

About you:

-      You must have experience of working with people with mental health conditions/mental illnesses and families and carers.

- You are personable, highly compassionate, and genuinely interested in supporting people from all walks of life.

- You are a warm and confident communicator.

- You can collaborate with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service on our Call Back Service.

What can you expect?

- To work within SANE’s framework, including regular check-ins, debriefs, and caller meetings. To receive training specific to your role.

- To become part of an established and diverse team.

- To gain exposure to a wide range of mental health problems.

- To gain valuable practical experience in providing emotional support to vulnerable people.

- A culture where team members support and learn from each other.

- A warm supportive and encouraging environment.

- Access to our staff Employee Assistance programme.

Requirements: 

• To undergo an enhanced DBS check.
• Expected start date – late August 2026.
• For all applicants staff - availability of a minimum of 2 days every week.

Please note: This vacancy may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is found as interviews are being conducted on an ongoing basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. 

Closing date: Friday 24th July at 12pm (midday). Interviews will take place in August, although they may begin earlier depending on number and quality of applications received.

To apply: Please read the full Job Description and Person Specification before completing application. Applicants must address all areas on the person specification (Downloadable below) and explain motivation for wanting to work for SANE. Applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

We are looking for a supportive and motivating Progression Coach to join our established and respected Step Up programme and help people with a wide range of mental health issues progress towards their goals. These can include volunteering, training or paid employment.

Step Up has been running successfully in Hackney since 2015 and works in partnership with statutory and voluntary mental health services. We work with people living with a rage of conditions including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Through workshops, training and individual coaching, people are supported to gain confidence, independence, vocational skills and resilience with a reduction in social isolation. The role involves carrying out careful assessments of each person’s needs and interests, to create pesonalised journey plans that include interesting and relevant volunteering positions. These are with local charities and community organisations who are given ongoing support and guidance to help these be a rewarding and worthwhile experience.

We are seeking a candidate who has a real understanding of the barriers faced by people who have extensive mental health support needs, and by people who may have never worked in a paid role, to progress towards life goals. You will join a supportive environment with strong values of enabling people to progress in their lives. We offer flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance, monthly group therapeutic supervision and the opportunity to receive ongoing mentoring and training as you need. At VCH, all staff work closely together to tackle challenges. You will receive ongoing support and be given flexibility and creativity to develop your own working style, with the support of your manager and colleagues.

The Leeds Mind Youth Panel Network is an exciting new youth-led social action programme funded by The National Lottery Community Fund through the #iwill Fund. The project will establish youth panels in communities across Leeds, creating opportunities for young people aged up to 20 (and up to 25 for those requiring additional support) to develop leadership skills, influence local decisions related to mental health, shape community services, and lead meaningful social action on issues that matter to them. Through partnerships with schools, health services, community organisations and local decision-makers, the programme will empower young people to drive positive change, strengthen their communities, and ensure that youth voices are heard in the places where decisions are made.

As Youth Panel Co-ordinator, you will lead the development and delivery of the Leeds Mind Youth Panel Network, supporting young people to become active changemakers within their communities. This dynamic role combines youth engagement, partnership working, project coordination and facilitation, and volunteer management. Working closely with key local stakeholders, you will create inclusive opportunities for diverse young people to develop confidence and leadership skills, identify local priorities, develop social action projects, and influence services and policy on issues such as mental health, social inclusion and community wellbeing. Supported by volunteers and colleagues across Leeds Mind, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring young people are at the heart of shaping stronger, fairer communities across Leeds.

Lead a respected counselling charity and help shape the future of mental health support in our community.

If you're an inspiring leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As our new Head of Centre, you'll lead an established, BACP-accredited charity with an excellent reputation for delivering affordable, high-quality counselling and professional training across West Kent and East Sussex.

For almost 40 years, The Counselling Centre has been committed to ensuring that everyone can access professional counselling, regardless of their financial circumstances. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to build on this legacy, strengthening our financial sustainability, developing new partnerships and expanding our impact to meet the growing demand for mental health support.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. You'll work closely with our dedicated staff, volunteers and trustees to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding counselling, training and community services while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the charity, lead financial planning and income generation, develop relationships with funders, commissioners, businesses and community partners, and act as an ambassador for The Counselling Centre across the local area. You'll also champion our values, nurture a positive organisational culture and ensure we continue to meet the highest standards of governance and professional practice.

We're looking for someone who brings senior leadership experience, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to improving mental health. You'll be an excellent relationship builder with experience of developing partnerships, generating income and leading organisational change. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our organisation.

Why join us?

• Lead a respected charity with an outstanding reputation built over almost 40 years.

• Make a genuine difference to the lives of people in your local community.

• Work alongside a committed Board of Trustees, experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.

• Help shape the future direction and growth of an ambitious organisation.

• Enjoy a flexible part-time role (21 hours per week) with hybrid working.

• Competitive salary of circa £50,000–£55,000 per annum pro rata, contributory pension, 25 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, and Christmas closure.

If you're looking for a leadership role where your strategic vision, commercial skills and passion for community impact can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Peer Worker, you will use your lived experience of mental health and recovery to provide person-centred, compassionate support, empowering individuals to achieve their recovery goals and improve their wellbeing. 

What you’ll do 

• Deliver personalised 1:1 interventions, helping individuals identify their strengths, set meaningful recovery goals, and access the services and community resources that best meet their needs.
• Use your lived experience to build trusting, authentic relationships, providing hope, encouragement, and practical support while promoting recovery, resilience, and independence.
• Advocate for individuals, supporting them to navigate services, develop self-management skills, increase social inclusion, and make informed choices about their recovery journey.

See job pack for full details and the person specification

Hillside Clubhouse is recruiting an IPS Employment Specialist to join our dynamic Islington team, supporting people with mental health conditions to gain and retain employment.  The IPS Employment Specialists within the Islington IPS Service work within the nationally recognised IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model within NHS secondary and primary care mental health teams, based in the heart of Islington.

Who We Are: 

Hillside Clubhouse is a co-produced mental health employment support charity working across Islington. We support people with mental health conditions into training, volunteering, and employment opportunities. People can access our services via our Clubhouse, where they can share their skills and expertise with others and support the running of the charity.  Alternatively, they can receive support out in the community from one of our Employment Specialists based within NHS mental health teams.

The Role: 

We are recruiting for one IPS Employment Specialist role within our Islington IPS Service. This position will be based within the North London NHS Foundation Trust mental health services in the borough of Islington.

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll play an important role in supporting people with lived mental health experience on their recovery journey by supporting them back into paid employment. This is an opportunity to offer ongoing support, to motivate and provide people with hope, while developing the tools and skills required to recover – ultimately transforming their lives.

A variety of skills are needed in this post including but not limited to: a strong ability to develop empathy and rapport with clients; a determined approach to seeking out job opportunities; a person centric-approach to working with people; strong communications skills to motivate clients; strong administrative capabilities and an attention to detail engage with prospective employers via business development and face-to-face meetings, as well as to be able to challenge some perceptions around mental health. 

The postholder will be directly employed by Hillside Clubhouse but work under an Honorary Contract from the North London NHS Foundation Trust.  They will be managed directly by the IPS Operations Manager but work as team member within the clinical team. The role is dynamic and involves being integrated in a clinical team, working within the community, and we operate a flexible working policy where working from home is also permitted up to two days per week.

Overall Aim: 

To enable people with mental health issues to gain and sustain competitive employment by working within the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

Duties: 

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification attached for a full description.

Application Instructions:
We are a Disability Confident employer and actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Hillside Clubhouse is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from those who experience discrimination and / or prejudice based on their race, ethnicity or immigration status, women, new parents, people with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people.

All job offers are dependent on satisfactory references and a DBS check. The successful candidate will also be required to attend mandatory Safeguarding Adults, Children & Young People training.

The recruitment process will be an assessment centre approach, including a task, role play and individual interview. We envision the whole process lasting no more than 90 minutes.

Working within a multi-disciplinary team, the Community Connector provides a first-point-of-contact mental health service within GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). The role includes assessments and brief psychosocial interventions, as well as coordinating access to community resources that support mental, physical, and social wellbeing.

Location: East Guildford or Walton-on-Thames
Salary: £30,280 (pro rata if part-time)
Hours: 35 hours per week (East Guildford), 22.5 hours per week (Walton-on-Thames)
Contract type: Permanent

Key responsibilities:

• Work jointly with the Mental Health Practitioner in conducting assessments, including risk assessment, and to work with patients to support them in identifying their socially determined needs and goals, provide self-management tools and facilitate the development of personal support plans
• Provide a range of motivational and structured psychosocial interventions
• Promote independence through an enabling asset-based approach that draws on individuals’ strengths, preferences and ‘natural’ support networks
• Establish effective working relationships with a range of agencies to facilitate a ‘joined up’ approach to support plans
• Liaise with, develop and maintain good relations with GPs, practice managers and other health practitioners across mental health and physical health pathways and wider support networks
• Provide continuity throughout recovery; engaging the patient with key services such as Safe Havens, accessing CMHRS, and providing support for those engaged with and leaving CMHRS, and linking into local wellbeing services and activities
• Co-ordinate and support patients to access a range of community services such as wellbeing services, housing providers, family and carer support services, debt and employer advisors where appropriate
• Assist with community resource mapping exercises and maintain a database of community resources; map where there are gaps in provision across the PCN and wider geography and work with other VCS organisations to develop resources where most needed
• Promote and support (where necessary) advised follow up actions from physical health checks for people with serious mental illness
• Support patients to engage with local peer support workers and volunteering services
• Support and supervise any peer support workers linked to PCN
• Work with the service to identify opportunities to expand provision particularly in local communities where there is a lack of service provision identified
• Broker and establish new partnerships between public and voluntary sector agencies to enhance service delivery and access to services
• Develop and sustain professional relationships with service users, partner agencies and appropriate external agencies
• Complete locally agreed quality outcome measures, with patients and to undertake regular reviews

About the organisation:

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

 About you:

• A minimum of 2 years community experience of mental health work
• Experience of delivering brief interventions for mental health needs
• An understanding and ability to work to the confidentiality, consent, information sharing and safeguarding policies of the integrated service
• Good communication and written skills and a commitment to accurate and confidential record keeping
• Ability to interact effectively with the client group, colleagues and other professionals whilst retaining clear boundaries
• Ability to break down stigma and barriers associated with working with the client group
• Demonstrate an understanding of the issues and needs of the client group
• Knowledge and understanding of community working, lone working, and ability to maintain safety whilst working in the community
• Ability to work to all the policies, procedures and standards of the Service and joint working arrangements with key partners
• A good understanding of personal limitations, ability to identify when to seek advice and support, and deal with issues which may provoke strong emotions in an objective and professional manner i.e. child protection
• Ability to manage any challenging behaviour, anger and verbal aggression from patients
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, use of email, Outlook, and basic excel skills
• Ability to enter data onto a database as required by the Service
• Ability to travel to and from a number of different locations on a daily basis
• Ability to work flexibly across operational hours and evenings and weekends, where required
• Ability to work co-operatively as part of a multidisciplinary team (statutory and voluntary) from a service hub

Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks:

• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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 Recovery Worker to play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Drop-In Service in Hillingdon.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of the role is to provide excellent quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention support. You will support clients throughout their time in service and empower them with the skills to cope independently. You will carry out support and interventions in line with organisational values and the ethos of recovery and co-production, as well as in line with policies and procedures.

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 successful candidate will have demonstrable experience working with individuals affected by mental health and dual-diagnosis issues, with strong knowledge of a wide range of mental health conditions, effective communication approaches, and the ability to provide support with dignity and respect. They will understand relevant Mental Health legislation, the principles of recovery, and a variety of recovery approaches. The role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, support the induction of new staff and volunteers, and work collaboratively with statutory services. The candidate will bring experience in planning and delivering added-value initiatives, alongside excellent communication, partnership-building, risk-assessment, and case-management skills. Strong organisational, IT, literacy, and numeracy abilities are essential, as is knowledge of local recovery tools, wellbeing services, and safeguarding practices.

When will I be working?

39 hours per week, including 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 are Hestia. We make a difference.

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 Recovery Workerto play a pivotal role in our Highbury Grove Recovery House in Highbury

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

 In this role, you will empower clients to build confidence, develop coping skills, and work towards greater independence throughout their time in the service. You will manage a varied caseload, deliver group activities and co‑produced programmes, and support service users to engage effectively with community professionals and local support networks. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will help shape peer‑support opportunities, ensure the safety and wellbeing of all service users, and maintain accurate, timely records in line with organisational values and procedures. This is a dynamic position that requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a commitment to recovery‑focused practice, including active participation in supervision, assessments, and service reviews.

The working hours are 8am-4pm and 2pm-10pm, including bank holidays and weekends.

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.

We're seeking someone with proven experience supporting individuals with mental health needs, including those with dual‑diagnosis, and a strong understanding of the challenges they face. You'll bring knowledge of mental health legislation, safeguarding, recovery‑focused practice and local wellbeing services, along with the ability to communicate with empathy, dignity and respect. The role requires someone confident working both independently and as part of a team, able to support new staff and volunteers, and comfortable collaborating with statutory and community partners. You'll have experience delivering groups or added‑value initiatives, strong organisational and time‑management skills, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Competence in risk assessment, case management, and maintaining clear written records is essential, as are solid IT skills and the confidence to represent the organisation externally, including presenting to stakeholders.

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.

Our Vacancy

Are you passionate about supporting people to live independently and achieve their goals? If so, this rewarding opportunity at Peabody could be the perfect fit for you.

As a Mental Health Support Worker, you’ll work within our HPFT-funded services in Hertfordshire, supporting adults with lived experience of mental health challenges. You’ll help individuals build stability, develop independent living skills, and move forward in their recovery journey through a person-centred and trauma-informed approach. Working across our services in Welwyn Garden City and Cheshunt, you’ll play a vital role in empowering customers to overcome barriers, improve their wellbeing, and achieve greater independence.

What you’ll do

• Carry out needs and risk assessments, develop and review support plans in line with policies and stakeholder requirements.
• Promote co-production, ensuring customers are actively involved in shaping their own support.
• Support customers to maximise income, access benefits, and manage their finances and household budgeting.
• Help customers maintain their accommodation and prepare for move-on to independent living.
• Accurately record all customer interactions and outcomes using electronic systems, ensuring compliance with contract and performance requirements.
• Liaise with colleagues, partner agencies, and stakeholders regarding safeguarding, welfare, and risk concerns.
• Promote the service to customers and professionals, attending partnership meetings and events where required.
• Support customers with medication prompts and encourage self-management of health and wellbeing.
• Carry out administrative duties and adhere to all policies, procedures, and health and safety requirements.

What you’ll need

You’re a compassionate and resilient individual who is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives. You’re able to build strong, trusting relationships and support customers with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries. You’re also organised, adaptable, and confident working both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

You will also have:

• Experience supporting vulnerable adults, ideally within a mental health setting.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with residents, colleagues, and external partners.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and promoting independence.
• Access to a vehicle and a full, valid, UK Driving License. 
• Willingness to work flexibly across services, including occasional evenings, weekends, and participation in an on-call rota.
• Good IT literacy, including confidence using Microsoft Office and data entry systems.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, equality and diversity, and health and safety in supported housing.
• The ability to manage a busy and emotionally demanding workload with resilience and professionalism.
• Confidence working independently, including lone working when required.
• A willingness to work towards (or hold) a relevant qualification such as QCF Level 2 in Health & Social Care or higher.

Please note this role will require an Enhanced DBS check as well as participation in an on-call rota. 

Why join us

At Peabody, our values guide everything we do - Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together.

What you’ll get in return

• 25 days’ annual holiday (plus bank holidays)
• 2 paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme including healthcare, dental, tech, vouchers, and more
• Life assurance at 4x your salary
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Family-friendly policies
• A role where your support helps people thrive

Please read before applying

This role will require an Enhanced DBS check as well as participation in an on-call rota. 

As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.

Closing date: 14th July 2026

Interviews will be taking place in person on the 23rd and 24th July at our Cheshunt location. 

Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

At Bluesci, we believe that everyone deserves good mental health and wellbeing. Our staff and volunteers, many of whom have experienced our services, collaborate with individuals and their communities to help them achieve their aspirations and wellness.   

Bluesci operates across the borough of Trafford from four Wellbeing Centres, offering arts, cultural and volunteering opportunities, social prescribing, talking therapies, and group support. We partner with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH) to deliver Trafford Neighbourhood Mental Health Service and with Trafford Libraries to co-deliver library services from two of our centres. Bluesci at Night offers a safe, welcoming space for people 365 nights a year, and we also provide Smoking Cessation Support.   

Peer support Workers hold a key position in the Trafford Living Well service, working with individuals and groups, to help people to reach their individual recovery goals.

Peer support workers support individuals to establish greater control over their lives, helping to identify aspects of life that give meaning, hope, value and purpose whilst recognising that everyone’s recovery is a uniquely personal process.

As an integral and valued member of the multi-agency team, the post holder will support team members by role modelling and using lived experience of mental health services to shape the service's quality.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health challenges. It is important that applicants are at a stage in their recovery where they feel able to use their experiences safely and appropriately to support others.

This is a Senior Operational Management role within Family Action.

The post holder will provide both strategic and operational support to Family Action’s adult mental health services in Bolton and Wigan:
• Bolton Listening Lounge and Wigan Crisis Space: operating from 3pm to 10pm, 7 days a week. These services form part of the Greater Manchester VCSE Crisis Pathway, a non-clinical alternative to A&E offering support to people experiencing mental and emotional distress and suicidal ideation
• Sub-contracted to TOGS Mind, Family Action is a VCSE delivery partner for the 111 press 2 / Mental Health Urgent Triage team located within the Northwest Ambulance Service call centres.

Listening Lounge Services in Bolton and Wigan operate between the hours of 3pm and 10pm 7 days a week. There is an expectation that the post holder will work to a flexible rota to meet the needs of the service and to provide onsite management support. Typically, this will include at least 2 weekend days per month from 2pm to 10pm on site – one in Bolton and one in Wigan, and two evenings per month during the week from 2pm to 10pm. These to be arranged in collaboration with the Service Managers from Bolton Listening Lounge and Wigan Crisis Space.

The Operational Manager will also be a member of the North Operational Management team that reports to the Deputy Director of Services & Innovation.

The postholder will share Family Action’s vision and ethos – which is a vision that society understands the importance and power of family as a foundation for individual futures and connected, resilient communities. 

Job Purpose

Core Arts is an innovative Mental Health Charity and Creative Education provider delivering pioneering Arts in Health programmes across London.

This senior leadership role provides strategic and operational oversight across creative education, personalised support, wellbeing and commissioned service delivery. The postholder will lead the development and delivery of high-quality, inclusive and outcomes-focused programmes which improve mental health, wellbeing and educational participation.

The role combines educational leadership with recovery-focused and personalised approaches, ensuring students can access meaningful creative learning opportunities that support confidence, progression, independence and improved quality of life.

Working across visual arts, music, multimedia, horticulture and sport, the postholder will ensure that services align with Arts in Health principles, NHS and Local Authority priorities, and contribute to reducing health inequalities through creative approaches.

The role will support the continued development of Core Arts as a recognised centre of excellence in Creative Education and Arts in Health.

Strategic Leadership & Service Development

• Develop innovative programmes aligned to NHS priorities including prevention, early intervention, personalised care and community-based support.
• Ensure services remain responsive to emerging educational, health and social care agendas.
• Support organisational growth, sustainability and service expansion.
• Lead service planning and contribute to organisational strategy and business development.
• Drive continuous improvement through evaluation and innovation.
• Develop opportunities for integrated working across education, health and voluntary sector partnerships.

Creative Education & Student Experience

• Lead an outstanding student-centred creative education programme focused on participation, achievement and progression.
• Ensure students receive personalised learning pathways with clear goals and outcomes.
• Support progression into volunteering, employment, accredited learning and community opportunities.
• Support  exhibitions, performances, events and public-facing events.
• Embed co-production and student voice throughout programme design and evaluation.
• Develop opportunities for students to gain confidence, leadership and independence.
• Monitor engagement, attendance and progression data to support continuous improvement.

Arts in Health, Wellbeing & Recovery

• Embed Arts in Health principles across all areas of programme delivery.
• Ensure students are supported to improve wellbeing through meaningful creative engagement.
• Work collaboratively with clinical teams, community mental health services and external partners.
• Maintain safeguarding, duty of care and effective risk management procedures.
• Support early intervention approaches and sustained student engagement.
• Promote social inclusion and reduce isolation through participation in creative learning.
• Develop pathways which support emotional wellbeing, confidence and resilience.
• Ensure personalised support planning remains central to service delivery.

Commissioned Delivery, Quality Assurance & Outcomes

• Lead successful delivery of commissioned services and contractual KPIs.
• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems are maintained.
• Demonstrate educational, wellbeing and social value outcomes through evidence and impact reporting.
• Ensure accurate data collection and performance monitoring.
• Support commissioner reporting and demonstrate measurable impact.
• Develop case studies and outcome frameworks which evidence the value of Arts in Health.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR and organisational governance requirements.
• Maintain oversight of quality assurance and continuous improvement processes.
• Support service audits and implementation of recommendations.

NHS Partnerships, Personalised Care & Community Integration

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with NHS commissioners, Integrated Care Boards, Local Authorities and community partners.
• Support approaches aligned with personalised care and Personal Health Budgets.
• Promote creative approaches which contribute to prevention and reduce demand on statutory services.
• Contribute to integrated pathways supporting community mental health and social prescribing.
• Support collaborative planning with borough and health partners.
• Strengthen referral routes and increase access for underrepresented communities.
• Represent Core Arts at regional networks, conferences and partnership meetings.
• Promote the role of creativity and education within wider health and wellbeing systems.

Leadership, Workforce & Organisational Development

• Provide, alongside the senior management team, leadership, supervision and support to managers, tutors, volunteers and interns.
• Ensure staff are equipped to deliver inclusive, high-quality learning experiences.
• Support innovation and collaborative working.
• Contribute to tender development and service growth opportunities.
• Champion organisational values and positive workplace culture.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of work.

Person Specification

Experience (Essential)

• Minimum five years’ experience in senior leadership or service management.
• Experience within mental health, Arts in Health, creative education or community services.
• Experience of delivering commissioned services and contract management.
• Experience of partnership working across health, education or voluntary sectors.
• Experience of leading teams.
• Experience of monitoring outcomes and demonstrating impact.

Knowledge & Understanding

• Arts in Health and recovery-focused practice.
• Creative education and adult learning principles.
• Mental health and wellbeing frameworks.
• Safeguarding.
• Personalised care approaches.
• Outcome measurement, quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

• Strong financial and numeric acumen.
• Strategic thinking with strong operational delivery.
• Excellent partnership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong organisational and analytical capability.
• Commitment to creativity, inclusion and social impact.

How to Apply

Core Arts are committed to finding the right person for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and suitable candidates invited to interview as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

To apply, please send a full CV and covering letter explaining how your experience meets the job description