Peer mentor volunteer roles
A Peer Mentor is a volunteer who has experienced similar challenges and experiences as the person they are supporting. Being a peer mentor is seen as a positive and secure way to progress towards education, work, or employment.
Volunteers who take on peer support roles can feel empowered, have a greater confidence and a more positive sense of identity.
Could you provide an authentic voice that our clients can relate to?
· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to support a client
· Can you inspire others, give them hope through self-disclosure and by being an example of recovery?
· Build relationships based on trust, acceptance, understanding and an empathy from a shared lived experience?
· Can we rely on you to tap into your own experiences to help us identify barriers and gaps in our services and how we can be improving and identify good practice?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
· Inspiring service users by using your own life experiences and by being a positive role model
· Providing a safe sounding space, listen in a non-judgemental way
· Helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote this
· Assist service users to engage with formalised support
· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required
A Peer Mentor is a volunteer who has experienced similar challenges and experiences as the person they are supporting. Being a peer mentor is seen as a positive and secure way to progress towards education, work, or employment.
Volunteers who take on peer support roles can feel empowered, have a greater confidence and a more positive sense of identity.
Could you provide an authentic voice that our clients can relate to?
· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to support a client
· Can you inspire others, give them hope through self-disclosure and by being an example of recovery?
· Build relationships based on trust, acceptance, understanding and an empathy from a shared lived experience?
· Can we rely on you to tap into your own experiences to help us identify barriers and gaps in our services and how we can be improving and identify good practice?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
· Inspiring service users by using your own life experiences and by being a positive role model
· Providing a safe sounding space, listen in a non-judgemental way
· Helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote this
· Assist service users to engage with formalised support
· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required
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.
To enhance the Safe Space service provision as experts by experience, supporting service users and their peers on their recovery journey.
Main Responsibilities
To work closely with the HFEH Mind Safe Space team in supporting, encouraging and motivating the people that attend our services in their mental health recovery journey. Utilising their knowledge gained through lived experience and promoting recovery through visual recovery
Tasks
· Signpost Safe Space attendees to appropriate support services
· Supporting with Self Referrals to community support services
· Promote recovery by means of visible recovery
· Promote mental health and applicable community services
· Utilise listening and communication skills to support individuals attending the Safe Space Service
· Conduct follow-up calls and face-to-face appointments supporting the recovery journey
· Assist with the completion of recovery plans
· Motivate and encourage community engagement
· Support with the development and updating of borough resources and asset mapping
· Co-facilitate with psycho-educational or informational groups
· Support service users with paperwork
General Responsibilities
• Attend and conduct required training in line with company guidelines
• Attend monthly supervisions as agreed with supervisor
• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve service provision
• Abide by company policies and procedures
• 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:
Essential
· Knowledge and understanding of issues facing someone with a Mental Health illness/disability
· Knowledge and understanding of utilising mental health services
· Excellent communication skills
· Excellent listening skills
· Willingness to embrace empathy and compassion
· Ability to work with Safe Space service Users demonstrating a non-judgmental attitude and withholding bias
· Clear understanding of professional boundaries
· IT literate
· Able to support service users with form filing and making phone calls
· An understanding of the importance of professional integrity in relationships with service users, peers and other relevant professionals.
Desirable
· Knowledge and understanding of issues facing someone with a other support needs/services e.g. substance misuse, domestic abuse, debt, homelessness
· Knowledge of the borough and support available
· MS office proficient
· Experience/ knowledge of the Health and Social Care Sector
Time commitment and expenses:
· Minimum of 8 hours per week during (our core hours of 2PM – 10PM. )
· We request a minimum commitment of 6 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction.
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!
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!
14 hours per week
West Midlands
Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with proven experience of working positively with adults to engage successfully despite ‘challenging’ behaviour? Do you have the ability to be a positive role model, demonstrating the virtues of engaging with treatment support services?
If so, St Giles is looking for a Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer to join our team and provide interventions and build meaningful, peer-led relationships with service users to encourage them to engage in drug and alcohol treatment following arrest.
About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.
About this key role
As a Peer Volunteer, you will increase client engagement with drug and alcohol treatment services by providing vital peer-led support and building trust and motivation among a client group that has been historically disengaged/not offered support previously. You will provide holistic, short-term intervention to bridge the gap between referral and full treatment engagement, capture client experiences and barriers to improve service design and accessibility and develop a strong service user voice to inform future service improvements.
Areas of support from Peer Volunteers may also include initial engagement and motivation such as welcome calls, check-ins, peer-led conversations and motivational chats over coffee. You may also offer practical support such as appointment reminders, transport assistance and paperwork support, plus help to build positive routines such as activity-based engagement and supporting small lifestyle changes, including meal planning, budgeting, and time management.
What we are looking for
- Personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group (i.e. experience of substance misuse and recovery)
- Proven experience of working in a high intensity environment, being self-motivating, with an ability to effectively manage your own wellbeing
- Knowledge of the issues facing those arrested for potential criminal offences
- Knowledge of, and commitment to, safeguarding practices and policies
- The ability to use monitoring systems to record all aspects of the work
- Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written
Please note: as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Child Workforce with Child Barred list DBS.
In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.
We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.
St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.
We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment
Closing date: Monday, 1st December 2025 @ 9am
We help people held back by poverty, unemployment, the criminal justice system, homelessness, exploitation and abuse to build a positive future.
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!
Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.
Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.
What you will do as a prison volunteer:
- Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
- Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
- Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
- Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.
Who we are looking for:
- Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
- Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
- Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
- Someone who is an excellent team worker.
- Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.
Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.
Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers.
At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.
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!
Ref: CYPV-251
Are you a personable, resilient and reliable individual with the commitment – and, above all, the understanding – to build trusted professional relationships with vulnerable children and young people?
If so, St Giles has opportunities to join us in the volunteer role of SOS North Yorkshire Peer Adviser – working on an award-winning project that educates children and young people around the risks and signs of exploitation, serious violence, and gangs, through group facilitated sessions and tailored one-to-one intervention sessions in schools and other community settings.
About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.
About this key role
You’ll join us in mentoring children and young people who are victims of, or have been affected by, sexual or criminal exploitation, or who are frequently missing from home. Receiving full training, including a Level 3 Information Advice and Guidance qualification, you’ll provide support to SOS caseworkers developing and delivering educational sessions to children and young people between the ages of 10-25 years, on topics such as: weapons awareness; the reality of prison; gangs; county lines; and child sexual exploitation.
We positively encourage applications if you’ve previously worked on a client-led support project, and/or have had personal adverse experiences such as homelessness, substance misuse, debt, involvement with gangs, etc. This includes having had experience of the criminal justice system and serving a prison sentence. (You will need to demonstrate how your lived experience supports your ability to benefit our clients).
What we are looking for
- Relevant knowledge/understanding, preferably with lived/personal experience of the Criminal Justice System, and/or having been affected by criminal or sexual exploitation.
- Experience with socially excluded children, young people and/or adults.
- Experience of providing advice and guidance and/or mentoring (not essential).
- Award in Education & Training and/or Mentoring Level 3 qualification (or willingness to work towards).
- Ability to communicate and understand different experiences and perspectives without judgement.
Please note: this role requires that successful candidates must undergo an Enhanced DBS check, on the basis that the post involves contact with vulnerable participants and colleagues.
We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.
St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.
Closing date: 9 a.m. on 01 October 2025
Interviews: 07 October 2025 on Teams
We help people held back by poverty, unemployment, the criminal justice system, homelessness, exploitation and abuse to build a positive future.
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!
Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.
Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.
What you will do as a prison volunteer:
- Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
- Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
- Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
- Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.
Who we are looking for:
- Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
- Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
- Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
- Someone who is an excellent team worker.
- Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.
Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.
Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers.
At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.
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!
Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.
Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.
What you will do as a prison volunteer:
- Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
- Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
- Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
- Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.
Who we are looking for:
- Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
- Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
- Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
- Someone who is an excellent team worker.
- Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.
Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.
Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers.
At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.
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!
We are an award winning charity that provides a school-based 1-2-1 mentoring programme for vulnerable young people, helping them to realise their full potential no matter what their circumstances.
Our mentors are volunteers who give just 1 hour a week to mentor the young person they are carefully matched to.
Through no fault of their own, young people who are care-experienced or facing challenges experience a significant gap in outcomes compared to their peers. They aren’t reaching their potential - but 1-2-1 mentoring can change that. Just one hour a week with a consistent, caring adult can boost confidence, academic performance and open doors to a brighter future.
We’re transforming the lives of the young people we support, recognising their talent, we help them to grow and utilise their abilities. We want everyone to get a fair chance at life.
As a mentor you would provide encouragement, reassurance and a safe space to build confidence and self worth, ultimately helping the young person to unlock their potential.
No prior experience is required - we say that if you care, you qualify! If you are good at listening and keen to make a difference, you can mentor. We will provide excellent training and on going support.
By volunteering as a mentor you really can transform the life of a young person who is facing challenges. You will be a caring, positive, consistent adult , a supportive friend, a role model, and a trustworthy listening ear. We are sure that you will also find the role incredibly rewarding whilst also developing your skills in active listening and empathy.
"Everybody's got something to offer. Everybody's got life skills. It doesn't matter where you come from. It was the best thing that I've ever done."
We are looking to recruit volunteer mentors in different locations in Ealing.
If you would like to help young people flourish and make a positive difference to your local community, please do get in touch!
An hour a week - a lifetime of impact!
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!
Looking for a rewarding opportunity to support young people in your community whilst developing your own skills and experience?
At ReachOut, we believe that socio-emotional skills are overlooked foundational skills which improve success at school and the everyday, personal lives of children. Our aim is to transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance by building their socio-emotional skills. We define these skills as empathy, responsibility, problem solving, initiative, teamwork and emotion management.
We exist because not all children have the opportunity to just ‘pick up’ socio-emotional skills. Just like with maths or English, socio-emotional skills can be influenced by a wide range of formal and informal learning opportunities, which many children just don’t have access to the services and opportunities necessary to develop these skills. The 9-14 age bracket is a crucial juncture in childhood development, which is why we focus our efforts on this age range. Our approach combines positive peer support with supportive adult role models, allowing us to have the most impact.
What do volunteer mentors do?
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Volunteer on our after-school projects that take place for 2 hours a week over 12 weeks during term-time. Choose projects that work around your schedule, with projects at our partner schools running on different days.
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Our sessions are led by our Youth Development Leads and involve collective mentoring activities from our curriculum and fun group games and activities that develop young people’s socio-emotional skills. The role of our volunteer mentors is to get stuck into session activities, typically supporting a small group of mentees, and helping the Youth Development Lead with facilitating activities with your fellow mentors.
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Sessions are designed to be exciting and engaging for our young people, so by showing up weekly and bringing confidence and enthusiasm, you’ll be helping your mentees to grow in confidence, develop their skills and have fun!
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!
We are an award winning charity that provide a school-based 1-2-1 mentoring programme for vulnerable young people, helping them to realise their full potential no matter what their circumstances.
Our mentors are volunteers who give just 1 hour a week to mentor the young person they are carefully matched to.
Through no fault of their own, young people who are care-experienced or facing challenges experience a significant gap in outcomes compared to their peers. They aren’t reaching their potential - but 1-2-1 mentoring can change that. Just one hour a week with a consistent, caring adult can boost confidence, academic performance and open doors to a brighter future.
We’re transforming the lives of the young people we support, recognising their talent, we help them to grow and utilise their abilities. We want everyone to get a fair chance at life.
As a mentor you would provide encouragement, reassurance and a safe space to build confidence and self worth, ultimately helping the young person to unlock their potential.
No prior experience is required - we say that if you care, you qualify! If you are good at listening and keen to make a difference, you can mentor. We will provide excellent training and on going support.
By volunteering as a mentor you really can transform the life of a young person who is facing challenges. You will be a caring, positive, consistent adult , a supportive friend, a role model, and a trustworthy listening ear. We are sure that you will also find the role incredibly rewarding whilst also developing your skills in active listening and empathy.
"Everybody's got something to offer. Everybody's got life skills. It doesn't matter where you come from. It was the best thing that I've ever done."
We are looking to recruit volunteer mentors in different locations in Hertfordshire: Stevenage, Tring, Hertford, Cheshunt, and Hemel Hempstead.
If you would like to help young people flourish and make a positive difference to your local community, please do get in touch!
An hour a week - a lifetime of impact!
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!
We are an award winning charity that provide a school-based 1-2-1 mentoring programme for vulnerable young people, helping them to realise their full potential no matter what their circumstances.
Our mentors are volunteers who give just 1 hour a week to mentor the young person they are carefully matched to.
Through no fault of their own, young people who are care-experienced or facing challenges experience a significant gap in outcomes compared to their peers. They aren’t reaching their potential - but 1-2-1 mentoring can change that. Just one hour a week with a consistent, caring adult can boost confidence, academic performance and open doors to a brighter future.
We’re transforming the lives of the young people we support, recognising their talent, we help them to grow and utilise their abilities. We want everyone to get a fair chance at life.
As a mentor you would provide encouragement, reassurance and a safe space to build confidence and self worth, ultimately helping the young person to unlock their potential.
No prior experience is required - we say that if you care, you qualify! If you are good at listening and keen to make a difference, you can mentor. We will provide excellent training and on going support.
By volunteering as a mentor you really can transform the life of a young person who is facing challenges. You will be a caring, positive, consistent adult , a supportive friend, a role model, and a trustworthy listening ear. We are sure that you will also find the role incredibly rewarding whilst also developing your skills in active listening and empathy.
"Everybody's got something to offer. Everybody's got life skills. It doesn't matter where you come from. It was the best thing that I've ever done."
We are looking to recruit volunteer mentors in different locations in Surrey: Guildford, Sunbury, Ash, Esher, Horley, and Redhill.
If you would like to help young people flourish and make a positive difference to your local community, please do get in touch!
An hour a week - a lifetime of impact!
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!
About Us
My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.
We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.
Position Overview
Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:
- Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They escalate safeguarding alerts to the shift's Designated Safeguarding Lead (a trained professional). They also complete a 'Shift Handover' document once the shift is completed.
- Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.
As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary. We are looking to fill the following positions and shifts:
- Leader, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
- Leader, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
- Mentor, Fridays (7pm - 10pm)
- Leader, Saturdays (TBC*)
- Mentor, Saturdays (TBC*)
- Leader, Sundays (5pm - 7pm)
*We are currently finalising future opening hours on Saturday. Please apply for this particular shift if general availabilty on Saturdays is good.
Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are 2-3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.
Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.
The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:
- Are strongly committed to helping others
- Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
- Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
- Are encouraging and supportive
- Are organised and can monitor several things at once
- Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
- Are 18 years and over
- Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift
Role Responsibilities
- Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
- Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
- Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
- Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
- Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
- Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
- If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
- Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
- Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
- Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.
Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for 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!
Work and Skills in an online personal development programme aimed at providing people living with HIV who are unemployed or in unsuitable work with online peer support, online work ready workshops and online 1-2-1 employment mentoring.
The online employment mentor is an integral part of the support structure for each individual, providing space for the participant to ask questions, set goals and plan how to achieve them, explore work and volunteering ideas, reflect on their skills and gain feedback on job/volunteering applications and interview technique.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.