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!
The role of Preventative Mental Health Project Worker will support the Project Lead in the preparation for, and delivery of, One-Eighty’s preventative mental health projects including Make Me Smile, Kick Start and the Summer Project.
There is also the opportunity of assisting with the marketing of projects, particularly Make Me Smile and processing of feedback from young people attending the project.
Overseen by One-Eighty’s Project Lead and supported by the Volunteer Coordinator, this role involves:
- preparing the resources to take to project sessions
- creating, maintaining, and developing impact/outcomes data collected pre- and post-sessions,
- supporting the delivery of the sessions to young people themselves - taking a lead role in this is part of the development roles associated with this volunteering opportunity
Skills and qualities needed
o You will be inducted and trained on the service standards for delivery.
o We will also provide training and mentoring to help you understand the administrative and data record-keeping requirements.
o You are required to complete a DBS check.
o You will need to undertake safeguarding and other related training courses prior to this volunteer placement. You will also need to read and agree to safeguarding and service delivery policies prior to the project delivery. One-Eighty holds safeguarding young people as one of its main priorities to enable impactful and high-quality delivery of services.
When and where
Make Me Smile:
We are currently expanding the delivery of this project. Initially, you will be involved in the marketing around this with project delivery opportunities to follow.
Kick Start:
This project is being delivered on an ongoing basis to a variety of schools so there are opportunities to become involved in project delivery immediately.
We need volunteers who can be available for a 7-week block - approximately 1/2 a day each week over the 7 weeks.
o The schools we work in are located throughout Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. There are potential opportunities for car sharing and you can decline an opportunity if it is not viable for you.
o Attendance at our Oxford office will be required for the preparation of materials depending on the project you are assisting with.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Be the one to make the difference!
We are undergoing an exciting period of growth and have a fresh new mission to create a listening space for attendees to the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), and offer compassionate and inclusive mental health support, resources and practical support to promote wellbeing for patients.
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly, resilient and community minded volunteers to help support our new Hospital Link Service, which operates in Colchester.
If you would like to play your part in supporting better mental health in your community, we would love to hear from you.
The role:
Mid and North East Essex (MNEE) Mind work effectively in partnership with local commissioners to offer non-clinical person-centred support to people who are experiencing emotional distress.
The service will be open between 2pm and 9.30pm, 7 days per week, and we are looking for volunteers who are flexible and available during the service hours, be that for a couple of hours or more.
About Us:
We are a local charity, working within the local area who believes no one should face a mental health problem alone. “Our mission is to support and empower people experiencing an emotional or mental health condition by building on their personal hopes and aspirations. This is achieved by identifying and responding to community needs in order to deliver an effective and efficient system or community base services.”
Our staff have worked together on a set of values that are most important to us and our service users. These values underpin the way we do everything at Mid and North East Essex Mind and we are really proud of that.
- Listening - We listen to the needs of our wider community and each other – actively engaging, learning and sharing every day
- Co-Producing - We believe that the people affected by a service are best placed to help design it and reach collective outcomes together
- Trusted - We build trust in our communities by consistently delivering high quality services and being honest in everything we do
- Inclusive - We develop inclusive services and support that respect the diversity and dignity of everyone in our communities
- Innovative - We explore new ideas and ways of working to build a culture that embraces innovation, excellence and creative solutions
- Supportive - We foster a culture of empathy, respect and open communication to support our communities and each other
If you share our values and identify with MNEE Mind mission statement, please apply.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, collaborating with our communities and partners to drive innovation and better decision-making. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds to try to ensure we better represent our communities.
Join us in creating an environment where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued. Let’s build a community that thrives on inclusivity and mutual respect.
We listen to our communities and offer compassionate and inclusive mental health services, resources, and practical support to promote wellbeing.
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.
The Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) service provides day service opportunities for people with low and medium Preventative Care Needs.
We are currently looking to offer volunteering placements with our Mental Health Recovery Pathway (MHRP) – a mental health provision based across three sites in Islington responding to the mental health needs of Islington residents.
You will be assisting service users who experience mental distress in group settings.
We ask for a commitment of at least 1 day a week 10:15am – 4:00pm for a full year (+ about 2-3 months for DBS check and induction), though there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer more than one day a week.
If this sounds interesting and suitable to you, please complete the MHRP volunteer application form and return with your CV, indicating why are you interested in volunteering for Islington Mind, if there is anything specific that you would like to do in your volunteering placement – e.g. facilitate activities, support our open access drop-in sessions, support service users with completing forms, accompany service users to appointments etc, and your availability – e.g. one or more days a week and which days of the week you are available.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are currently recruiting for new Trustees to join Stepping Stones, a fantastic member led organisation who provide a range of mental health support services to people in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, who have mild to moderate mental health conditions. The role of a Trustee is one where the Board have responsibility and overall governance of the organisation. Being a Trustee requires commitment and engagement. It is a wonderful opportunity to use your skills and experience to help shape the organisation, support people, and contribute to our strategies.
We are particularly interested in welcoming Stepping Stones service members, or those from a relevant charity or mental health background, and young people, onto our Board to help us with fresh perspectives and energy into our planning. If you have no previous Board experience, that's okay as training is provided, we have a mix of skills, experiences and perspectives. Becoming a Trustee can offer a rewarding personal and professional development experience.
Trustees meet every 6 weeks for Board meetings, they also attend the AGM and charity events and training. Whilst the preference of the Board is to meet in person, there is flexibility to attend virtual meetings when required.
Please have a look at our website to read our Trustee Recruitment pack, you can gather an overview of who we are, the impact our work has, and the role available.
If you are inspired to apply for a Trustee role with Stepping Stones, your first step is to make an Informal enquiry, please do reach out by calling on the telephone (number avialable on our website)
If formally applying please send a letter of interest, along with your CV (Optional) via Email (adress on website)
Or
Post: Stepping Stones, Ground Floor, Social Economy Centre, 63 Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, G81 1BL
Closing date October 10th
Trustee vacancies will be advertised in line with our equality, diversity and inclusion recruitment policies. Any successful applications will be contacted for an interview by the Board. All applications from Service Members will receive feedback. Thank you for your interest in wishing to join us, we look forward to hearing from you.
Trustees are Volunteers, this is an unpaid role, but reasonable travel costs or expenses are paid.
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 Grants Coordinator plays a crucial role in securing funding for our organization, which is a small but highly effective charity which uniquely acts as the collective voice of the views and concerns of all unpaid Mental Health Carers in the Royal Borough of Kingston. We are recognised in this campaigning role by statutory services who engage us as active members of decision-making committees. We also partner with other relevant organisations.
We assist individual Carers with 1:1 advice, guidance and self-empowerment, also having a monthly Peer-Support Group.
We are keen to further develop our services and, for this, we invite a volunteer with financial experience to help us achieve this. Whilst KMHCF is fully-funded for its present activities, we look for an applicant to guide us towards funding opportunities for our future expansion, and to take the lead on the application process.
This position involves researching and identifying potential funding sources, developing grant proposals, and managing fundraising campaigns. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding and experience of the grant application process, excellent writing and communication skills, and a passion for making a difference in the community.
You would need to be able to produce bids which would, in a competitive arena, entice Grant Funders to want to support our service.
This role would be home-based, but with regular contact with the Management Committee.
It would be good if you have some knowledge of Mental Health issues but this is not essential. Most of all, you should have the enthusiasm to serve Carers who can feel isolated and bewildered.
If you have the desire to make a real difference for Carers, please contact us for an informal discussion as a first step towards joining us.
To offer support, advice and guidance to unpaid Carers, who can often feel isolated.

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!
Your role
Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers.
At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us.
About the role
Do you enjoy meeting people, offering a listening ear, and helping others feel more connected to their community? We’re looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Befrienders who can give around 1 hour a week to support adults living with mental health challenges across Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Cuffley, and Waltham Cross.
As a Volunteer Befriender, you’ll:
- Meet with people in the community at times and places that suit their needs (this may occasionally include evenings or weekends).
- Provide emotional support, drawing on your own lived experience.
- Encourage people to build social connections and get involved in local activities.
- Act as a “community connector” by signposting people to services and opportunities.
Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.
About the service
Our Hertfordshire befriending service supports adults (18+) who are living with mental health challenges and are known to mental health services. The service helps people feel less isolated, more confident, and more connected to their local communities.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Lived experience of mental health (your own or as a carer)
- Good listening and communication skills
- A flexible, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach
It’s not essential, but you may also bring:
- Knowledge of local services and community resources
- Familiarity with the Hertfordshire area
- A commitment to supporting people in their recovery journey
How to apply
To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form.
If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
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 are passionate about spreading awareness of mental health issues and enjoy a role with autonomy and purpose this could be the volunteering role you are looking for!
We are looking for a self-starter with great admin skills to assist our Mental Health Trainer in collating a database of suitable training venues, assisting with bookings and organising venues, and helping with the preparation of training slides.
Please complete an application form available from the Mental Health Resource website
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 gain experience of fundraising and help Mental Health Resource to continue our important work in the community?
Our Fundraising Manager is building a team of handy helpers to monitor collection boxes and source raffles prizes from across Tunbridge Wells as well as talking to local businesses about becoming corporate partners.
If you have a confident and friendly disposition and are passionate about mental health we’d love to hear from you!
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!
This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.
Who are we looking for?
At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.
That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.
The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.
Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.
Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.
For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of mental health conditions, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).
This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.
What is the plan?
The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.
Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:
1) Outdated and damaging employment practices
2) Accessibility to services
3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities
4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need
5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society
6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged
7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels
8) Abuse of power in government bodies
9) Poor access to healthcare
10) Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations
11) Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life
12) Outdated company engagement with the public
13) Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed
Our Living Values -
Creativity
1) Imaginative Development (Individual)
2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)
3) Changing The Status Quo (External)
Prospectivity
1) What Can You Do (Individual)
2) What Can We Do (Internal)
3) What Can They Do (External)
Revolutionary
1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)
2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)
3) Challenge Traditions (External)
Attentivity
1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)
2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)
3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)
To create equality and equity in all areas of society, opening opportunities that are less damaging and focused on the person as a whole.

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!
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 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!
Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers.
At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us.
About the role
Do you enjoy meeting people, working as part of a team, and creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to give at least 4 hours a week to help us run our community café in Leek.
As a Volunteer Café Assistant, you’ll:
- Support café staff, volunteers, and trainees in the smooth day-to-day running of the café
- Prepare, present, and serve food and drinks to a high standard
- Operate the coffee machine (full training provided)
- Handle cash and card transactions using the till
- Maintain excellent hygiene and health & safety standards
- Provide friendly customer service to visitors and guests
- Help out at special events and activities held in the café
Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.
About the service
John Hall Wellness Garden is a community education garden and café in Leek. It’s a safe and inclusive green space where local people, schools, colleges, and social enterprises can come together to learn, work, and socialise. We especially welcome and support people with mental or physical health needs, children, young people, and adults of all ages.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- A cheerful, positive attitude
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- A willingness to learn new skills
- An interest in providing excellent customer service
It’s not essential, but you may also bring:
- Experience in food handling or preparation
- Basic food safety knowledge or HACCP (training will be provided)
- Previous experience in catering, hospitality, or customer service
How to apply
To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form.
If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
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 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.
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!
Location: Oxfordshire Discovery College, Didcot
Commitment: To be confirmed with the volunteer - Expected minimum 3 hours a week for a period of 6 weeks.
Reports to: Volunteer Manager
Role Overview
We are seeking a confident and compassionate volunteer to co-facilitate our mental health and wellbeing programmes for adults who care for or support young people struggling with their mental health. Working alongside an ODC staff facilitator, you'll help create safe, inclusive spaces that encourage open conversation, emotional safety, and mutual respect.
This role is ideal for someone with lived or professional experience of mental health who is confident working with groups and interested in supporting others. You’ll contribute to meaningful sessions that empower adults and indirectly benefit young people across Oxfordshire.
We ask all volunteers to be open, honest, and reflective about the skills they already bring, the areas they’d like to develop, and their current mental health and wellbeing so that we can support you to facilitate safely and sustainably.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people, while being part of a collaborative, values-driven team. It’s also a great chance to develop your facilitation skills and gain hands-on experience in mental health psychoeducation. We provide full training, regular supervision, and ongoing support and we welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Key Tasks
As a facilitator, your activities may include, but are not limited to:
-
Being reliability, committing to agreed dates and tasks
-
Co-facilitate engaging, structured group sessions for supportive adults in a community setting, alongside one of our staff facilitators
-
Create a safe, inclusive and supportive group environment, encouraging participation, emotional safety, and mutual respect
-
Managing the group alone for short periods and engaging in sensitive 1:1 conversations if the staff facilitator is briefly otherwise engaged.
-
Undertake appropriate safeguarding training, be alert to safeguarding concerns, follow ODC’s safeguarding procedures, and report any concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding lead.
-
Assist with setting up and packing down sessions, and help manage session resources as needed
-
Take part in session debriefs, offering insights and feedback to support ongoing programme improvement
-
Participate in relevant training and supervision, including safeguarding, ODC policies, programme orientation, and ongoing reflective practice
-
Work alongside ODC staff, upholding our values around co-production, youth voice, and mental health support
Optional Activities
-
Support with session planning and preparation, contributing ideas and helping shape delivery in line with programme aims
-
Support with programme administration and data entry, such as attendance logs, feedback forms or basic evaluation tasks
-
Where appropriate and possible to share parts of your own lived experience journey
-
Carry out 1:1 learning and support meetings with participants prior to programme delivery.
Skills and Experience
We’re looking for volunteers who can bring some of the following skills and experience to the role. We don’t expect that you will meet every point — we value both professional and lived experience, and we offer training and support to help you grow and develop your skills.
-
Working with adults in group settings
-
Experience as a supportive adult to a young person struggling with their mental health
-
Knowledge of mental health, emotional wellbeing, and youth voice
-
Planning, organising and basic admin tasks
-
Computer literate
-
Working as part of a team and ability to reflect on your own practice
-
Awareness of safeguarding principles
-
Lived experience of mental health challenges (this may include your own experience or supporting others)
-
Professional expertise eg mental health, education, youth work
What We Offer
-
Training: Full training provided.
-
Opportunities for development: We will support you to build confidence, grow your skills and gain valuable experience with this role.
-
Regular Supervisions: Supportive check-ins to review your role and tasks.
-
Wellness Action Plan: We prioritise volunteer well-being through personalised wellness plans.
-
Make an Impact: Your involvement will significantly enhance our ability to provide services effectively and make a difference to the lives of young people in Oxfordshire.
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!
Amazing, giving, and inspiring – just a few of the words we use to describe our volunteers.
At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers play an essential role in supporting the people we work with, and the services we provide. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can truly make a difference while gaining valuable experience, we’d love you to join us.
About the role
Do you enjoy chatting with people, making them feel welcome, and offering a supportive ear? We’re looking for friendly volunteers to give around 2 hours a week to help us run our carers’ groups and activities in Bristol.
As a Carer Support Volunteer, you’ll:
· Co-facilitate monthly drop-in sessions and activity groups
· Welcome carers and help create a safe, supportive space
· Assist with events (e.g., setting up, registering attendees, making refreshments)
· Share information about upcoming groups and activities
Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.
About the service
The Bristol Carers Service supports adult family members, partners, and friends of adults living with mental health conditions. We provide one-to-one and group support through phone calls, online sessions, and in-person activities. These include monthly support groups, education sessions, social events, and walks.
The service is delivered by a Service Coordinator and a Hospital Liaison Worker, as part of the wider Rethink Bristol Community team.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
· Being empathetic and non-judgmental
· Understanding the importance of confidentiality
· Being flexible, punctual and reliable
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.