Peer Supporter

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. We support clients with mental health with both clinical and non-clinical interventions.

To enhance the Safe Space service provision as experts by experience, supporting service users and their peers on their recovery journey.

Main Responsibilities

To work closely with the HFEH Mind Safe Space team in supporting, encouraging and motivating the people that attend our services in their mental health recovery journey. Utilising their knowledge gained through lived experience and promoting recovery through visual recovery

Tasks

·       Signpost Safe Space attendees to appropriate support services

·       Supporting with Self Referrals to community support services

·       Promote recovery by means of visible recovery

·       Promote mental health and applicable community services

·       Utilise listening and communication skills to support individuals attending the Safe Space Service

·       Conduct follow-up calls and face-to-face appointments supporting the recovery journey

·       Assist with the completion of recovery plans

·       Motivate and encourage community engagement

·       Support with the development and updating of borough resources and asset mapping

·       Co-facilitate with psycho-educational or informational groups

·       Support service users with paperwork

General Responsibilities

•       Attend and conduct required training in line with company guidelines

•       Attend monthly supervisions as agreed with supervisor

•       Contribute ideas and feedback to improve service provision

•       Abide by company policies and procedures

•       Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role.

•       Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination.

•       Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm.

•       Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users.

•       Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy.

Type of person we are looking for:

Essential

·       Knowledge and understanding of issues facing someone with a Mental Health illness/disability

·       Knowledge and understanding of utilising mental health services

·       Excellent communication skills

·       Excellent listening skills

·       Willingness to embrace empathy and compassion

·       Ability to work with Safe Space service Users demonstrating a non-judgmental attitude and withholding bias

·       Clear understanding of professional boundaries

·       IT literate

·       Able to support service users with form filing and making phone calls

·       An understanding of the importance of professional integrity in relationships with service users, peers and other relevant professionals.

Desirable

·       Knowledge and understanding of issues facing someone with a other support needs/services e.g. substance misuse, domestic abuse, debt, homelessness

·       Knowledge of the borough and support available

·       MS office proficient

·       Experience/ knowledge of the Health and Social Care Sector

Time commitment and expenses:

·        Minimum of 8 hours per week during (our core hours of 2PM – 10PM. )

·        We request a minimum commitment of 6 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction.