Mental Health Volunteer Roles

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.”

As a Digital Champion you will provide support to our clients who struggle with IT. You will need to understand the importance of digital literacy to our clients. There will be a ‘referral’ system from keyworkers and staff members who will identify clients in need of digital support. In addition, you will provide support to our online Forward Fuse platform and Kaizala (digital messaging app).

To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills, IT skills and a true passion and commitment to supporting vulnerable people to address their support needs and fulfill their full potential. The Forward Trust is committed to tackling ‘digital exclusion’ within our client base.

To note: If you have a preference for Fuse moderation or Digital support, please mention this in your volunteer application form.

Accountabilites 

Service Delivery – Client support tasks

· Provide remote and/or in-person support for clients who struggle with IT.

· Helping to build clients confidence and self-esteem with using popular digital technology.

· Raising awareness of online services and the support available locally.

· Meeting clients within the community to enable them to access digital devices such as tables and PC’s.

· Build a trusting and supportive relationship with clients.

· Listen to the clients concerns and work with them to overcome those. 

Forward Fuse

Fuse is an online ‘learning and knowledge’ platform. It combines elements of social media with e-learning.

· Supporting the Forward Fuse platform as a moderator outside of normal staff working hours – monitoring content and comments for breaking of the Ground Rules, and encouraging engagement.

Kaizala

Forward successfully used the digital messaging app Kaizala (similar to WhatsApp) to help members of the Forward Connect service keep in touch with each other and share support while face-to-face meetings weren’t possible.

• Supporting Kaizala as a moderator outside of normal staff working hours – monitoring comments for breaking of the Ground Rules, and encouraging engagement.

Additional tasks

· Support with web coding (if you have relevant experience)

· Engage in support and supervision provided.

· To keep a good record of your work, including reporting verbally to their supervisor and completing relevant forms.

This may vary depending on your specific team and time commitment.

Expenses

· Travel expenses (within 20 miles of the service)

· Up to £6.50 lunch expenses.

· Any additional expenses will need to be pre-agreed with placement supervisor.

Training & Induction 

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following:

o E-Learning:  

- Data Protection/GDPR/PECR

- Safeguarding – Knowledge

- Health & Safety – Knowledge

- Volunteer Induction – Organisational Awareness

o Digital Unite – available e-learning module and resources to help structure support sessions with clients.

· A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures.

· Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.

Qualities 

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:

· Must be over 18 years of age.

· Ability to use computers and IT equipment.

· Confident to pass on digital skills in a friendly and supportive manner.

· Content Moderator – ability to evaluate content in line with content and policies.

· Web coding (preferable) – specific information needed.

· To have the ability to engage effectively with the client group.

· To have good verbal and written communication skills.

· To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

· To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.

· To be able to communicate and actively listen to client’s concerns.

· To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner.

· To be committed to own learning and development.

Checks required for the 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

You will support our Administrators and front line workers with a range of administrative functions to support them with their daily activities and workload. This will give you the opportunity to be involved with a variety of administrative duties including filing, writing notes and supporting the front line workers with the administrative preparations of their group delivery and updating of their client case notes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your organisational and administrative skills while gaining an understanding of the roles and support function of our front line services.

The volunteer role will be subject to prison vetting and security checks. This is in addition to what is required for community working.

Accountabilities 

Service Delivery – Client support tasks

· Support administrative staff and front line workers with data entry onto database system.

· Provide assistance at reception/in admin office answering and taking messages and transferring phone calls.

· To assist with filing and maintaining of administration records in an orderly user-friendly system. 

· Support front line staff with administrative paperwork required for group sessions or group meetings.

· To assist with minute taking.

· To maintain confidentiality and data protection principles, raising any issues with your line manager as appropriate.

Additional tasks

· Engage in support and supervision provided.

· To keep a good record of your work, including reporting verbally to their supervisor and completing relevant forms.

This may vary depending on your specific team and time commitment.

Expenses

• Travel expenses (within 20 miles of the service) 
• Up to £6.50 lunch expenses.
• Any additional expenses will need to be pre-agreed with placement supervisor.

Qualities

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:

· If in recovery, to be 6 months abstinence from all mood altering substances if in recovery.

· Must be over 18 years of age.

· Ability to use computers and IT equipment.

· To have good verbal and written communication skills.

· To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

· To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.

· To have the ability to reflect and receive feedback.

· To be reliable, flexible and committed.

· To treat individuals with respect and dignity.

· To have the ability to follow instructions.

· To be committed to own learning and development.

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

· The volunteer role will be subject to prison vetting and security checks. This is in addition to what is required for community working.

Our wonderful charity team is expanding and we are looking to take on more compassionate, reliable and conscientious volunteers with an interest in walking and helping others. We are looking to take on volunteers across the UK for facilitating in-person events.

One of the most effective support events we provide is in the form of our short walking and talking get togethers for those who are grieving. We are looking to increase our in-person get togethers across the country and are recruiting some volunteers to help us do so.

What does it involve? We meet as a small group, grab a tea/coffee, and mosey along together. This could be in a local park, along a canal, in the countryside, etc. It’s pretty simple but can be hugely cathartic and effective for those who are really struggling with their loss and feeling isolated. We are passionate about offering the best possible care to an often-ignored population.

Walking volunteer roles involve facilitating a social get together / walk for people whose loved ones have died from cancer. This largely involves being the meet and greet person for those attending. Volunteers are welcome to design the get together (choosing a location locally) or we can help you do so. The walks are very informal and relaxed, and are targeted at bringing people together rather than having to cover many miles. Get togethers normally last 1-2 hours.

We will provide full training for the role and supervision, along with continued training opportunities.  We ask for at least a 18-month commitment, which involves facilitating up to 4-6 walks a year.

Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application.

The inspirational peer to peer mental health charity is looking for an experienced Chair of Trustees to help us increase our fundraising and service reach.

We are developing an ambitious ten year startegy to grow our reach, embed service excellence in mental health and have a strong financial base for operations.

If you are passionate about mental health and have experience in governance, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Interviews with the interim Chair and Chief Executive will be on a rolling basis, so please dont delay putting in an application. Please send us your CV and a short covering letter to apply

An exciting opportunity to volunteer flexibly from home for Shout - a 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. We are looking for empathetic volunteers to join our amazing online community. 

You’ll benefit from:
∙ Vocational development: develop digital mental health skills and experience recognised by universities and colleges and relevant to many professions
∙ Personal development: learn communication, active listening, problem solving skills and crisis management skills
∙ Supporting people who are struggling to cope: help those who have no-one
else to talk to and who really need ‘in the moment’ support
∙ Being part of a pioneering global community: connect with both UK and New Zealand volunteers via a digital hub

We are seeking passionate and empathetic individuals to join our team as a volunteer Been There mentor. In this online chat-based role, you will have the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of people struggling with body image issues.

In return, you have the chance to:

• Use your experience to benefit and support someone else
• Make a difference in someone’s life and contribute to changing the current epidemic of body image issues in our society
• Deepen your understanding and skill base with our in-house training course, partnered with The Body Image Treatment Clinic 
• Build your communication and interpersonal skills
• Gain confidence and leadership skills
• Share your personal experiences to help others in need
• Flexible working hours
• Attend virtual meetups with other mentors and experts for support and discussion opportunities
• Enjoy being part of the Been There community, and become part of Been There’s incredible journey.

Our requirements:

All mentors must have had personal experience with body image issues, and are now in a position where they feel able to support someone else through their own.

Alongside this, we need you to:

• be over 25 years of age
• be able to complete around 6-8 hours of online training and assessment 
• successfully undergo all necessary safeguarding checks including DBS and personal references
• agree to Been There’s confidentiality and privacy policy guidelines
• be able to commit to a minimum of six months volunteering with Been There
• have access to a quiet and private environment to complete your online training and deliver one-to-one mentoring sessions (for 1-3 hours per week).
• have a secure internet/data connection in order to access the Been There app

If you are interested in joining our amazing and growing family, then you can apply via our app.

You can contact us via our web page or any of our socials if you need more information.

Are you passionate about mental health support and peer advocacy? Do you possess financial expertise and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others? If so, we invite you to become our Treasurer/Finance Trustee at The Anthony Seddon Fund!

At The Anthony Seddon Fund, we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and receive peer-driven mental health support. Our mission is to empower individuals on their journey towards mental wellness, and as Treasurer/Finance Trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our organisation.

Why Join Us?

· Meaningful Impact: Your financial oversight will directly contribute to the continued growth and effectiveness of our peer support programmes, positively impacting the lives of those we serve.

· Flexible Commitment: With an approximate time commitment of 8-10 hours per month, this role offers flexibility to accommodate your schedule while still making a significant difference in our organisation.

· Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated peers and volunteers who share your passion for mental health advocacy and support.

Key Responsibilities

· Financial Management: Oversee the financial operations of The Anthony Seddon Fund, including budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal planning.

· Budget Oversight: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and monitor annual budgets, ensuring alignment with our mission and strategic goals.

· Fundraising Support: Assist in developing fundraising strategies and initiatives to support our programmes and services, including grant applications and donor stewardship.

· Compliance and Governance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices for nonprofit organisations, providing guidance on financial policies and procedures.

Qualifications

· Financial Expertise: Demonstrated experience in financial management, accounting, or related fields.

· Commitment: Willingness to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per month to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

· Team Player: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers.

· Passion for Mental Health: A genuine commitment to our mission of promoting mental wellness and peer support.

How to Apply

If you are ready to contribute your financial expertise to support our peer-driven mental health initiatives, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about joining our team.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals living with mental health challenges! Together, we can create a community of support and empowerment.

Borderline Support UK CIC are a small non-profit organisation made up entirely of volunteers. We work to support people with borderline personality disorder through peer support groups, signposting, and more.

Lived experience isn’t necessary for this post, but it would be an advantage.

We are currently looking for enthusiastic and passionate Research Assistants who can dedicate a few hours a month to work on projects with Borderline Support UK. We aren’t looking for people with buckets of experience (although please apply if you do!), so no matter your experience we’d like to hear from you. The more Lived Experience voices we have on our team, the better!

Some of the projects we’re running at the moment are as follows:

• Under 18’s Resource Creation
• 18+ Resource Creation
• Social Media Content
• Support Services across the UK
• Lived Experience data collection

There will be scope to work on larger scale research projects in the future.

Listening volunteers are there for anyone who needs support. By giving a few hours a week to speak to someone in distress, you can change the course of someone's life. In total Samaritan volunteers give over 1 million hours per year, join the Bradford Samaritans Hub and be part of our mission to provide support, hope, and encouragement to those who need it most

About Us

At Bradford Samaritans Hub, we provide vital emotional support to those going through difficult times. Our non-judgmental and confidential service is available 24/7, allowing individuals to talk openly about their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. We believe that everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported, regardless of their background. 

We launched in summer 2022 and currently have around 30 volunteers who help deliver our service: 

• Our listening volunteers are available day and night to respond to our callers 

• Our support volunteers help with all aspects of running the hub 

Why Volunteer with Us? 

• Make a Difference: As a listening volunteer, you have the power to positively impact someone's life. Your compassionate ear and understanding can provide solace and hope to those who need it most. 

• Embrace Diversity: Bradford is a vibrant and diverse community, and we strive to reflect this diversity in our team. We welcome volunteers from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life. By joining us, you'll be part of a team that celebrates and respects the unique experiences and perspectives of our community. 

• Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training to equip you with the necessary skills to support individuals in crisis. Our experienced volunteers and staff will guide you through every step of your journey, ensuring you feel confident and capable in your role. 

• Volunteering that fits with your schedule: We understand that your time is valuable, so we offer a range of shifts that can fit in with your schedule. Your contribution will make a significant impact. 

• Personal Growth: Volunteering with Samaritans is a transformative experience. As you support others, you'll develop invaluable listening and communication skills, enhance your empathy and emotional intelligence, and grow as an individual. 

We are currently recruiting volunteer psychotherapists on our Rainbow Suicide Prevention London (RSPL) psychotherapy services. RSPL is a service that assists LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees, all trans and non-binary people, and LGBTQI+ people ages 18-25 who would benefit from psychotherapy. It is our aim to improve access to mental health support and care especially to those of racialised, ethnic- and racial minority backgrounds, offering a diversity-focused service.

We are recruiting 4 qualified therapists/trainees to begin volunteering with us ASAP. As Outcome supports LGBTQI+ POC communities, we are looking to recruit volunteers representing this demographic and with diverse lived experiences.

We are currently recruiting volunteer psychotherapists on our Rainbow Suicide Prevention London (RSPL) psychotherapy services. RSPL is a service that assists LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees, all trans and non-binary people, and LGBTQI+ people ages 18-25 who would benefit from psychotherapy. It is our aim to improve access to mental health support and care especially to those of racialised, ethnic- and racial minority backgrounds, offering a diversity-focused service.

We are reserving one volunteer psychotherapist role for a qualified trans therapist/trainee to begin volunteering with us ASAP. As Outcome supports LGBTQI+ POC communities, we are looking to recruit volunteers representing this demographic and with diverse lived experiences.

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

We provide peer support to people living with borderline personality disorder, through our online groups which are run throughout the month. As well as general support groups, we also have specialist groups for men-only, women-only, LGBTQIA+, young people and families. Our team of volunteer peer support workers, many with lived experience, co-facilitate the groups. 

We are looking for a friendly and compassionate counsellor to provide monthly group supervision sessions, and 1:1 sessions where necessary, to ensure our team of peer support workers are fully supported throughout their time volunteering with us. 

Main duties

• To provide monthly group supervision (online, via Teams) for the peer support workers
• To provide 1:1 support if needed (online, via Teams)
• To regularly check in with the peer support workers by email
• Highlight any areas of concern to the leadership team
• Maintain and record accurate and up to date records

Personal specification

• a minimum of level 4 in counselling/psychotherapy or equivalent
• registered with a professional body such as BACP or UKCP
• a minimum of 100 client contact hours
• experience of safeguarding and confidentiality
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• able to work independently
• confident working with people from diverse backgrounds/cultures