Peer support jobs

Salary: £28,500 per annum

Hours: 35hrs per week, FTC until 30th September 2025 with possibility of extension dependent on funding.

Location: New Horizons, Guinness Trust Estate, Cadogan Street, London, SW3 2PF

Line Management: Head of Member Experience

Working with: Head of Member Experience, Centre Coordinator New Horizons and the wider Open Age team, Service Users, community organisations

Open Age is seeking a person who is the welcoming face of Open Age.  They will be able to give our members the time they need, whilst juggling a busy workload.  The person will have a friendly manner and remain calm when managing different priorities.

The role would suit someone who has a proven ability to multi-task, think of their own initiative and also enjoy being part of a team. Someone who can support a junior role and their development and training.  The person will require competence in time management, organising workload/priorities and decision making.

About Open Age:

Open Age was established in 1993 and we’re now celebrating over 30 years of championing an active life for older people. Each week we run a wide range of activities for older people from our own three centres and over 60 other community venues. Open Age’s array of activities improves the physical and mental wellbeing of our members.

What you get in return

You will be working in a passionate and enthusiastic team with a strong vision and ambition in striving to enrich the lives of older people.

We offer 25 days leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays and 1 extra day off for your Birthday and occasionally additional paid leave over Christmas period is given.

Employer and employee contribution to pension in line with auto-enrolment pension requirement, 3% employer contribution

Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme through salary sacrifice.

We are London Healthy Workplace Award accredited and proactively invest in the health and wellbeing of employees supporting fair employment practices and a better workplace. 

Regular staff social events.

Training opportunities.

An inclusive work environment welcoming people from all backgrounds, sexuality, ability, race, ethnicity, gender and age.

Equal Opportunities:

Open Age is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences.

Flexible home working, with requirement for travel to BDA Office Birmingham twice a month.

Salary £50,755 per annum - full time 36 hours per week (job share will be considered)

Benefits include: 30 days holiday, working flexibly policy, non-contributory healthcare benefits and a company pension scheme.

Deadline for applications:    Friday 23rd May 2025

Interview Date:  Thursday 5th June 2025

We are the British Dietetic Association (BDA). We are an award-winning not-for-profit organisation, based in Birmingham, employing dedicated, dynamic and professional staff who deliver services for our membership of more than 12,000 dietetic professionals.

We are the leading organisation of nutrition professionals in the UK; representing the entire nutrition and dietetic workforce across all sectors. Our vision is to improve the health of the UK population by protecting and improving health and care services, developing health and social care policy, improving the impact of dietetics and promoting positive discussion on food, nutrition, wellbeing and health.

Role details:

The BDA is seeking a new Research Manager to work as part of the Education and Professional Practice Team, leading on the research and impact activities of professional dietetic practice. The role will also provide line management within the team.

The role will support the BDA’s Strategic Plan 2024-34 and lead the growth and delivery of the annual Research Symposium. The role will suit a candidate with a sound understanding and experience of the breadth of dietetic practice and research, and the factors that influence it. Working innovatively the post holder will develop and progress research within dietetic practice, building confidence in the dietetic workforce to be research active.  

 Ideal candidate:

We are looking for somebody who is an expert in research methodologies, and appraisal and is comfortable setting and influencing research strategy.  Ideally we would like somebody who has or is studying for their doctorate in dietetics and experience working in a practice setting would be advantageous. This is a senior internal and external facing role working alongside the Director of Education Practice and Research, and the Education and Practice Managers. The candidate will enjoy supporting colleagues and members to engage and deliver research related projects, and demonstrate impact through evidence-based practice.

In return, we offer exciting opportunities to raise the profile of research, innovate, and build purposeful external stakeholder relationships. The BDA have a collection of small departments who all work closely together and have a ‘one team’ ethos. The role will require somebody who enjoys the challenges that come with delivering and reporting on strategic targets and measuring impact.

For full details of the role, please download and refer to the Job Description.

We would strongly encourage any dietitian interested in the role to contact the BDA for an informal, confidential discussion about this post and opportunities for flexible working. Please refer to our website for contact details.

The job advert is shown on the BDA website, and for discussion about the role, please telephone the Birmingham office number and ask for Najia.

Please note: Only applicants who submit a covering letter will be shortlisted for interview.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental 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: Flourish Team Leader
Reference Number: 279
Salary scale: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum
Contracted hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract length: Permanent
Working base: Negotiable, Herts Mind Wellbeing Centre closest to home
Reports to: Services Manager, Complex Needs and Community

About the Service

This is an exciting and reasonably new project, ‘Flourish’ – Mental Health for Refugees in Hertfordshire, which is a highly flexible and responsive outreach service developed to meet the needs of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine & other refugees in Hertfordshire. The aim of the service will be to support refugees in the community with multiple needs who have mental health support as a primary need.

The countywide holistic service also provides emotional wellbeing support for families who are hosting refugees.

The Flourish Team Leader plays a significant role in the co-ordination and running of the Flourish service. This role is key to the development and support of the team and the wider organisation.

Service Objectives

• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with mental ill health.
• Support to build social networks and reduce isolation whilst settling into the Hertfordshire community this includes building a sustainable and empowering peer support network and building confidence and self-esteem.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To work in a trauma informed way including awareness of the 6 principles of trauma informed practice, putting the clients emotional and practical needs at the forefront of this work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Services Manager with effective running of the Flourish service.
• Mange a caseload of up to 3 clients
• Provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing.
• Line manage staff and where necessary volunteers.
• Maintain and enhance service delivery standards and effectiveness.
• Lead a team of Flourish Outreach Workers. Ensuring the team are using databases and outcome tools as required to report for the project.
• Promoting the service, increasing visibility and being responsive to changing needs.
• Provide practical and emotional support to encourage service users to develop their independence within their local community.
• Monitor outcomes and evaluate the service. Produce quarterly reports.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of service users using the service is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Oversee Flourish peer support groups in hotels and the community
• Overseeing and coordinating Flourish Together Events for Separated Migrant Children and Young People.
• Become level 3 trained in Safeguarding

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.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

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

Closing date for receipt of application: Ongoing until role is filled.
Interviews: Held on a rolling basis. 
Please note: we reserve the right to close the post once we have reached maximum applications or filled the 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. 

Equal Opportunities 
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. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

Are you an experienced domestic abuse professional — or ready to take the next step into a leadership role?

Join our small, dynamic team at FLAG DV as Service Manager, and help empower survivors navigating the family court system with specialist legal and emotional support.

This is an opportunity to blend frontline delivery with strategic leadership. You’ll oversee our Legal Advice Clinic and Court Support Services, hold a small caseload, manage a committed team, and act as our Designated Safeguarding Lead — with support from our Director of Service Development & Engagement and a Deputy DSL.

You’ll be at the heart of a trauma-informed, passionate organisation, playing a pivotal role in shaping our services and ensuring survivors receive the support they need. Whether you already have leadership experience or are ready to step up, we’re looking for someone who’s confident, compassionate, and committed to survivor empowerment.

Position: Programme Co-ordinator

Salary: £30,000 – £33,000 FTE

Hours: 18 hours, with flexible working

Responsible to: Programmes Manager (WEN) & senior staff member in each organisation (this is a matrix managed role)

Contract type: Fixed term to December 2027

About Equal Power Equal Voice

The Equal Power Equal Voice (EPEV) programme provides mentoring, training and peer-networking opportunities to ethnic minority people, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, women and people with any combination of these identities across Wales. This important and unique programme is delivered in a strong and established partnership with Disability Wales, Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST), Stonewall Cymru and Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales.

The EPEV programme aims to ensure more diverse representation in politics and public life by strengthening the knowledge and skills of those who aspire to be there, while learning from and being supported by those who have achieved positions of power, influence and authority in the face of these challenges.

You will build on the success of the previous EPEV programme cycle, which ran between 2021-2024. They will bring enthusiasm and innovation to ensure the next EPEV programme cycle (2025-2028) is efficient and effective and provides the best possible experience to mentees and mentors, paving a direct route to seeing greater diversity in political and public life in Wales.

The EPEV programme is made possible through funding from the Welsh Government and The National Lottery.

This role is part of a collaborative effort, with Programme Co-ordinators being based at each of the partner organisations.

About the Role:

The Programme Co-ordinator will work alongside similar post-holders at Disability Wales, EYST and Stonewall Cymru, and will support WEN’s Programmes Manager to deliver in partnership the Equal Power Equal Voice programme. You will lead on recruiting and supporting the cohort of approximately 25 pairs of mentees and mentors from your organisation. You will support the Programmes Manager in delivering all events within the programme and will attend events online and in person across Wales, and approximately once a year in London.

With a proven track record of delivering projects, you will be dynamic, organised, a good communicator and able to connect people to help them achieve their goals. You will be extremely motivated, able to work on your own initiative and be ready to join a high-performing yet fun and supportive team who are all committed to equality.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who have lived experience of intersecting discrimination.

Welsh Speaker: Desirable

Key Objectives of the Role are:

• Working with your cohort of mentees to enable them to access the learning programme, benefit from the peer–to–peer support group and from the relationship with their mentor.
• Supporting the Programmes Manager in delivery of a successful mentoring programme according to the project plan.

Main Tasks will include, but not be limited to:

Project Organisation and Delivery

• Supporting the Programmes Manager in setting up all systems and lead the recruitment of mentees and mentors from your organisation’s networks
• Matching the mentees to appropriate mentors
• Supporting the organisation of the training events and training sessions by sourcing appropriate speakers, organising online sessions and / or physical events
• Organising the peer-to-peer support group for your cohort of mentees
• Working with partners and the Programmes Manager to recruit, liaise with, and keep central register of all possible mentors and support those mentor for your organisation’s cohort
• Keeping records of all achievements of mentees as they progress, checking in with them regularly on their learning journey
• Giving support to Mentees, as needed, on a case by case basis
• Contributing to quarterly reporting and evaluation

Partnership Liaison

• Liaising with the three other Project Co-ordinators and the Programmes Manager to ensure the programme is delivered effectively
• Networking widely across the public and third sectors to promote the programme and identify opportunities relevant to it

External communications

• Being an ambassador for the programme, speaking at events where appropriate
• Liaising with the WEN Communications and Engagement Officer to help publicise EPEV

General Responsibilities and Duties

• Conducting the duties of the job description in accordance with the operational policies of WEN Wales and of the EPEV programme, including but not limited to: the safeguarding policy, diversity policy, social media policy, data protection policies, home working and other policies.
• Maintaining good with all stakeholders, including staff, mentors, mentees, volunteers, Directors / Trustees, partner organisations and Members.
• Contributing to the general administration and delivery of all programmes of WEN Wales, as required.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties as may be required by the role.

Closing date: 10th May 2025

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Hub Co-ordinator to lead the development and day-to-day running of our exciting new Community Hub, made possible thanks to five years of National Lottery funding. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a member-led organisation that supports people with a learning disability and autistic people to thrive.

You’ll shape a vibrant, inclusive and accessible community space at the heart of Bexley—one that offers a range of activities, support, and services. The exact shape of the Hub is still to come—because we’re co-creating it with our community. From creative workshops and peer-led support, to potential social enterprises like a community café—your ideas, energy and leadership will help make it happen.

You’ll lead a team that includes staff with learning disabilities or autism, and you’ll work closely with our partners and other charities to open up new opportunities for local people.

This role is ideal for someone who is dynamic, compassionate, and organised—with experience of coordinating projects, working with people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people, and a strong belief in inclusive community-led change.

About Us

Bexley Mencap is a small but growing local charity working exclusively with people with a learning disability and their families. Our vision is a world where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to live life to the full.

We provide support, activities and opportunities for people to thrive. We’re proudly member-led, passionate about inclusion, and committed to creating spaces that feel welcoming and safe for all.

We’ve just secured five years of National Lottery funding to create a brand-new Community Hub in Bexley. This will be a truly shared space—designed with and for our members—where people with a learning disability, autistic people, and the wider community can come together, connect, and grow.

About the role

 As Community Hub Co-ordinator, you’ll lead the launch and development of this exciting new space. You’ll manage the day-to-day running of the Hub, support and line-manage a small team (including staff with lived experience of learning disability or autism), and co-design a wide variety of services, events, and partnerships with our members and community.

You’ll also work with other local organisations and charities to expand the support on offer—exploring exciting ideas like social enterprises, creative groups, advice drop-ins or a community café. This is a hands-on role. Some days you’ll be welcoming people and helping with a session, other days you’ll be planning future activities, liaising with partners, or exploring funding ideas. No two days will be the same.

We’re a growing organisation with big ambitions—so this is a great time to join and shape something truly special.

About You

 You’re proactive, passionate, and organised. You love bringing people together, creating welcoming spaces, and making things happen.

You’ll have experience of managing community-facing services, working with diverse groups (ideally including people with learning disabilities or autistic people), and leading a team.

You’re happy rolling up your sleeves to get things done—and you’re confident developing new ideas, building partnerships, and planning activities.  Being a car driver is a plus (but not essential), and some evening or weekend working may be required. We’re happy to talk about flexible working, part-time options and job shares.

What we offer

 We offer a range of benefits including discounts at local shops and restaurants (through a Blue Light Card), training and development opportunities and flexible working.  We also offer 22 days holiday plus all English bank holidays, as well as a variety of other leave such as volunteering days and enhanced carers leave.

Person Specification

Our work is underpinned by our values and you will be expected to demonstrate these in your daily work:

Nurturing:  You work in a person-centred way supporting every individual to reach their full potential.  You empower people to take risks and develop their skills

Approachable:  You can communicate with a range of people with differing abilities and maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the people you support and their families.

Inclusive:  You involve people you support in all aspects of services.  You are able to communicate effectively with people with a learning disability and adapt your approach where need.

Passionate:  You are dedicated to improving the lives of the people that we support.  You will professionally challenge where necessary whilst maintain effective working relationships.

Respectful:  You treat everybody with compassion, dignity and respect ensuring privacy and confidentiality for the people we support.

You will also be able to demonstrate or tell us about the following areas in your application and at interview:

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

· Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise a varied workload.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively with a wide range of people including people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

· Ability to coordinate multiple projects or activities, ensuring smooth delivery and follow-up.

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, using initiative and sound judgment.

· Confident IT user, including Microsoft 365 (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel), Canva, and database/CRM systems.

· Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and how to implement them in a community setting.

· Good working knowledge of inclusion, accessibility and equality in service delivery.

 Desirable

· Understanding of the voluntary and community sector and the opportunities and challenges it faces 

· Understanding of the support needs of people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

Experience

 Essential

· Proven experience of running or coordinating community-based services, hubs, or similar projects.

· Experience of working directly with people with a learning disability and/or autistic people (in either a paid or voluntary capacity).

· Experience of line managing or supervising staff and/or volunteers, including giving feedback and supporting development.

· Experience of organising and delivering events, activities or workshops.

· Experience of maintaining records and reporting on impact or outcomes.

Desirable

· Experience of working in partnership with other organisations or agencies.

· Experience supporting or delivering social enterprise or community business activity.

Values and Personal Qualities

 Essential

· A strong commitment to the rights, inclusion and empowerment of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

· A values-led approach aligned with Bexley Mencap’s ethos: Nurturing, Approachable, Inclusive, Passionate, and Respectful.

· Calm and approachable under pressure, able to adapt to unexpected challenges and find practical solutions.

· Willingness to “muck in” and take a hands-on approach to running the Hub—including setting up rooms, greeting visitors or supporting a group activity.

· Creative, enthusiastic and pro-active—always looking for ways to improve what we offer and how we work.

· Commitment to learning, personal development and continuous improvement.

· Willing to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel locally when required.

Desirable

· Lived experience of disability or of supporting someone with a disability.

· Holds a full driving licence and access to a vehicle (or equivalent ability to travel within the borough).

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to continue their career, within an organisation with real potential to progress into service management or specialist roles. Based within Single Homeless Project's (SHP) Islington Complex Needs Accommodation Service, you will work closely with the Regional Services Manager and a multi-disciplinary team to deliver intensive, person-centred support to clients at our Ashley Road project. This is a high-impact role, designed to support individuals with multiple and complex needs, including mental and physical health challenges, substance use, and a history of offending. You will support and empower our clients as they move from crisis towards stability, independence, and meaningful engagement in the community.

As a Project Worker, you will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of some of the most marginalised people in our society. You will play a vital role in helping clients sustain accommodation, access services, and develop the skills and confidence needed to take control of their lives. You will work in close partnership with external agencies and professionals to deliver coordinated support, while also playing a key part in preventing homelessness and promoting long-term inclusion. This is not only a chance to make a tangible difference, but also an incredible platform for professional development in a service that values innovation, resilience and progression.

The working rota for this post is Monday - Friday, with no weekend shifts. The rota will consist of a mixture of earlies (8am - 3.30pm) & lates (3pm - 10.30pm).

About you:

• Previous experience of working with people with complex support needs.
• Ability to manage a caseload and deliver positive outcomes utilising your knowledge of the health, social care and criminal justice sector.   
• A flexible, innovative and creative approach to working with a sometimes hard to engage and challenging client group, is also required.

About us:

Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 12,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.

We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need. 

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 4th May at midnight

Interview date: Monday 12th May at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

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 in difficult situations?

Can you demonstrate our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness and want to be part of our mission to create opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions, build resilience whilst being supported to manage their lives and wellbeing?

If the answer to all of these is yes, we want to hear from you.

Crisis Café Support Worker
Reference: 276
Responsible to: Crisis Cafe Coordinator
Working Base(s): Watford, Stevenage and Ware (expectation to travel whenever necessary with mileage paid when not working at home base)
Salary: From £24,024 Per Annum FTE (pro rata for part time hours)
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours) - Will consider part-time of 30hrs or 22.5hrs.
Work pattern: A full-time pattern will be working 5 out of 7-day rota, working 17:30 - 01:30, a part-time pattern will be working 3 or 4 out of 7-day rota.

About the Service

Our Nightlight Service is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways.

We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline, crisis centres, crisis cafes and a weekend Crisis House. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary. As a member of our team you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach as to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect.

The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Services are:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis to support better outcomes and reduce the demand on statutory crisis services and emergency services.

At the Crisis Cafes we promote and enable people to access support in a way that suits them, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply by providing a safe space to have time alone or engage with trained staff.

About the Role

Mental Healthcare Support Workers are key members of staff delivering the Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Service, taking part in a rota covering 7 days per week, ensuring the delivery of quality crisis support services and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the crisis cafe and helpline provision. Working closely with other staff (bank staff, volunteers), coordinators, team leaders and Crisis manager to ensure services are of the highest quality and support the continued growth and development of the service.

By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery.

Whilst experience is advantageous, the most important thing to us and the people we support is having the right values, skills and commitment to delivering high quality, person centred mental health crisis support.

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.

Closing date for applications is 30th April 2025
Interviews to be held week of 12th May 2025
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if sufficient applications are received so would encourage early applications.

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.

Equal Opportunities

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. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

Project Worker 2 - Volunteer Co-ordinator (Maternity cover)

Are you looking for a new challenge? 

Would you like to join our exciting and innovative Barnardo's Swansea Bloom Service working with young people who are care experienced as they make the transition to independence?

About the Bloom Service

Barnardo's Swansea Bloom Service works directly with care experienced young people to help improve their emotional wellbeing, resilience and self confidence. Our aim is to create a positive space for them to explore their identity, passions, and potential. The support on offer includes  the opportunity to take part in amazing activities, life coaching, befriending and peer mentoring.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join Barnardo's as a Volunteer, Befriending and Peer Mentoring Co-ordinator (Project Worker 2).

The contract is for 25 hours a week to cover the maternity leave of the substantive post holder until 31st March 2025.

Bloom is a growing service offering a unique opportunity for the right person to develop, co-ordinate and deliver our Volunteer, Befriending and Peer Mentoring work using established and innovative approaches. The Co-ordinator will be responsible for recruiting and managing a team of volunteers, befrienders and peer mentors who will help young people to improve their physical and mental well-being by supporting them to access a range of exciting activities, helping them to find new interests and hobbies and engage in healthy activities in the community

You will undertake the role of Volunteer, Befriending and Peer Mentoring Co-ordinator reporting to the Children's Service Manager and acting as line manager to the service's volunteers.

The successful candidate will be required to carry out the following duties (in addition to those on the generic job description):- 

• Continued development and delivery of the Volunteer, Befriending and Peer Mentoring element of the Bloom service.
• Recruit and train volunteers, befrienders and peer mentors
• Effectively match volunteers/befrienders/peer mentors to support young people
• Effectively utilise the Barnardo's specialist volunteer management system (Vol 1)
• Provide ongoing support and supervision of volunteers
• Keep accurate statistical information and assist in producing service performance reports for the organisation and funders.
• Support project engagement events and empower young people to share their voice and ensure that Bloom continues to be a young person led project
• Assist in quality assurance of every aspect of the service
• The service requires flexibility of work as we support young people around their needs.

You will have: 

• Experience of working within a volunteering setting preferably at the level of co-ordinating the service this can be in a employment, education, training or volunteering setting
• Experience of recruiting, inducting and retaining volunteers
• Experience of keeping statistical information and completing performance reports for funders
• The ability to line manage  volunteers
• An understanding of the needs of care experienced/vulnerable young people and an awareness of the factors impacting on their lives

Bloom is made up of three elements all of which work together:

Life Coaching - there is a dedicated life coach

Giving young people the power to unlock their own potential for positive change, by providing them with the tools to build resilience, improve wellbeing and understand themselves better. Coaching empowers young people to think about and move forward positively in their lives, by creating and working towards specific goals through 1:1 sessions with our life coach. 

Volunteer, befriending and peer mentoring - there is a dedicated volunteer coordinator

• Volunteers – to help with activities
• Befriending - members of the local community befriend and provide ongoing assistance to service users are moving to independence
• Peer mentors – care experienced adults who can offer invaluable guidance to care experienced young people by drawing on their own experiences

Activities there are 2 engagement workers 

Giving young people regular opportunities to get together to experience activities not easily accessed by care experienced young people. Led by the expressed wishes of young people they could be experiences such as sports, adventuring, outdoor events, gardening clubs, cooking clubs.

Additional Information:

You must have the ability to travel independently to meet the requirements of the post.

You must demonstrate in your application that you currently use the skills outlined above, and in the Job Description/Person Specifications, or have used them previously in employment, education, training, volunteering etc.

This contract is for 25 hours a week to cover the maternity leave of the substantive post holder until 31st March 2026 .

Your main office base will be at Barnardo's Swansea, Heol Cadifor, Penlan, Swansea but you will be expected to work out and about in Swansea and Neath.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Need more information?

If you require any further information about this opportunity, please contact Christine Parry (email address can be found via the job vacancy link on our website).

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Hours: Full-time

Remuneration: Up to £73,000 (dependent on experience)

Duration: Permanent

Location: Manchester, UK (hybrid working available) with international deployment.

This position is based in the UK; applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and provide relevant documentation upon request.

Do you have the strategic vision and leadership skills to drive fundraising growth and power humanitarian impact?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity, born of the NHS and committed for over 30 years to ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare they need when crises or disasters strike.

We are seeking a Director of Fundraising to lead the strategic and operational development of our fundraising function, accelerating voluntary income growth to support the organisation’s development and expansion.

As a key member of our leadership team, you will drive a dynamic, effective fundraising programme, securing major gifts and partnerships, delivering impactful campaigns, and building strong supporter engagement. You will play a central role in ensuring our fundraising activity meets the highest standards of quality, compliance, and donor care, while contributing to the success of our overall organisational strategy.

If you are an experienced fundraising leader with a passion for humanitarian work and a proven track record of delivering significant income growth, we would love to hear from you.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits along with a friendly working environment and the opportunity to make a real difference through an important role in our humanitarian programming.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack - Director of Fundraising - April 2025 before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Your cover letter must include a detailed explanation of your suitability for this post with specific reference to the criteria in the person specification

Applications must be submitted no later than Thursday 15th May 2025

Applications for work in the UK can only be accepted from people with an existing right to work in the UK.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.

This is a new role in our Participation Team to help us deliver work that amplifies the voices of people with lived experience to find solutions to homelessness and health inequalities. The post holder will lead a few projects and partnerships, with responsibility for planning and delivering activities and monitoring their progress.

Some examples of current projects are:

• Coordinating and supporting a group of six people with lived experience to co-design an immersive audio story and campaign to improve the health of people living in temporary accommodation in London. 

• Working with the City of London Corporation to embed meaningful co-production practices in their homelessness services; bringing people with experience of homelessness, frontline staff, and commissioners together to improve service design and delivery. 

Your main task will be to coordinate groups of people with lived experience of homelessness and health inequalities, alongside Groundswell peers and colleagues, services, local authorities, funders and policymakers.

We are looking for someone with great interpersonal skills who can comfortably engage with different stakeholders. You will be well-organised, self-motivated, and confident facilitating groups to co-create positive change.

We encourage a culture of learning and knowledge sharing. We are looking for someone who thrives on a flexible and varied workload and embodies participatory approaches. Above all, you will be enthusiastic to represent an organisation that puts people with lived experience at the heart of everything they do.

The post holder will play a key role in delivering Groundswell’s new strategy and our Stronger Voices goal (see our Strategy on our website for more details). 

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Bolton.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential. For work with our children and young people in borough, there will be other settings to visit.

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or Children and young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day.

Benefits 

· 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

· 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

· Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

· Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

· Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

· 24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

· Access to remote counselling service 

· Paid Disability Leave 

· Paid compassionate Leave 

· Home Working Allowance  

  Support with continuous professional development 

· Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

· Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact us.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account on our website.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; midnight on Friday 9 May 2025.

Interview date: Week Commencing 12 May 2025

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?

Please visit our webiste

We look forward to hearing from you.

NB:  If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.