Mental health advocate jobs

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in the bustling heart of Birmingham.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. You will deliver a range of statutory advocacy services including Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) and Care Act Advocacy. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work: Full-Time: 37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Home based with travel around the Birmingham area.
(Applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport)

Salary: Starting Salary of £24,242.40 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
• Auto enrolment Pension plan
• Death in service cover.
• Bike to work scheme.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
 

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait, click apply now!

Closing Date: 9AM, Wednesday 17th December 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date: TBC
 

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Advocate

Part-time: 18.5 hours per week

Band E | £24,915 FTE | £12,457 actual salary + benefits

Hospital based with an element of home working

We have an exciting opportunity for an empathetic and caring individual to join the Patients’ Representative Service working across both Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital, supporting older and vulnerable people.

Do you have the skills to represent, advocate and support people and their families, enabling them to make informed decisions around a wide variety of issues? Would you like a busy and diverse role which sees you working in hospitals, liaising with statutory and 3rd party organisations to help older and vulnerable people achieve their desired outcomes and get their voices heard? If so, we’d like to hear from you!

Candidates should have a good understanding of the needs and concerns of older and/or vulnerable people. You will be self-motivated, yet a team player, with excellent communication, organisational and strong IT skills, and be committed to the values of Age UK Notts. Experience of providing advocacy is not essential as full training will be given.

As an employee of Age UK Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, you will be eligible for our attractive package which includes 24 days annual leave (Pro Rata), public holidays, flexible working and a 4% employer contribution pension (in line with auto-enrolment rules). You will also have access to a Blue Light Card, BUPA Employee Assistance Programme and a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.

Download the job description for full details and follow the link below to apply on our jobs page.

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday, 8th December 2025.

Age UK Notts promotes equality and diversity.

Registered Charity Number: 1067881

Team Leader (Mental Health) – Talking Spaces Service

Location: Birmingham

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £28,982 per annum

The Talking Space service operates from 1pm to 9pm four days a week throughout the year.

We operate one of our Talking Space services in the vibrant Jewellery Quarter, close to the city centre. Our Talking Space service provides a safe and welcoming environment for individuals aged 18+ living in Birmingham or Solihull who are experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. We offer 1-to-1 appointments and drop-in support across four sites in the city (Selly Oak, Erdington, Jewellery Quarter, and Northfield). We actively listen and offer a range of referral and signposting options.

The service functions as an alternative to A&E as part of the urgent care pathway.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an empathetic and experienced leader to join our team and support the effective delivery of the Talking Space service, with a particular focus on young adults aged 18–25. You will develop engaging activities and groups that appeal to young people, helping them reach their full potential. With strong knowledge of mental wellbeing, you will work confidently within confidentiality frameworks and ensure accurate completion of all relevant documentation.

You will communicate in a style appropriate to your audience, demonstrating compassion and a non-judgmental approach toward individuals experiencing psychological distress. As Team Leader, you will provide support and supervision to the staff team, identify training needs, and complete annual appraisals. You will feel confident challenging discriminatory or disrespectful behaviour while maintaining high standards and ensuring the team upholds the same level of quality.

You may occasionally be required to work across all Talking Space sites.

We are also exploring opportunities to extend our service to support young people aged 16–18 soon.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role and a strong understanding of safeguarding practices, along with a positive attitude toward individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. You will have experience working with confidential, sensitive information in line with GDPR principles. 

A confident communicator, you will feel comfortable liaising with internal and external stakeholders and building strong relationships within the community.

You will be IT literate and able to ensure all documentation is accurately recorded on our bespoke systems. You will have proven experience in leading a team and supporting individuals to develop within their roles. Flexibility is essential, as the role requires working shift patterns—including evenings and weekends, within the service’s opening hours.

Benefits include an attractive defined contribution pension scheme, PayCare which offers employees affordable cover for a range of healthcare treatments; Employee Assistance Programme which includes free counselling and a comprehensive training programme.

Our people are key to the success of the organisation, and we are recognised as both Mindful Employer as well as achieving gold standard success in Investors in People.

We welcome applications from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Closing date for applications is Monday 8th December 2025

Interviews to take place on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th December 2025

Woman’s Trust is a leading, specialist mental health charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2026, we stand at a powerful moment of growth and transformation. Each year, our trauma-informed, women-led services provide life-changing counselling, therapeutic support and advocacy to women and children across London. Our ambition is to scale this work to reach many more nationally. With a dedicated team of 45 staff, a strong financial foundation and annual income of £1.3m and a deeply committed Board of Trustees, we are poised to shape an ambitious new strategy for the years ahead.

We are now seeking an inspirational Chief Executive Officer to lead Woman’s Trust into this next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to guide a respected organisation whose work is not only transformative but often life-saving. The CEO will steer our strategic and operational development, strengthen and expand partnerships, grow sustainable income, and champion our voice across policy, public campaigns and mental health advocacy. Alongside a dedicated and collaborative team and Board, you will play a vital role in delivering and developing innovative services—supporting women and children, survivors navigating the justice system, and peer-led support groups—ensuring we remain responsive to the needs and experiences of those we serve.

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced people leader who combines strategic thinking with the ambition needed to position Woman’s Trust for growth. Confident in representing your organisation at a policy and advocacy level, you will act as a powerful ambassador for survivors’ mental health, influencing systems, shaping debate and strengthening our public voice. With strong financial and governance insight and the ability to build trusted, values-driven relationships across sectors, you will model a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. Above all, you will uphold our feminist, inclusive and survivor-centred values, nurturing an empowering and equitable culture for our staff, volunteers, partners, and—most importantly—the women and children we serve.

To read more about the opportunity and our work, including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.

If you have the passion, clarity and commitment to champion the mental health and wellbeing of women and children survivors—and the leadership to guide Woman’s Trust into a bold new era—we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing Date: 21 December 2025

People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 22 December - 6 January 2026

Woman’s Trust Panel Interviews:

· First Stage (online): 13 & 14 January 2026

· Second Stage (in-person): 22 January 2026

Please note:

This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Emotional and Mental Health Wellbeing Worker – Cheshire East

Location: Cheshire East
Salary: £27,000 - £29,500 Pro Rata
Hours: 25 hours (over 4 days)
Job Type: Part time
Contract Type: Permanent

Join Pure Insight and make a real difference to young care leavers’ lives.

At Pure Insight, we’re passionate about supporting young people leaving children’s homes and foster care (care leavers) aged 16–28. We help them develop the skills, connections, and sense of belonging they need to thrive as independent adults.

As we continue to grow across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, we are excited to recruit a part-time Emotional and Mental Health Wellbeing Worker to support our Cheshire East team.

About the Role

In this role, you will:

• Support young people aged 18–25 to understand and manage the emotional and mental health impacts of trauma.
• Deliver one-to-one and group interventions focusing on emotional safety, self-regulation, and resilience building.
• Develop individual emotional wellbeing plans and provide practical support to access health services.
• Provide trauma-informed training to upskill staff and volunteers within Pure Insight and wider social care services.
• Advocate for young people, liaising with other professionals and agencies to meet their mental health needs.
• Manage referrals into our Fast Track Trauma Counselling service.
• Create social spaces, including blog and social media contributions, to promote peer connection and mental health awareness.
• Safeguard and protect the wellbeing of the young people you support, following Pure Insight’s safeguarding policies.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

• Is experienced in working with young people affected by trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
• Has a trauma-informed approach to care and support.
• Can confidently deliver emotional wellbeing support both one-to-one and in groups.
• Can build trusting relationships with young people and professionals.
• Is organised and able to manage their own caseload.
• Understands the challenges facing young people in or leaving care.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young people.

What We Offer

• A friendly, supportive and fun working environment
• Flexible working options
• Extensive learning and professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement:
• 24 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Increases to 26 days after 2 years, and 27 days after 5 years
• Additional day off for your birthday

REF-225 299

Location: Islington (with some travel across Enfield, Camden, Haringey, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Barnet and Tower Hamlets)

Salary: £50,500 per annum (pending salary review)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week or 30 hours per week (part-time basis)

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Until 31st March 2026 - with possible extension)

Closing Date: Thursday 1st Janaury 2025

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Counselling Pyschologist at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the service

This exciting partnership provides specialist advocacy for women whose experience of violence (VAWG) intersects with multiple and severe disadvantage. We work with women who are frequently excluded from mainstream services and/or find it hard to engage with support which increases their vulnerability and risk.  Our assertive outreach approach, working across eight London boroughs, enables women to access support, increase their self-esteem, reduce their risk and make safe choices.

About the role

Solace Women’s Aid is delighted to be the lead partner for this innovative cross-borough project, funded by MOPAC. We are looking for an experienced, dynamic Psychologist to use their knowledge and skills in psychological theory and practice to support non-clinical advocates working with women experiencing VAWG and severe and multiple disadvantage.

About you

You will have experience working as a clinical, counselling or forensic psychologist. Your role will include fostering trauma-informed practice in the project, providing clinical support to non-clinical advocates through conducting ongoing Reflective Practice and clinical supervision.

You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the intersection between severe and multiple disadvantage and VAWG and a strong understanding of how this can make it difficult for women to engage with support. You will have worked with people experiencing various aspects of severe and multiple disadvantage: homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, insecure immigration status, prostitution, offending history and children taken into Care.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

Job Purpose:  

To support the delivery of WIPs housing programme for unsentenced women, providing trauma-informed specialist support to women in HMP Bronzefield, and going through court processes, with a focus on improving housing outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. To deliver an effective housing intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, court-based and prison teams, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions, and supporting system change activities.

For the full list of responsibilities, please download the recruitment pack.

Terms & Conditions:

Start date: 2nd February 2026

Salary:£30,640 per annum (including £3,990 London weighting)

Location: Primarily based in HMP Bronzefield with some travel to South London.

Working hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

We're looking for a kind, empathetic and compassionate Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate to join our Homelessness Services in Tower Hamlets.

£30,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The working pattern for this role is:Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

This is a fixed Term Contract until March 2027

What you'll do:
Look Ahead IDVAs have the personal qualities required to manage customer expectations alongside the responsibilities of their role. Day to day IDVA activities include:

* Manage customer referrals, completing Dash Risk Assessments and obtaining and maintaining all relevant paperwork
* Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere.
* Regular attendance at MARAC
* Making relevant safeguarding referrals.
* Support Customers to obtain Non-Molestation Orders where needed and any other civil remedies available to them.
* Working proactively with Look Ahead services to manage domestic abuse risk internally.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised

What you'll bring:

Essential:
* Experience of Risk assessments and safety planning with domestic abuse victim/survivors
* In depth knowledge and understanding of the issues facing victim/survivors who have experienced domestic violence and abuse and/or sexual violence.
* An understanding of the intersection of multiple disadvantages, such as mental health, homelessness and substance use.
* Knowledge and understanding of trauma and a trauma-informed practice.
* Experience of conducting needs and risk assessments.
* Experience of providing needs-led support to clients with a variety of support needs.
* Experience of building and maintaining partnerships with other agencies.

Desirable:
* IDVA Qualification
* Experience of working in any of the following areas: Young People; Mental Health; Homelessness; Learning Disabilities
* Knowledge of options for and rights of victims of DVA and proven ability to use in casework, including knowledge of relevant legislation relating to DVA.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please our website for full Job Description

About Bright Futures UK

 Bright Futures UK supports children and young people aged 5 to 24 whose education has been disrupted due to serious long-term physical or mental health conditions. We offer online one-to-one tutoring, befriending, and mentoring programmes, as well as group activities including hospital workshops, industry events, and advocacy initiatives. Working with hospitals, families, and partner services, we make sure children and young people experiencing health-related challenges are not left behind.

Role Overview

Provide an adaptable programme and volunteer support across referral intake, onboarding, delivery, safeguarding, and impact. The postholder will be placed on a primary track that suits their strengths and the organisation’s needs, while contributing to core team tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Move children and young people or volunteers smoothly through referral or onboarding steps and keep them informed at every stage.
• Maintain clear, accurate records in our CRM and task systems, meeting GDPR and safeguarding standards.
• Coordinate logistics such as calls, meetings, sessions, and training, including invitations, reminders, and attendance records.
• Complete required paperwork and checks.
• Build positive relationships with families, hospitals, schools, partners, and volunteers through timely, friendly communication.
• Monitor progress against timelines, identify bottlenecks or risks early, and work with colleagues to resolve them.
• Escalate safeguarding concerns promptly in line with policy and contribute to safe, trauma-informed practice.
• Prepare and share resources and updates, and support basic reporting by tracking outputs, outcomes, and feedback.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Demonstrated ability to hold sensitive conversations in a trauma-informed, empathetic and professional way
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• High level of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records
• Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and ethical practice
• Proficiency in using digital systems and confidence in learning new tools (e.g. Better Impact, Asana, Canva)

Desirable:

• Experience working with or supporting children and young people with complex needs, including health, SEND or mental health challenges
• Experience working in a charity, school, hospital or youth work setting
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and inclusive practice
• Experience supporting or supervising team members
• Mental Health First Aid

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Home from Hospital Co-ordinator

We are looking for a Home from Hospital Co-ordinator, working across Craven, Silsden and parts of Keighley

Up to 37 hpw (job share can be considered)

Salary range £24,437- £26,802 (full time equivalent)

Are you passionate about supporting individuals after hospital stays? Join our experienced team at Carers’ Resource. We specialise in helping individuals transition from hospital to home, emphasising independence and well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support individuals discharged from hospital, aiding in their transition to home life.
• Assess client needs and develop tailored support plans.
• Collaborate with hospital staff and community health & social care teams.
• Establish referral pathways to increase community awareness.

Requirements:

• Previous experience in assessing client needs and developing support plans.
• Ability to provide support in home settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently.
• Previous experience of inputting information to a database.

Additional Information:

No personal care involved.

Closing date for applications: Monday 15th December 2025

Initial virtual Interviews will take place on Wednesday 17th December 2025

Job Title: Independent Visitor Co-ordinator

Service: Coventry & Warwickshire

Reporting to: Senior Independent Visitor Co-ordinator

Salary: £8,329.21 per annum (£24,293.53 FTE)

Location: Home based with travel across the region (Coventry & Warwickshire)

Hours: 12 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Introduction

• Are you passionate about supporting and developing volunteers?

• Are you looking for an opportunity to help make positive differences to the lives of children and young people who are looked after or care leavers of the local authority?

• Do you want to work with a leading national independent children’s charity?

Then come join us here at Coram Voice. We have an exciting opportunity for you to become a co-ordinator of our independent visiting service in Coventry & Warwickshire.

We are seeking candidates who are committed to our objectives for children and young people and equally committed to the organisation and the development of our services. We recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and young people we help.

Our work

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.

Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.

We provide:

• Advocacy services direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with severe and complex mental health problems. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives. This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to advocate for young people as qualifying patients under the Mental Health Act, in order to fully support them to get their views heard in matters relating to their mental health.
• Independent Visitor services offers a child or young person in care an adult volunteer who provides independent, one-to-one visiting, advice and befriending support. Our independent visitors can become the only long-term, consistent source of support throughout a young person's time in care.
• Independent services provide independent person services for complaints by children and for reviewing whether children should be locked up in secure units on welfare grounds.
• Policy and campaigning to create a better system for all children and young people looked after by the state, for their care to be more child-centred and to give young people a greater say in decisions about their lives.
  • Participation services to ensure children and young people have a voice in the development and delivery of services and campaigns, and through the process, provide the opportunity to develop relevant skills which will be of benefit to them in their future lives.
  • Training, development and information for young people, advocates and child care workers, offering courses in advocacy, children’s rights and child-centred practice across a range of areas including the National Advocacy Qualification.

About the Role

You will co-ordinate and deliver a statutory independent visitor service to children and young people in care or care leavers of Coventry & Warwickshire.

You will recruit, assess and train volunteers to become independent visitors, who are volunteer befrienders to children and young people looked after or care leavers. You will manage a cash flow to fund suitable activities for independent visitors to enjoy with the young person. You will manage data and reporting for this statutory service so that service leads and other stakeholders can understand the activity in the service.

We are a child led service, you will not act outside of the young person’s instructions (except in matters of child protection and safety.)You will build strong relationships with the child or young person, independent visitors and other significant adults, you will support Independent Visitors to develop long term, meaningful friendships with the young person.

You will work in partnership with other parts of the service, organisation and external agencies and professionals. This is to ensure there are pathways to attract and retain Independent Visitors in the area and sometimes out of area.

What you will receive

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 25 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.

You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.

Recruitment process

Shortlisting will be undertaken by Leanne Hughes, Children’s Rights Manager and Debbie King, Senior Independent Visitor Co-ordinator. Successful candidates will then be invited for interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.

Returning your application:

• We cannot accept general CVs. When completing your application form, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
• Applications must be fully completed.
• If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.

Please return your application to: via Blue Octopus.

Closing Date: 10th December 11:59.

Proposed Interview Date: 18th December.

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

​

Main purpose of role

Main purpose of role The Helpline and Support Officer role sits within the Services and Support Directorate and provides tailored advice and practical support to individuals and families living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions from the point of diagnosis and beyond.

The Helpline and Support Officer will support people to navigate the UK’s Job description health, social care and welfare systems, enabling access to the services, benefits and equipment they are entitled to.

The role also involves informal advocacy, helping service users communicate their needs to overcome barriers; while ensuring they receive high-quality and ongoing support throughout their journey.

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About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity bringing individuals, families and professionals together to fight muscle-wasting conditions. We bring together more than 60 rare and very rare progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, affecting around 110,000 children and adults in the UK.

We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, discount in high street shops and gym membership, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

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Location: Head Office, London SE1 (at least one day a week in Head Office, with flexibility for hybrid and homeworking

Closing date: Tuesday 9th December

Interview dates: 16th and 17th of  December

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

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 Community Engagement Practitioner to play a pivotal role in our Enfield VCS service.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary NHS team alongside clinicians, social workers, and community partners to support adults with moderate to severe mental illness. Holding a caseload of service users, you will act as their key contact, contributing to care planning, monitoring progress, and supporting safe discharge using the RiO clinical records system. Together with service users, you will develop person-centred recovery plans focused on social goals and community integration, building strong therapeutic relationships through trauma-informed and strength-based approaches. You will help individuals access local resources, attend appointments, and engage in wellbeing activities, peer support, and psychoeducational groups. Collaboration is central to the role, as you will liaise with statutory and voluntary organisations, attend clinical meetings and community events, and advocate for recovery-focused, jargon-free communication. You will ensure accurate documentation, uphold safeguarding and health & safety standards, and actively participate in supervision, training, and professional development.

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

We are looking for someone with NVQ Level 4 in Care (or equivalent) or at least two years' experience in a mental health setting. You will bring a strong understanding of mental health issues, recovery, and co-production principles, alongside experience of working collaboratively with professionals, services, and communities. Knowledge of care planning, risk assessment, recovery tools, and the Mental Health Act is essential, as are excellent communication, relationship-building, and group facilitation skills. You should be confident using IT systems, resilient and adaptable, able to work independently or as part of a team, and committed to person-centred, trauma-informed practice.

When will I be working?

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:18pm, Flexi work pattern. 

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.

Please note: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Health IDVA provides vital support to those affected by domestic abuse, helping them access the specialist services they need and navigate challenges in their daily lives. You will work directly with patients with a wide range of experiences and needs, offering advocacy, guidance, and practical support. A key part of the role is raising awareness among community healthcare professionals about the impact of domestic abuse, particularly on mental health, through training, guidance, and ongoing support, so that patients are identified earlier and supported more effectively.

This role addresses a need in community healthcare, where many patients are not recognised as survivors of domestic abuse. By combining domestic abuse expertise with a therapeutic approach, the Health IDVA will provide direct support to patients while helping community services and healthcare teams feel confident and equipped to respond appropriately. You will be supported by the Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Managers. You will have the opportunity to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification once you pass your probation (if not already qualified).

Through this work, the Health IDVA will help ensure that patients receive timely, compassionate support while also strengthening the skills, confidence, and understanding of community services and professionals. By building strong partnerships and sharing expertise, the role will contribute to a more coordinated and effective response to domestic abuse, ensuring that patients are supported at every stage and that services are better equipped to meet their needs.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Survivors

• Hold a caseload of clients, including NHS staff.
• Ensure survivors are fully informed of their rights and options, and explain the criminal and civil legal remedies available to them.
• Promote enhanced safety and wellbeing for victim-survivors accessing community healthcare, including NHS staff.
• Conduct needs and risk assessments, including DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Abuse Risk Assessment), to determine appropriate levels of support. Develop and implement safety plans collaboratively with clients to address their needs in a timely manner.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate legal, financial, housing, medical, educational, and employment services, as well as counselling and community support networks.
• Work in partnership with police, housing providers, and other agencies to advocate for survivors and facilitate referrals to ongoing support services.
• Attend Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences when required (MARAC) and make referrals where appropriate.
• Recognise and address the needs of survivors who experience additional barriers to accessing services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities for children, young people, and adults, in line with Child Protection Procedures and safeguarding policies.
• Maintain accurate client records, monitoring data, and outcome information. Prepare reports and evaluations as required for service monitoring.
• Participate in an out-of-hours rota, providing a HIDVA service within the hospital on Friday evenings and weekends as scheduled

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the Health IDVA service and establish formal working links with GP practices and other healthcare providers (such as dental, health visiting or mental health teams.
• Attend safeguarding, handover and partnership meetings to raise awareness of the service and share our knowledge so earlier identification of domestic abuse within community healthcare settings can be achieved.
• Deliver training sessions to community healthcare staff to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriately responding to disclosures.
• Contribute to multi-agency safeguarding meetings and local domestic abuse forums to share learning and strengthen partnership working.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Data Protection and Health and Safety.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

 This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Qualifications

• Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
• Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
• Health qualification (desirable)

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
• Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
• Experience of delivering training (desirable)
• Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
• Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
• Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
• Experience of working in a hospital / healthcare setting (desirable)
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse
• Knowledge of domestic abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding relating to adults with care and support needs and children
• Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system and the ability to ensure service users maximise their benefit entitlement (desirable)
• Knowledge of local services and DA Specialists across Kent & Medway (desirable)

Skills and attributes

• Ability to network face to face and virtually, to develop new contacts and partnerships
• Ability to train professionals on recognising domestic abuse and responding appropriately (desirable)
• Ability to motivate yourself and work independently on your own initiative
• Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
• Competent using Microsoft office programmes, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Passionate about the aim and principles of Rising Sun
• Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (post holder will be required to attend meetings and across our areas of work)
• Able to work some evenings and weekends
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

Benefits

We offer a number of benefits to team members including:

• 25 days annual leave per year
• A bonus day of leave for your birthday
• 3% matched pension contribution
• Access to Rising Sun’s counselling service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health care cash plan for you and your children for a number of health treatments (e.g. dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.) and also discounts in shops and attractions
• Up to four weeks sick pay in any 12 month period (eligible after probation period)

How to apply

If you feel this role would be a good fit for your skills and experience, visit our website to download an application form and apply, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

We request no contact from agencies or media sales please.