Voluntary Mental Health Volunteer Roles

Our Leicester services would love to have some Volunteers join our team. We are looking for Activities Assistant volunteers to provide fun and interesting sessions for our service users. The sessions can be arts and crafts, music lessons, or board games. Our service users will be involved in deciding the types of activity sessions we hold, and you will be helping us to provide opportunities for people to relax, try new activities, to meet new people and much more. We are looking for people with enthusiasm, willing to try new things, the ability to be patient and show empathy, and to provide non-judgemental support.

We support our volunteers with an Induction, training for the role, a named volunteer supervisor, a monthly newsletter and a monthly online peer support group.

· Setting up for the activity, moving tables and chairs if necessary.

· Assisting with the activity

· Coming up with ideas for new sessions.

· Clearing away at the end of the session.

· Helping to promote the sessions to service users.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group.

Together we can make a difference.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

The Creative Support Disco in Stockton is a popular weekly social night for adults with support needs. 

We are looking for Volunteers to help us at the weekly Stockton disco held at The Oxbridge. We would like support with selling tickets on the door, running the tuck shop, handing out the refreshments, and helping to set up the room.

The disco has a core group of service users who help out on the night, your role will be to support the service users in completing activities, and helping Creative Support staff to make sure the event runs smoothly.

To support you in your role you will be offered training and regular supervisions with an assigned volunteer supervisor.

Volunteer Duties:

· Help with duties on the night including setting up tables and chairs.

· Selling tickets on the door

· Helping run the tuck shop and handing out refreshments

· To follow Health and Safety guidelines and alert staff to any concerns.

Suggested Time Commitment: Tuesday 6:30pm till 9pm

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

We can only accept applications from candidates who are located in and eligible to work within the UK.

Our service users love to go out walking and we’d like to set up a weekly walking group. We are looking for a volunteer to act as leader for the group and map out interesting local routes to enjoy some fresh air around the parks of Hinckley and the surrounding area.

As part of your role you will plan the route of the walk, ensuring comfort breaks are included. Make sure that the walk is accessible for all by adapting the pace when necessary so that all participants enjoy the walk and are able to join in. Include health and safety and risk assessments in your planning. You will also help to promote the walking group to service users by encouraging people to attend, and motivating people to attend.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

Bosworth House is a supported living service for adults with mental health needs, we currently have eight tenants with thirteen flats. Bosworth House is centrally located in Hinckley and has good transport links.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

SUMMARY

Minds Vanessa Project is looking for a volunteer with a passion for gardening to join in with their project.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Gardening Volunteer position available for Mind’s Vanessa Project on a Tuesday 11am-1pm (2 hours).

Applicant would assist with service users in gardening projects and have casual conversations. If the weather is bad, then indoor activities will be available including planning of gardening activities, colouring and nature related quizzes.

Personal Skills and Qualities that will be beneficial:

· Passion for gardening

· Communication Skills

· Humour

· Willingness to help

· Positive attitude

· Compassion

· Lived experience

· Works well as part of a team

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Providing support to service users who have different capabilities to complete gardening activities.

• Talking to service users regarding a diverse range of subjects.

Qualities and Skills gained or improved upon through volunteering for the Vanessa Project at Mind:

• Teamwork

• Gardening Skills

• Time Management

• Problem Solving

• Organisation

• Interpersonal Skills

Mind offers a range of training opportunities available to all volunteers.

Are you a warm, empathetic person with good communication skills? Could you offer four hours a week to support families in urgent need?

We Stand - Formally Mosac  provide a free National Helpline service to non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children. We are currently seeking Helpline Volunteers to provide support, information and a listening ear to parents and carers whose children have been sexually abused.

We know a caring, sensitive and non judgemental response can make a real difference to someone seeking support. We are looking for volunteers with good verbal, listening and communication skills, no previous experience on a helpline is required. Trained, experienced staff will always be on hand to provide support and guidance.

Helpline Volunteers will:

• Receive full training prior to the formal induction (8 week training programme) Dates to be confirmed 
• Commit to volunteer 4 hours per week for a minimum of 1 year
• Receive ongoing support and supervision from a friendly team
• Make a difference to the lives of families impacted by child sexual abuse

Opportunities for you: 

• To contribute to We Stand’s aims of supporting families affected by child sexual abuse

• You will receive training, continual development and support in the role

• Work from our office or remotely from your own home

• Gain valuable experience and development of interpersonal skills

• Out of pocket expenses for travel and subsistence will be met by We Stand

Your Responsibilities: 

• Answer calls that come through the National Helpline 

• Provide support, information and signposting to relevant support organisations 

• Complete all call log and monitoring information after each call 

• Attend mandatory supervision meetings fortnightly or monthly to support you in the role. 

• For volunteers working remotely - attend 30 minute supervision after your shift.

Companion volunteers support anyone with a terminal or life limiting illness aged 18 or over and their family. Companion volunteers provide companionship, emotional and practical support and short carer respite.

Role title: Peer Navigator Volunteer X 40 posts

Responsible to: Lived Experience and Community Development Manager

Hours: Available 4 - 15 hours per week (flexible)

Team: The Peer Pathway – The City and Hackney Wellbeing Network

Location: Remote working / 8-10 Tudor Road / 15a Homerton Row options available

We are looking for a volunteer with lived experience of Mental health to use their valuable insights to support other. This role aligns with the visions of Mind CHWF, The Wellbeing Network and Peer Pathway.

You will contact residents who have made a referral to the Wellbeing Network but are not eligible for our core service. This means that more people seeking support will be contacted, leaving less people facing their challenges alone. There will be a focus on supporting people most underserved by mainstream mental health services, including BAPOC & LGBTQ+ people. 

About Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest:

We are a multi-disciplinary provider of specialist mental health services and a part of the Mind Federation.

We promote both recovery from ill health for people with recurrent and enduring mental health difficulties and early intervention for those at risk of developing mental health issues, or who struggle with common mental health conditions.

We currently support around 5,000 people a year through a variety of services focusing on psychological, social, economic and workplace wellbeing, and support minoritised communities.

Our values are:

Connected: Creating a compassionate and supportive community.

Fair:  We strive for equity- no-one's needs should go unmet.

Brave: We walk with people, offering help by doing what works - proven or new

Working with Mind CHWF means you’ll be part of a dedicated, passionate, and professional workforce who cares about the work they do and make a real difference to the lives of the people in the City of London, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.

We are committed to actively becoming anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind CHWF. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation that recognises different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services.

We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Those with lived experience of Mental Health are encouraged to apply.

Value-based Recruitment:

We know that for various reasons, not everybody who can successfully perform in a role, performs their best under traditional interview/selection procedures. We are therefore seeking ways to breakdown further barriers in our recruitment & selection process.

Shorted-listed candidates will be provided with some questions to help them prepare for the interview.

How to apply:

For more information on the vacancy and how to apply, click the ‘Apply’ button - Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.

The closing date is by 24 May 2024, however, please do not delay applying as this advert may close before the stated deadline if we find a suitable applicant for the role.

Your privacy and the security of your data is our top priority. Please take a moment to read through our applicant’s privacy notice.

Must be conversant with EXCEL, WORD, internet and emails to perform book keeping of cash books, bank transactions and analysis, filing of source documents, monthly report to the trustees and complying with annal statutory requirements.

Borderline Support UK CIC supports people from all over the UK who are living with borderline personality disorder, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Safeguarding is central to everything we do, we recognise that the welfare of our service users and volunteers is paramount and that we have a duty of care to everyone in our services. We will do everything we can to provide a safe environment for service users and volunteers. 

About the role

Although we recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of all, the Safeguarding Trustee will take the lead on safeguarding, supporting the board and chief executive. 

The safeguarding trustee will:

• review and implement safeguarding policies and procedures
• ensure there is an annual review
• be aware of safeguarding legislation and other relevant obligations including the safeguarding expectations of the Charity Commission
• produce and deliver safeguarding reports to the board 
• produce and assist with safeguarding training
• support the trustees to develop their understanding of safeguarding

About you

Experience and skills we are looking for:

• experience of working in safeguarding for adults
• awareness of relevant guidance and legislation
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive and confidential information
• commitment to the values and aims of the organisation

About the board

Our board of trustees is a friendly, dedicated and active group. Our six trustees help run committees and groups, and are passionate about the goals of the organisation. The board meets once a month at present (this will move to less frequently in time), and meets remotely over Teams. 

Why join us? 

This is an exciting time to join us, as we implement our strategy for 2024 onwards. Over the next five years we want to develop our services, invest in new ways of supporting people, and grow our service to meet the increased need for support. We are also implementing awareness campaigns and training workshops. 

Bipolar UK was originally formed in the 1980s as a local support system for the community by the community. Our first meeting was held in 1983 and since that day Bipolar UK has supported people living with the condition and their loved ones.  Our aim is to enable everyone affected by bipolar to live well.

Each year we support thousands of individuals through our range of peer support services, which include:

• Peer Support Groups (in-person and online)
• A call-back Peer Support Line
• Our eCommunity

In the years ahead, providing peer support services will remain central to everything we do. This vital work is only possible because of volunteers such as yourself.

How volunteers support us

We couldn’t exist without the amazing support of our dedicated team of volunteers. They help us by giving us key insights from our community. They also provide hands-on support so we can run a significant network of peer support groups and a one-to-one peer support line via telephone and email.

Thanks to the incredible collaboration between our staff team and our volunteers we currently empower approximately 1,000 people a month to stay well, and we have the ambition to reach thousands more.

Our commitment to volunteers:

We want you to get the most out of volunteering with us and we take our responsibility towards you very seriously.

 To support you, we will:

• Provide clear descriptions for our volunteering roles
• Treat volunteers fairly and in accordance with the Bipolar UK Equal Opportunities policy
• Ensure volunteers’ information is kept securely and in accordance with Bipolar UK Privacy policy, the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
• Keep volunteers informed of relevant changes, including to policies and staff
• Provide appropriate training and support to encourage and develop volunteers in every role
• Work collaboratively with all our volunteers to improve the services we deliver, identifying training needs and providing additional learning
• Ensure our volunteering practices are compliant with current and relevant legislation
• Reimburse agreed out of pocket expenses in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance
• Celebrate and recognise all our volunteers’ successes and ongoing contributions to the charity
• Support aspirations to upskill with relevant training and development

Training and development

All volunteers are given an induction and training relevant to their role before they begin volunteering so they can feel confident to carry out their tasks. Training is an ongoing commitment for both Bipolar UK staff and volunteers. Training sessions are usually held by the Bipolar UK team, although external training will be given whenever relevant and appropriate.

Who can volunteer?

As part of the volunteer recruitment process, we ask you to complete an application form. We will then invite you for an informal phone interview and ask you to provide two referees.

Roles within Bipolar UK are subject to an enhanced DBS check. The information gathered throughout this process helps us to make an informed decision about whether the volunteering role is right for you, as well as following our safeguarding procedures.

Skills and experience

We look for people who:

• Communicate well
• Enjoy teamwork
• Are able to adapt and willing to learn
• Are reliable, punctual and good at time management
• See situations with objectivity and compassion 
• All our volunteers must be 18 or older.

Bipolar UK will make sure that people are judged on their ability and potential, not on their background and situation. We will seek to treat people fairly, regardless of visible and non-visible differences such as mental health, health, gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs or practices, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, family/marital status, social background, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, caring responsibilities, spent criminal convictions or trade union affiliation.

We appreciate that these differences will contribute to diverse experiences of life, attitudes, values, and ways of thinking and communicating - and that these different perspectives can make a valuable contribution to our work.

What we ask of volunteers:

We ask that all volunteers commit to a minimum of two to four hours a week for our phone/email service or up to 4 hours per month for our support groups, for at least six months wherever possible.

We expect all volunteers to attend regular training as part of role development and progression, and to abide by our policies and guidelines. A commitment to our mission and values is imperative, along with a desire to make a difference to those affected by bipolar.  All volunteers represent the charity and must always remain professional when interacting with the public and external services.

Volunteers should:

• Have personal experience of bipolar if the role requires it
• Display empathy and understanding of the needs of others
• Understand and remain conscious of their own needs, including managing their own wellbeing
• Communicate effectively with the team
• Be always respectful of others, in line with Bipolar UK policies
• Have basic IT skills and computer literacy 

Our volunteering roles:

• Support Group Co-facilitator (online)
• Support Group Co-facilitator (in-person)
• Support Group Administrator
• Peer Support Line Volunteer
• Media Ambassador
• Fundraising Assistant
• Events Assistant

We are increasing our councillors that we have for our main group and sub groups and we now need someone to supervise them. You need to be trained in this.

We are looking for a new on-line counselor to join our organisation. This will mean running an email service and even a Skype / zoom service if you wish.

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.  

We have a fantastic space located in Accrington Town Centre where we would like to hold fun and exciting sessions for our service users. The sessions can be arts and crafts, music lessons, or board games. Our service users will be involved in deciding the types of activity sessions we hold, and you will be helping us to provide opportunities for people to relax, try new activities, to meet new people and much more. We are looking for people with enthusiasm, willing to try new things, the ability to be patient and show empathy, and to provide non-judgemental support.

· Setting up for the activity, moving tables and chairs if necessary.

· Assisting with the activity

· Coming up with ideas for new sessions.

· Clearing away at the end of the session.

· Helping to promote the sessions to service users.

Suggested time commitment: Flexible, anytime Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group.

Together we can make a difference.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.