Mental health volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Background
Our Time Charity is a unique and pioneering organization dedicated to supporting children and young people who have parents with mental illness. Our mission is to ensure that these young individuals do not feel isolated, misunderstood, or overlooked, and to provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. We achieve this through innovative programmes, education, and advocacy, making a tangible difference in their lives.
Established in 2012, Our Time has grown from a small initiative into a nationally recognized charity. Our founders, driven by personal experiences and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by children of parents with mental illness, have created a compassionate and impactful charity. Over the years, we have developed a range of innovative interventions and expanded our reach, positively improving the lives of thousands of young people across the UK.
We are proud to be partnering with Save the Children to deliver a new 6-month programme of KidsTime Workshops in Tower Hamlets, focused on mothers with mental health challenges and their young children (aged 2–6). These twice-monthly, multi-family workshops offer a safe, supportive space for connection, creativity, and healing.
The Role
We are seeking a Volunteer Practitioner to join a small, committed team in delivering these community-based workshops. This role is ideal for someone with some experience in perinatal or family mental health or play therapy. This role is suited to someone pursuing training in psychology and early years development. You will be expected to bring warmth, professionalism, and a belief in the strength and potential of families to cope with the challenges of parenting with a mental illness. You will play a vital part in creating a space that builds relationships, fosters resilience, and nurtures the emotional bond between mothers and their young children.
Benefits
This volunteer placement will offer valuable clinical experience in understanding and supporting mothers who have mental illness and children aged between 2 and 6 years. You will be involved in the design and implementation of this family mental health intervention. Depending on the interest and experience of the volunteer, the role will include supporting the running of creative activities with the children's group and providing support where needed to the Mental Health Workshop Lead.
Volunteer Responsibilities
● To attend all 12 groups over a 6 month period, plus meetings with the Our Time Charity team throughout the project.
● Co-facilitate workshops, alongside 2 lead practitioners, for mothers and their children aged 2–6, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere.
● Support families using a non-clinical, relational approach that values lived experience, emotional safety, and mutual respect.
● Promote attachment, attunement, and resilience within the parent-child relationship.
● Participate in team meetings and supervision (held virtually).
● Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of workshops and share learning with the wider project team.
● Ensure all safeguarding, data protection, and equality practices are embedded in your work.
● To complete online Safeguarding Children Level 2 training organised by Our Time and report any safeguarding concerns that arise during workshops immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
● To complete an enhanced DBS form which can be organised by Our Time.
● To read and abide by all Our Time policies and procedures.
Essential Requirements
● Experience in facilitating or supporting therapeutic practice/interventions/settings.
● Experience in using creative tools and activities with young children and therefore ability to contribute to the design and implementation of such activities in this group.
● Confidence in supporting group sessions in a warm, collaborative way.
● Clear, compassionate communicator with excellent organisational and time management skills.
● Committed to working flexibly and non-hierarchically, building relationships based on empathy and mutual trust.
● Familiar with safeguarding, data protection, and equality, diversity and inclusion best practices.
Desirable Requirements
● Understanding of parent-child relationships, particularly attachment and attunement in early childhood.
● Experience supporting families where mental illness is a factor, ideally in early years or perinatal settings
● Understanding of the challenges children face when a parent has a mental illness.
Our missions is for every child in the UK, who has a parent with a mental illness, will find the support they need, as early as possible.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.
This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.
On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. (Where applicable, this can count towards continuous professional development).
Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity.
These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.
The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.
But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.
As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.
This role is for UK residents only, and applicants are required to live in or very near the boroughs of Ealing or Hounslow.
After applying, volunteers will need to provide 2 character references and complete an enhanced DBS check (cost covered and organised by Linked Minds).
The check is carried out as part of our Safeguarding policy to protect our clients who are ‘vulnerable people’.
BEfriend is a one-to-one volunteer befriending service, supporting socially isolated people in the London boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Role:
Support and uplift vulnerable residents through our bi-weekly Wellbeing Circles—group sessions focused on anxiety relief, grief processing, confidence building, and emotional wellness. You’ll help create a safe, supportive space for growth.
You Might Be a Great Fit If You:
- Have Level 3 (or equivalent experience) in mental health, support work, or counselling
- Are comfortable leading or co-facilitating small group sessions
- Understand trauma-informed practice and emotional intelligence
- Want to serve diverse or underserved communities
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitate group wellbeing sessions around anxiety, grief, and self-confidence
- Offer informal emotional support and signposting
- Support creation of mental health resource toolkits
- Work closely with project coordinator to assess community needs
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
MHFA England are seeking a Non-Executive Director with expertise in workplace mental health and wellbeing to assist in agreeing and supporting MHFA England’s strategy, ensuring the delivery of MHFA’s overall purpose and mission as a social enterprise.
The Non-Executive Director will ensure the human and financial resources are available to achieve MHFA England’s objectives by providing expertise and guidance.
There may also be an opportunity for the postholder to sit as part of one of our other governance committees.
Principle duties
- Promoting the highest standards of corporate governance in compliance with regulatory, constitutional, legal, financial, and other obligations
- Overseeing the delivery of MHFA England’s strategy and performance
- Protecting the long-term sustainability of MHFA England
- Safeguarding the reputation of MHFA England
- Providing expert insight, understanding, and experience relating to marketing, communications, and branding
- Leading a Board sub-committee, where required
- Representing MHFA England at collaboration and network events, and contributing to the development of organisational relationships
Person specification
- Experience and knowledge of implementing mental health and wellbeing strategies, policies, training, and support in medium to large organisations, and measuring their impact
- An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
- Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk and opportunity
- A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
- Highly developed communication, interpersonal, and teamworking skills
- Partnership-minded, political astute and diplomatic, but able to challenge
- Curious and embraces innovation
- A strong personal commitment to workplace equity
Application details
Please submit
- A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role
- A supporting statement. This should clearly set out how you meet each of the criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide evidence in your statement; and not simply a broad claim to have done it - give us examples and dimensions; tell us what this achieved and how it helped meet your organisations' goals
- Please ensure that you indicate in your application any dates when you will not be available, or where we might have difficulty in contacting you
- Please let us know of any accessibility accommodations you may require
Key dates
Closing date for applications is midnight Tuesday 24 June 2025.
Please submit
- A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role
- A supporting statement. This should clearly set out how you meet each of the criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide evidence in your statement; and not simply a broad claim to have done it - give us examples and dimensions; tell us what this achieved and how it helped meet your organisations' goals
- Please ensure that you indicate in your application any dates when you will not be available, or where we might have difficulty in contacting you
- Please let us know of any accessibility accommodations you may require
Our vision is to create a nation where everyone's mental health matters.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Put your crafting skills to use and become an Art Group Volunteer at our fun social Thursday group!
We are looking for a ‘people person’ to assist at this weekly group: being a welcoming and encouraging presence; helping the facilitator to set up activities, and being alongside our clients while they learn new skills and have a go at different art and craft techniques.
You don’t need to be an expert – just enthusiastic to ‘have a go’ and a willingness to be creative.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
If you have DIY skills up your sleeve and want to put them to use then we have just the role for you!
We need a handy volunteer to help us with the general maintenance of our Charity Headquarters, which is used for hundreds of client groups every year as well as providing office space for our hardworking team.
The role involves sourcing and fitting fixtures and fittings, putting together furniture and carrying out small cosmetic repairs. These tasks help keep our aging building fit for purpose – so that we can continue to provide a welcoming and safe place for the local community to use.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Sutton Mental Health Foundation is looking to recruit a volunteer secretary position to the Trust Board, to support and assist the Chair and CEO. This is an important and confidential role within the Trust. The main areas of the role are, in consultation with the Chair and CEO, the preparation of all Board/AGM meetings, the preparation of Board/AGM papers, minute taking and writing up the minutes in a timely manner. Other duties involve the support to the Trustees, as well as updating of trustee records. Th board of trustees meets in-person, approximately every six weeks, in the London Borough of Sutton. A full role description will be provided on application.
As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1994 and the aim of the Foundation is to support people with mental health needs in the Borough of Sutton, helping to keep them well and active and helping them to have a voice in mental health care in the Borough. Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to anxiety and distress. The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees all of whom are volunteers. All our Trustees require excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good independent judgement. Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas :
- Company Secretary/Legal Experience
- Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public
- Marketing
Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable.
Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities. The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks (in-person), in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 2 hours in the Borough of Sutton.
As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998. Its aim is to support individuals experiencing serious mental health issues in the London Borough of Sutton. We aim to keep such individuals well and active helping them to have a voice in the provision of mental health care in the Borough. Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to individuals’ anxiety and distress. The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support through our Intentional Peer Support programme together with a Day Service and a Crisis Cafe at our centre in Belmont. We receive funding mainly from the NHS and the London Borough of Sutton although we are part of the Voluntary Sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of the Role
This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team for a Service offering Non-Birthing Partners and/or Parents, of new mothers accessing specialist Perinatal Mental Health services and Maternal Mental Health Services. The Clients are offered an evidence-based 1:1 assessment for their mental health needs and goals, offered support and then signposted and referred to further support, (including a PSFP peer support group), as and when required.
Main Responsibilities
To work closely with the team and Adult Services, Service Manager, in supporting our Service with a variety of tasks such as supporting referral enquires, conducting the triage and onboarding of new Clients onto the service, co-facilitating monthly peer support groups, signposting/referrals to other organisations, taking care of our inbox emails and other administrative duties. There may also be further opportunities to train as a volunteer for other Services, in the future.
Tasks
All relevant training will be provided
· Supporting referral enquires, for new Clients
· Triage Clients for the service through an onboarding process
· Support/work with the Team to build the Peer Support Group Calendar
· Co-facilitating monthly Peer Support Groups
· Supporting staff to ensure the Service is being promoted on social media
- Support at outreach and community events
· Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the Service and obtained their feedback to improve our services
· Following all policies and procedures, particularly regarding Safeguarding and Suicide Prevention, (full training will be provided)
· A willingness to undertake training courses
· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours
General Responsibilities
All relevant training will be provided
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role
• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination
• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm
• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users
• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy
Type of person we are looking for:
We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs.
However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying, even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below.
We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Essential
· An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access PSFP
- An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems
- Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures
- A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment
- IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications
Desirable
- Perinatal experience, including with friends and family
- Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid and/or personal capacity, (i.e. friends and family)
- Previous involvement with local community groups / networks / feedback groups
- Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support
Time commitment and expenses:
· 10 - 12 hours per week / 2-3 days per week
-
- During our core hours of 10am - 4pm, Monday - Thursday
- Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s)/time(s) on your application
· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction
· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Purpose of the Role
This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hounslow. Mind The Carer! is a new service designed to support and enhance Mental Health and Wellbeing, social connections and provide a Community Network for Adults Carers, (18 years and over), across the borough of Hounslow. By providing this direct support, we aim to reduce isolation, self-neglect and loneliness and as a result, facilitate access to local services and connect them with others who understand their day-to-day experiences. The Service will offer a platform and space for the Service Users to build Social Networks, through regular activities, provide psychoeducation, information and social prescribing pathways to other services, with Service Users shaping the project's direction and available support.
Main Responsibilities
To work closely with the team and Adult Services, Service Manager, attend weekly group sessions, (lasting up to three hours), offering opportunities for socialising and mental health support. Support with the Carers Activities Calendar, a monthly activity, for both Carers and their Cared For, as planned and support the service in general. There may also be further opportunities to train as a volunteer for other Services, in the future.
Tasks
All relevant training will be provided
- Attend weekly group sessions, (lasting up to three hours), with the team
- Attend weekly Carers Activities
- Attend monthly Carers and Cared For Activities
- Support/work with the Team to build the Carers Activities Calendar
- Provide information on the Mind The Carer! Service
- Support at outreach and community events
- Register potential Clients, wanting to access Mind The Carer! Service
- Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the Service and obtained their feedback to improve our services
- A willingness to undertake training courses
- Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours
General Responsibilities
All relevant training will be provided
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role
• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination
• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm
• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users
• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy
Type of person we are looking for:
We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs.
However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying, even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below.
We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Essential
- An interest in identifying and working with hidden and identified Carers
- Supporting those with mental health needs to access Carers services
- An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems
- Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures
- A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment
- IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications
Desirable
- Carers experience, including with friends and family
- Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid and/or personal capacity, (i.e. friends and family)
- Previous involvement with local community groups / networks / feedback groups
- Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support
Time commitment and expenses:
· 10 - 12 hours per week
· 2 - 3 days per week: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays
- Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application
· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction
· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of the Role
This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. We support clients with mental health with both clinical and non-clinical interventions. The volunteer will work with the Advocates, assisting the Inpatient Advocacy service, on the wards of The Limes and St Bernards Hospital. Our volunteer will the opportunity to support the Advocacy team with various tasks, including administration, (once trained), with the possibility of being trained as peer advocate.
Main Responsibilities
To work closely with the Advocacy team and Adult Services, Day Service Manager, attend ward rounds at The Limes and St Bernards Hospital and support the service in general. There will also be a further opportunity to train as a volunteer Peer Advocate in the future.
Tasks
All relevant training will be provided
· Attend Ward Rounds 3x per week with the Advocacy staff
· Support/work with the Advocacy staff on the Ward Round
· Provide information on the Advocacy Services
- Triage clients for the service through an onboarding process
· Register potential Clients, wanting to access Advocacy services
· Complete Advocacy Action Plans (training will be provided)
· Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the project and obtained their feedback to improve our services
· Support the Advocacy team to promote the service within the local community
· A willingness to undertake training courses
· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours
General Responsibilities
All relevant training will be provided
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role
• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination
• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm
• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users
• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy
Type of person we are looking for:
We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs.
However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying, even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below.
We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Essential
- An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access Advocacy services
- An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems
- Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures
- A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment
- IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications
Desirable
- Advocacy experience, including with friends and family
- Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid and/or personal capacity, (i.e. friends and family)
- Previous involvement with local community groups / networks / feedback groups
- Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support
Time commitment and expenses:
· 6 - 10 hours per week, 9am - 12pm
· 2 - 3 days per week: Tuesday & Thursday and/or Wednesday
-
- Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s)/time(s) on your application
· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction
· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Description:
Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.
As a volunteer your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.
We are looking for someone who
- Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
- Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
- To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
- To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
- Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
- Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
- Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
- To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub
Time commitment and expenses:
- Flexible hours (Weds, Sat and Sun) Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
How to Apply:
Please attach your recent CV and expression of interest
Please attach your recent CV and expression of interest
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives.
Training:
Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women.
The Role:
Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation.
As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months.
You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like.
You:
You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener.
The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery.
As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK.
Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends.
Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010.
At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women.
What Past Befrienders Say:
“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.”
“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.”
“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.”
Closing Date: 31/08/2025
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?
Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
What is knus?
knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.
What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 3+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Do you like to learn?
We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is CPD accredited. 20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.
If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.
Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check. If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.
You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.
If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.
- Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
- Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
- How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
- Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our CPD courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.
How does it work?
In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.
We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.
Important information:
In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.
Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.