Peer Support Volunteer Roles in Home Based
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We are a volunteer-run organisation whose aim is to ensure that everybody impacted by borderline personality disorder is supported in their recovery.
Peer support is about sharing your lived experience of mental health struggles with other people with the hope of providing, support, encouragement, and validation that you understand what they are going through, that they are not alone in their feelings and circumstance. We believe that peer support is an important part of the recovery journey, as it provides a space for support, shared understanding, helps reduce stigma and fosters motivation and hope.
We run several online peer support groups each month for people living with borderline personality disorder and are seeking compassionate and empathetic people to co-facilitate the groups. All groups are facilitated by two peer support workers, and follow a semi-structured pattern. Our groups include:
- Women-only
- Men-only
- 18 to 25s
- LGBTQIA+
- Mixed
- Family
As a volunteer, you will receive comprehensive training, accessible online. We also provide ongoing supervision, support to ensure that you can effectively support others while prioritizing your own recovery. The training covers various areas such as peer support, communication, safeguarding, and facilitation skills.
Role description
- to co-facilitate a support group of 10-15 people on a fortnightly/monthly basis
- to provide support in a group peer support setting
- to share own experiences without taking away from the others persons current feelings and situation
- to use active listening and personal experiences to reassure and validate group members
- to enable and encourage service users to find out resources and local services
- to encourage wellbeing and recovery
Person specification
- Lived experience of mental health
- Able to use own experiences openly while maintaining strong boundaries
- Access to a reliable internet connection, a computer with webcam, and a confidential space.
- Commitment to our aims and mission
Availability and Committment
We ask that you have availability 2-3 hours per month for a minimum of 6 months. Our groups are held on mid-week evenings and Sunday evenings.
How to apply
Please submit a cover letter with your application, detailing your relevant experience. Please also indicate which specific group you are interested in co-facilitating if you have a preference.
Diversity Statement
We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views. The more inclusive we are, the more people we can support. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Please note that you must be a UK resident with the right to live and work in the UK. This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?
Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
What is knus?
knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.
What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 3+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Do you like to learn?
We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is CPD accredited. 20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.
If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.
Please note - all successful volunteers are required to pay 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
We are looking for Peer Support Volunteers to support our East Kent Peer Support service. You will be based at Ashford and, ideally, you will be able to commit 3 hours per week to volunteering.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.
About the service and role
The East Kent Peer Support Service currently run group sessions for service users in Ashford, Dover and Folkestone.
The role of the Peer Support Volunteer is to provide additional support at our Peer Support group sessions. This could be, for example, by empathising with potential clients about the difficulties that having a mental health problem can create, helping to set up the room, explaining the services that are on offer and how these can be accessed, putting people who are anxious at ease by welcoming them.
Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers.
What you will be doing as a Peer Support Volunteer
Peer Volunteering is an opportunity for people who have themselves used mental health services, to volunteer and support other people currently using mental health services.
As a Peer Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health and support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved. You will bring added skills and experience to our service and add real value to our team.
You will support the following people and teams:
- Potential clients
- Rethink Peer Support Workers
- Volunteers
- Members of the public
- Visitors and other organisations
The role will include the following:
- Support the Peer Support Workers to run the group sessions e.g. by helping to set up the room and by welcoming people
- Help to create a safe space where people can share as much or as little as they wish to about their experiences
- Foster the principles of co-production
- Work with other volunteers who support the service
- Signpost people to services in the local area that meets their needs
- Describe and explain services that are on offer from Rethink Mental Illness and other local community assets that can provide help and advice relevant to people's needs
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- As a Peer Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health
- Able to support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved.
- You will bring added skills and experience to our service and add real value to our team.
- Ability to empathise with others
- Good communication skills
- Reliable and punctual
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a GamCare Online Peer Supporter
Make a difference by using your own experiences
For over 25 years, GamCare has been there for people experiencing gambling harms, whether that be people who gamble themselves or someone impacted by someone else’s gambling. We offer support over the phone, face-to-face or online and our treatment is free, flexible and confidential.
We are currently recruiting for Online Peer Supporters, to provide one-to-one and group support to both individuals who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. Using their own experiences of gambling-related harms, volunteers will support others digitally as part of our Online Support Services and will include email support as well as facilitating our Forum and Chatrooms.
Full training and ongoing support will be provided to enable you to use your lived experience to work with our team as an Online Peer Supporter, providing support to all of those affected by gambling.
We believe that peer support is essential in the recovery journey. It provides:
- Shared understanding
- Reduces stigma
- A non-judgemental environment
- Practical insights and tools
- Continued motivation and hope
Our online platforms are designed to provide social connection to those who could be isolated or feel they have no one else to talk to. People accessing our services have identified that receiving support from someone who has had similar experiences can really benefit them when overcoming the challenges they may face on their recovery journey. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and contributes to the long-term support of those accessing these services.
Training
A comprehensive training programme will be delivered by our Lived Experience Volunteering team to provide you with the skills and confidence to use your experiences to support others while protecting your own recovery. Training includes:
- Safeguarding
- Motivational interviewing
- Facilitation skills
Role Responsibilities
Online Peer Supporters will:
- Navigate and guide contacts through existing services at GamCare and the National Gambling Support Network.
- Use motivational interviewing skills while drawing from their own lived experience to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for those affected by gambling harms.
- Facilitate discussions via our online support services, including:
Email – you will be paired with an individual for regular email correspondence (up to 3 emails per week for 6 months)
Chatrooms – you will facilitate group discussions and supporting conversation between people at various stages of recovery
Forum – you will initiate discussions, respond to posts, and provide encouragement, signposting and support to forum users
- Help individuals set aims and goals to move to a more positive, sustained recovery whilst also providing resources to support people with these plans.
- Recognise the purpose and remit of our service and signposting to other internal and external support where appropriate.
What can I expect from GamCare?
In return, GamCare will:
- Provide a full, comprehensive induction and training programme
- Give you access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator
- Offer and arrange 1:1 and group supervision
- Fully support your own wellbeing and recovery journey
- Give ongoing training and development opportunities
- Provide access to some internal job opportunities within our services team
- Provide a reference after 3 months of regular volunteering
Role Requirements
For any of our volunteering roles we ask that you have lived experience of gambling-related harms. This includes being affected by someone else’s gambling (friend or family member).
We ask that you’ve been in positive, sustained recovery for at least one year before volunteering with us.
This role is completely remote, so you’ll need access to a reliable internet connection, a computer and a confidential space.
For full role requirements, please see the Role Profile on our website.
Please note that this role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please do not let that deter you from applying as all applications will be considered.
Availability & Commitment
We ask that you have availability at a regular time for around 1-2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.
Before volunteering with us, you will need to complete a mixture of self-directed online training and live online group training sessions delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators over a period of approximately 4 weeks.
Full details of the induction, including the next available dates will be sent to you by a member of the team within one week of receiving your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role Summary:
To provide peer support at resilience group sessions for expectant and new mums (pregnancy up to 1 year) at Children & Family Centres across the London Borough of Bexley, or online via Zoom.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Successfully complete a training course for Mindful Mums Peer Support Volunteer. You will be fully supported during this time and on successful completion will understand different mindfulness, wellbeing, resilience and coping techniques and be confident in leading the peer support within these groups.
2. Prepare for and lead the peer support for a minimum of three Mindful Mums groups (over 5 consecutive weeks). Group dates and times will be discussed with you in advance.
3. Liaise with the Project Coordinator regarding sessions that need volunteers.
4. Contribute to the development of the content of the Mindful Mums sessions based on your experience as a parent.
5. Report any concerns arising from the sessions to the Project Coordinator and, where appropriate, the contact at the venue.
6. Participate in catch-up meetings with the Project Coordinator, group volunteer meetings and training on Safeguarding Children and Adults.
7. Take part in some Mindfulness practise.
8. At all times work in accordance with the organisation’s policies regarding Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding Children, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Confidentiality & Data Protection.
Person Specification
To undertake the role of Mindful Mums Peer Support Volunteer, you must be able to show that you have the following:
o Experience of having felt stressed, low, anxious or have struggled with your mental or emotional wellbeing in other ways during the perinatal period (pregnancy to 1 year).
o Ability to communicate well with other mums.
o Skills to effectively facilitate sessions.
o Good interpersonal skills.
o Ability to work well in a team.
o Understanding of the pressures and stresses facing pregnant and new mums.
o Willingness to engage in some Mindfulness practise.
o Willingness to talk from your own experience in an appropriate way.
o Ability to maintain appropriate and professional boundaries.
o A commitment to attend training, support groups and to deliver 5-week programmes in Children & Family Centres across Bexley, or online via Zoom.
Benefits of getting involved
·Being part of a team of local mums, who have all experienced perinatal mental health issues and who want to help pregnant and new mums build skills to manage their mental health in a positive way.
· Delivering an exciting and innovative project that really makes a difference to pregnant women and new mums.
Other Information
Successful applicants will be required to provide details of two references and agree to submit details for and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check.
The majority of courses will be run during school term times.
Free crèche facilities are sometimes available at the Children & Family Centres.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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To be the first point of contact for the Mind in Somerset in North Somerset in the Citizens Advice offices
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To provide emotional listening support sessions on a short-term basis
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To effectively signpost clients to longer-term support either through Mind in Somerset services or partner providers in the area
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To be able to work within your level of capability and training, identifying opportunities to link in with other support available.
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To maintain records on our computer system of all appointments attended
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Answer the telephone and support general administration including responding to e-mail queries.
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To respond to email inquiries that may come through our main website offering virtual navigation to appropriate support.
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Providing service users with a signposting and information
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Basic administrative support as required e.g. photocopying, scanning, and making phone calls.
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Effectively take and distribute messages to relevant project leads
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To attend the organisation update meeting
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Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues
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To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation.
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There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time.
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To support the Community Day facilitator on a Friday afternoon in a creative session designed to reduce isolation and create opportunities for connectivity and conversation amongst Peers.
To provide services and support to anyone affected by or vulnerable to mental illness, improving their quality of life and wellbeing.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Role Volunteer Driver
Receives Support from Volunteer Coordinator (Groups) / Volunteer Manager / Other Cam Sight staff
Location of volunteering Community venues across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
Taster Session Individual/ by arrangement
About Cam Sight
Cam Sight is a Cambridgeshire charity that supports local people of all ages living with low vision and blindness to live the lives they choose. We work to enhance independence, improve well-being, and improve inclusion. We work within our framework of 5 values, which are that we are person-centred, empowering, friendly, collaborative, and accountable.
About Volunteer Driving at Cam Sight
Our clients affected by sight loss are often reliant on friends and family, or community transport to help them get out and about. With Cambridgeshire being a rural county, and funding or service provision limited in both areas, some of our clients struggle still to get to their appointments, and to our peer support groups. We have received funding to support the development of our community transport scheme offering our clients greater access to services and social events. Our team of volunteer drivers, using their own or our eco-friendly vehicles, help get clients to where they need to be, thus reducing isolation and improving their social connections and wellbeing.
Purpose of role
Using your own vehicle, you would collect our client from their home and take them to their peer support group or other appointment. If driving a client to one of our monthly Peer Support Groups you could be taking several clients who live close together. You would be responsible for guiding them to and from the vehicle, settling them in comfortably (we will give you training on how to be a sighted guide) and completing vehicle checks before you start your collections that day. You are welcome to stay at the group (approx. 2 hours) while it takes place – some volunteers like to take on both roles and help at the group, but that is not expected.
Tasks:
If volunteering in this role, we’d ask you to;
- Liaise with Volunteer Coordinator (Groups) and/ or your regular clients before the meeting to confirm who you will be transporting.
- Be a sighted guide to ensure the clients you collect can safely and comfortably move to and from the vehicle. (Training will be provided at General Induction).
- Be good at timekeeping. You’ll ensure the clients you are transporting arrive on time and be there to take them home at the end of the meeting.
- Talk to/listen to your clients, making them feel comfortable in your company.
- Ensure that safety and basic maintenance checks of the vehicle are undertaken before the vehicle is taken out on the road.
- Be happy to report to us your volunteer hours and mileage driven so we can share this with our funders and track success of the project.
We are looking for:
- Someone happy to follow procedures around checking of the vehicle at the start of the volunteer duty (these are normally visual checks).
- You will have a current and legal driving license.
- You will have an approachable manner and ensure whomever you interact with at any time feels comfortable around you.
- Always maintain strict confidentiality.
- Ability to work with volunteers and others as a part of a team.
To consider:
- Clients may bring their Guide Dogs with them - something to consider if you have allergies or a fear of dogs, please talk to us about this, as we will look to match you with someone that doesn’t need a guide dog.
- Most groups are two hours in duration. You are welcome to stay for the group or come back to collect the clients that you are transporting.
- Groups are held monthly in the same venue and at the same time.
Recruitment and Induction Process:
Fill in an application form and we’ll call you for a chat on the phone. If the situation looks beneficial to us both, as is most often the case, we’ll look to invite you to the next meeting so you can see the building, meet the Volunteer Coordinator and the other volunteers. If mutually happy then we’ll continue to Cam Sight’s general induction process.
After this there will then be a role-specific induction for you, where we will go over the specific items that relate to your role (including Health and Safety).
Checks
Our volunteer roles are subject to a DBS check (the level of check depends on your volunteer role and is risk assessed). We also ask for two references before you get started with volunteering. For our volunteer drivers we will also look to conduct a check of your driver’s licence.
At general induction you can expect:
- More information about Cam Sight, who we are, what we do and the services we provide.
- Information about policies relating to volunteering such as volunteer expenses (you will also receive your volunteer handbook/ e-access).
- General GDPR and Safeguarding training.
- Information about Cam Sight’s on-going support and training for volunteers.
What you will gain:
- (We hope) a sense of satisfaction from helping others.
- Greater understanding of sight loss and how that effects people.
- Knowledge of a range of eye conditions.
- CV skills and after 6 months a reference should you choose to move on
- Friendship and entry into a community of supportive and friendly people, motivated by helping others.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting for a Peer Mentor Volunteer to join our team in Athena Lewisham; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: Peer Mentor Volunteer
Location: Athena Lewisham
Contract type: Voluntary, minimum of 6 months
Hours: 6-12 hours per week. Working pattern of 10am to 4pm once or twice a week from Monday to Friday. (Hours can be negotiated)
We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.
This is an opportunity to volunteer with Refuge as a Peer Mentor, supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic abuse. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis to provide emotional and practical support whilst helping them to reduce levels of isolation.
Closing date: 9am on 15 March 2024
Interview date: 28 March 2024
Benefits
Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
We are looking for a x 10 Volunteer Peer Mentor
Salary: Unpaid
Location: Hammersmith/Finsbury Park/Stratford
Hours: 2-3 Hours per week (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Contract: Voluntary
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.
We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.
Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role:
The Maia Service works with young women and girls living in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Camden, Islington and Westminster. We enable young women and girls to escape harm and to thrive in their lives and aspirations. We support young women and girls to build confidence, self-esteem and resilience, manage their health and wellbeing, and access and engage with other support services. The support we provide is delivered through a range of activities, including 1-2-1 advocacy and a programme of group-work and workshops delivered by specially trained members of staff.
About You:
Advance recognises that women and girls’ journeys to recovery after experiencing trauma are not always linear. Volunteer Mentors must be in a place in their own lives where they are not currently facing risk of harm or have ongoing support needs in relation to experience of violence and abuse, current or alcohol use and/or contact with the criminal justice system, see our Person Specification (within the job description) to understand if you are the best person for this role.
How to apply:
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
· Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 12 May 2024 @23:59
· Interviews are taking place on 22,23, 29 and 30 May 2024
*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:
· An initial in-person & online induction training covering key topics, including the dynamics of domestic abuse, safeguarding, trauma-informed approaches to working with women and girls, active listening, boundary setting and maintaining relationships
· Ongoing training updates and ‘refresher’ sessions throughout the time in role
· Invitations to Advance Away Days, events and team meetings where appropriate
· Team awards and acknowledgement days
· Access to individual and group supervision
· Opportunities to shape the development and expansion of Advance’s programme of support for young women and girls, including through feedback, evaluation and participation in research and focus groups
· Opportunities for progression at Advance and within the Volunteer Mentor programme
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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Safe Space is a local hub for anyone who feels they are nearing crisis point. We are here to listen to what you need and work with you to help. This might be strategies to help you cope in the moment, a range of activities we provide free of charge, resources to take away or connecting you with practical local services. We offer face to face, telephone and video-conference support. As a part of this, we are looking for volunteers to offer peer led support to individuals who may access our service. This includes a variety of tasks, such as devising and facilitating peer led workshops with clients, supporting with 1:1 sessions, and completing administrative tasks.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has lived experience of mental health/social crisis
- Preferably have had experience working with people who experience poor mental health
- Are comfortable with co-producing and facilitating peer led workshops
- Might be willing to take over running the workshops by themselves over time
- Are willing to actively participate with clients 1:1 and in group settings
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Safe Space Team
Time commitment and expenses:
- 5 hours per week, during our opening hours of 12–5pm. Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Description:
Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; every Weds, Sat & Sun. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.
As a peer volunteer, your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.
Please be aware that if you are invited to interview you will be asked to complete a self-declaration form covering your criminal record or any information that would make you unsuitable to work with the vulnerable parties associated with this role, i.e. vulnerable adults and/or children and young people.
It is not necessary to disclose anything at this time. Please do not include any such information when applying at this stage.
The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account.
Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
We are looking for someone who
- Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
- Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
- To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
- To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
- Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
- Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
- Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
- To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub
Time commitment and expenses:
- Flexible hours (shifts to be confirmed). Evening and Weekend availability is required. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 day a week: Wed, Sat or Sun.
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
As a Peer Volunteer you will be working alongside Senior staff and Crisis workers within Crisis Safe Space. Crisis Safe Space was co-designed by local people with experience of mental health difficulties, who wanted to create more support in the community rather than at hospital or other clinical services. The service has been designed for people experiencing emotional distress who need immediate and short-term crisis prevention rather than intensive support from either an emergency or inpatient service. We do not seek to define what a crisis is for those using our service, we simply aim to offer the support required on a person-by-person basis. As an alliance member of Open Mental Health, we work in close partnership with Second Step, Somerset Foundation Trust and other OMH partners.
Bringing your lived experience, you will have the desire to support and encourage others on their individual recovery journeys. You will be able to clearly draw upon and share, your own experiences of mental health challenges and services in order to inspire, model, and inform others in similar situations and support them in finding their own path to recovery.
You will be providing a specially designed role within the Crisis Safe Space Team in either Yeovil or Taunton. As part of the wider team, you will start to build a trusting relationship with individuals while they are accessing the Crisis Safe Space and your role will be to meet and greet, assist with any enrolment/paperwork, and offer support with signposting and feedback. You will work alongside the Crisis Safe Space Team, meaning you will have access to constant support and guidance.
What tasks will be involved?
· Establishing a trusting and collaborative relationship with the service-user, working alongside a crisis worker within appointments to provide sensitive, collaborative, and non-judgemental support, offering you’re your own perspective and lived experience where appropriate.
· Offering follow up and aftercare appointments to individuals who have completed their work with the Crisis Safe Space team.
· Completing feedback paperwork collaboratively with the service user at regular intervals following their appointment, compiling feedback to help develop an understanding of how the service is being received.
· Supporting family members who visit with their loved one, ensuring they feel supported and listened to whilst they wait, and ensuring that their experience is also validated.
· To identify additional community-based support networks and implementing group-based peer support events for users of the service.
· To link people to training, volunteering/employment activities.
· To maintain hope and optimism for the individual with high expectations for recovery, use lived experience to positively support the individual’s recovery.
· Providing practical information and signposting.
· Supporting the smooth and safe transfer into other services.
· Showing understanding, acceptance and empathy based on shared experience.
· Supporting individuals to develop ideas for coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
· Help individuals identify their own hopes, dreams, and aspirations and to explore opportunities and ways to realise them.
Who should apply for this role?
We are looking for Peer Volunteers who have:
· Lived experience of mental health.
· Personal experience of recovery from mental health challenges.
· The desire and ability to share personal experiences of mental health and recovery to support, empower and bring hope to others.
· The capacity to manage their own mental health needs.
· An awareness of self-management resources and coping strategies.
· An ability to empathise with others and form trusting relationships.
· A non-judgemental approach and an ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
· Good listening and communication skills, reliability and good time keeping.
· An ability to take responsibility for your own self-care and willingness to utilise the support and supervision provided by Deputy Project Lead.
Where and when will I volunteer?
The Crisis safe Space is an out of hours service open daily between the hours of 17:30 and 23:00. We welcome applications to those who can commit to a minimum of 1 shift per week.
What support will I get?
Prior to starting your volunteer position, you will complete a comprehensive training programme with our partner agency, Watch CIC, who are specialists in developing Peer Volunteer relations.
Once in role, you will be supported by both the Deputy to the Project Lead the Project Lead who will provide support as and when needed, alongside your colleagues on shift.
Is a DBS Check required for this role?
YES, a DBS Check (Disclosure & Barring Service) is required for this role. You will be supported by the Project Lead. Any disclosures will be discussed on a case-by-case basis and will not automatically stop you from being involved.
To provide services and support to anyone affected by or vulnerable to mental illness, improving their quality of life and wellbeing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Forward Trust
Probation D&R Peer Mentor Volunteer - South London (Onsite & Remote - Hybrid)
Role Overview
We are looking for Probation Dependency & Recovery Peer Mentor volunteers to join and be part of our new exciting team of Lived Experienced Peer Mentors. You will have specific lived experience (recovery / offending / prisoners on probation / homelessness), relevant to the mentoring service we are providing, who will act as a role model to prisoners on probation and support them to achieve positive outcomes.
As a volunteer peer mentor volunteer, you will be building motivation/confidence and empowerment to your assigned mentee, by sharing your lived experiences, empowering mentees to overcome their challenges of recovery, whilst giving advice on relapse prevention strategies, providing advocacy/advice on treatment interventions, signposting to community support/activities offering a ‘listening ear’ to your mentee from someone who understands. As a peer mentor your mentee will have the confidence in knowing they are being supported by someone who has gone through similar experiences and has faced similar challenges to the ones they face today. You will be supported by your Lived Experienced Co-ordinator who will guide and support you through the onboarding and training process and throughout your mentoring journey.
Your Co-ordinator will provide regular 1.1 / team meetings / activities that will enhance your mentoring skills, as well as development for future education/employment. Most importantly, you will feel that you are part of a dynamic team that will help to change lives and making a difference. You will be providing essential additional support, information and guidance to Forward Trust prisoners on probation, you have been allocated to. You will help your mentee/s to formulate their goals, support them, review their achievements and overcome their barriers, in a holistic/person centred manner.
You will work closely with Recovery Navigators & Co-ordinators, supporting mentee/s who will meet their Recovery Navigators on a regular basis. Recovery Navigators will develop an action plan designed for their specific needs, and will sign post them to additional services where necessary. You will offer additional support in conjunction with their Recovery Navigator in delivering their action plan, meeting once/twice a week, 1.1/group sessions/activities, that will help them in achieving their goals for recovery. You will also be involved in the meet & greet at the gate service where you will help/advise and promote the next stages of their probation and our Dependency and Recovery service.
To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills, a good understanding of the issues faced by the client group and a true commitment and passion to support vulnerable people to enable them to fulfil their full potential.
You will have successfully completed/graduated from your recovery program – discharged from treatment and will be stable, 6 months in recovery / since prison release.
Time Commitment
- A minimum commitment of 2 hours a week for 6 months is required for this role.
- Depending on your specific mentoring opportunity there may be additional time commitment requirements and/or flexibility, please refer to the specific opportunity for details on time commitment.
Checks required for this role
- Reference (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)
- Enhanced DBS Check
How to Apply
Please register an account with us first, login and then apply. You will not be able to apply unless you have registered and have logged in.
Please register on our volunteering site, log in and then apply. You will not be able to apply until you have registered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Service: Perinatal Support for Partners Service
This is a service that offers fathers and non-birthing parents, who’s partner is being supported by the West London perinatal mental health service, an evidence-based 1:1 assessment to support their mental health and wellbeing. The service signpost partners to relevant services (including a PSFP peer support group).
Role Description:
To support our PSFP Service with a variety of tasks such as conducting a 1:1 assessment, (which includes onboarding to the service), co-facilitating monthly peer support groups, signposting and helping partners to access other organisations, taking care of our inbox emails and other administrative duties.
You can download a PDF of the full role description below.
Main responsibilities:
To work closely with our PSFP caseworker supporting referral enquires & service-users in accessing this service. Co-facilitating a monthly peer support group.
Tasks:
- To answer emails and enquiries for the service within our service level agreements
- Triage clients for the service through an onboarding process.
- Co-facilitate a monthly peer support group
- Provide support to our PSFP caseworkers, as and when needed
The type of person we are looking for is:
We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs. However, your attitude, motivation, and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications, or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying if you do not meet all the criteria listed below. We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Essential:
- An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access PSFP
- An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain, and exacerbate mental health problems
- Good oral and written communication skills (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered, and empathetic manner
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures
- A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment
- IT skills – able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software, and Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable:
- Customer Service experience, including with friends and family
- Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid, or personal capacity, (i.e., friends and family)
- Previous involvement with local community groups/networks
- Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support
Time commitment and expenses:
- 6 hours per week, during our core hours of 10am - 4pm.
- Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s)/time(s) on your application
- We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
Why Volunteer at Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow (HFEH) Mind?
Volunteering at HFEH Mind is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the work of a leading national mental health charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will be treated as a core member of the team from day one and be surrounded by supportive and knowledgeable colleagues fighting for mental health.
What’s in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering opportunities have been a route into paid employment within our organisation for many of our previous volunteers. However, the skills and experiences you will gain are likely to support applications for paid employment within the sector more broadly, as well as further training and education opportunities (e.g., Business courses, social work, mental health qualifications).
We are keen to foster the individual strengths and interests of volunteers. With the support of the PSFP Team, we will work with you to ensure that your volunteering experience is meaningful and valuable, whilst balancing the requirements of delivering the service.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
*This particular service has an emphasis on empowering female clients and working to improve the experiences of the women that the team work with, which means that we are only looking for volunteers who are female or female identifying.
In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks: Accompanying clients to attend appointments at the job centre, GP and other services Accompanying clients on outings to the library, and other local community activities. Supporting clients to access services over the phone and online Supporting clients in a range of practical ways under the guidance of the Housing First worker. Adhering to St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times. Promoting St Mungo’s work in an appropriate manner. Actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion among staff, fellow volunteers and clients.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.