Outreach worker jobs in Islington, greater london

About Us

The Comedy School draws on the power of comedy to improve wellbeing across community, health, education and criminal justice settings. Since 1998, we have co-designed and delivered workshops, courses and training projects that build confidence, resilience and life skills for socially isolated and vulnerable people. We have worked with individuals with mental health conditions in collaboration with South London and Maudsley Recovery College for 15 years, and in 2023 expanded this work to veterans in partnership with London’s NHS Veterans Mental Health Services. Our Comedy for Veterans programme delivers evidence-based interventions that improve confidence, connections, wellbeing and sense of purpose.

Purpose of Role: The Veterans’ Worker will lead on outreach and peer support within the Comedy for Veterans Project, with a specific focus on engaging veterans from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and other communities underrepresented in traditional support pathways. The role aims to ensure inclusive participation, support mental wellbeing, and sustain long-term engagement with the project.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead outreach and engagement efforts to promote the Comedy for Veterans Project, focusing on building trust and participation among veterans from Black, ethnic minority, and underserved communities.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with veteran organisations, community groups, and stakeholders to enhance referrals, collaboration, and community presence.
• Provide peer support and mentoring to veterans enrolled in the project, encouraging sustained participation, confidence-building, and shared learning.
• Identify and address participation barriers, including logistical, emotional, or wellbeing challenges, and signpost to appropriate services when needed.
• Support the delivery of workshops and events, working closely with facilitators to ensure activities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to participants’ needs.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to monitor progress, share relevant participant insights (within confidentiality boundaries), and contribute to a safe, trauma-informed environment.
• Document attendance, feedback, and outcomes for evaluation purposes, and report on engagement levels and project impact.

Essential Criteria: 

• Proven experience in outreach, peer support, mentoring, or community engagement—ideally with veterans or marginalised groups.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Understanding of mental health and wellbeing, including challenges commonly faced by veterans, and the confidence to respond supportively.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures, confidentiality protocols, and maintaining professional boundaries when working with vulnerable adults.
• Ability to work independently and manage time, alongside a flexible approach to group dynamics, changing needs, and varying energy levels.
• Commitment to inclusion and accessibility, with sensitivity to the social, cultural, and structural barriers some veterans may face.

Desirable: 

• Background in social work, community organising, mental health support, or creative arts facilitation.
• Certification in Mental Health First Aid or equivalent.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches in community and learning settings.

Security Checks: Enhanced DBS clearance required and project specific security checks maybe required.

This post is funded by the Veterans’ Foundation

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

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

Job title: Hospital Mental Health Outreach Worker / Community Outreach Worker (Bounce Back)
Reference Number: 377
Reports to: Senior Community Outreach Worker (Bounce Back)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Based: Watford General Hospital and Watford Wellbeing Centre
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum

We have a vacancy for a Bounce Back Worker to join our team.

The Bounce Back service forms an integral part of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s Complex Needs Community Services. The service provides one-to-one outreach support to facilitate a smooth, timely and supportive discharge from hospital back in to the community.

About the Project

Herts Mind Network (HMN) has a partnership with Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) to deliver a one-to-one outreach service for people who are in hospitals across Hertfordshire.

There is an emergency department arm of the project and will be based at Watford General Hospital working in A&E departments, with the Mental Health Liaison Team, and hospital wards facilitating hospital discharge for people with mental health need.

About the Role:

The Bounce Back Worker will be based at Watford General Hospital and HMN Centres, promoting joint working between Watford A&E, creating a seamless pathway into community support for clients recovering from mental ill health.

The aims of the Bounce Back service are to provide up to 16 sessions of emotional and practical support and advice & information to patients. We will visit patients on the ward and continue the sessions in the local community and in patient’s homes once discharged. We will facilitate a smooth and timely hospital discharge.

Key Responsibilities

The Bounce Back worker will use a recovery orientated approach working with patients on the ward, and in the local community, including in people’s homes.  The recovery approach includes empathy, warmth, acceptance, authenticity, compassion and humanity. To work with hospital staff to ensure patients are offered advice, information, and holistic support.

The post holder will need to:

• Provide practical and emotional support to encourage patients to develop their independence within their local community.
• Facilitate a smooth discharge from hospital back to the community.
• Have a solid understanding on the dual effect of mental health and drugs and alcohol.
• Monitor outcomes and evaluate the service.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of patients using the service is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• Embed a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.

We offer:

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

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 9th September at 5pm.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 15th September at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.
N.B: Please quote reference number 377 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

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

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

We’re looking for a part time Outreach Support Worker to join us on a fixed term contract, to support vulnerable individuals across the Epping and Harlow area of Essex. You’ll be helping people overcome challenges related to mental health, physical health, and employment.

What your day might look like

• Start by visiting customers in their homes, helping them maintain their tenancies and build essential life skills.
• Support individuals with navigating welfare benefits, accessing services, and building confidence.
• Liaise with external agencies to ensure customers get the right support at the right time.
• Provide crisis intervention when needed, always with empathy and professionalism.

What makes this role special

Please note, this isn’t a personal care worker role. This is a role where it’s about empowering people, not doing things for them. You’ll help customers build resilience, develop skills, and take control of their lives. You’ll be their cheerleader, guide and advocate. You’ll be part of a passionate team that’s committed to helping people flourish, and you’ll have the freedom to work independently while making a real impact. A role where your support creates independence

Could it be you?

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience (professional or voluntary) in a supportive role
• Has worked with individuals facing mental health, health-related, or employment challenges
• Understands housing support needs and welfare benefits
• Can provide pre-tenancy advice and ongoing tenancy support
• Communicates clearly and solves problems with confidence
• Holds a valid UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle
• Is happy to undergo an Enhanced DBS check

What you’ll get in return

• 25 days’ annual holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Flexible benefits scheme including healthcare, dental, tech, vouchers, and more
• Up to 10% pension contribution

Please read before applying:

• Peabody is not a licensed UK sponsor, so we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
• The role is community based, so you will need to hold a valid UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle, to be able to travel around the community.
• Interviews will be held in person at our Pitsea office on the 3rd September 2026.