Volunteer Community Outreach Worker

Volunteer Community Outreach Worker

Position Overview: We are looking for a friendly and dedicated Volunteer Community Outreach Worker to join our team supporting individuals with mental health challenges across Stroud. This hands-on role involves delivering our weekly community drop-in sessions and building meaningful connections with local communities to ensure our mental health services reach those who need them most.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Drop-in Sessions

• Support the delivery of weekly mental health drop-in sessions across various locations in Stroud
• Provide a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for individuals experiencing mental health challenges
• Offer initial support, information, and signposting to appropriate mental health services
• Maintain accurate records of interactions and referrals made
• Set up and pack down session spaces, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment

Community Relationship Building

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local community centres, libraries, and venues
• Build rapport with community leaders, staff, and volunteers at partner organizations
• Attend local community meetings and networking events to promote our mental health services
• Identify new opportunities for outreach and engagement within Stroud communities

Session Planning & Delivery

• Collaborate with team members to plan engaging and relevant drop-in activities focused on mental wellbeing
• Prepare mental health resources, information materials, and create a calming atmosphere
• Adapt session content to meet the specific mental health needs of different community groups
• Coordinate with visiting mental health specialists and peer support workers when required

Support & Signposting

• Provide practical information and guidance on mental health services, counselling, crisis support, and local resources
• Make appropriate referrals to mental health specialists and follow up where necessary
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local mental health services and support available in Stroud
• Support individuals to access mental health services independently where possible

Community Engagement

• Promote awareness of our mental health services through informal networking and word-of-mouth
• Represent the organization positively in all community interactions
• Gather feedback from service users and community partners to improve mental health service delivery
• Support community mental health events and initiatives that align with our mission

Administrative Tasks

• Complete session reports and maintain visitor logs
• Update community contact databases and partnership records
• Assist with mental health awareness materials and social media content
• Support grant applications with community mental health impact evidence

Skills & Experience Required:

• Personal lived experience of mental health challenges (essential)
• Experience working with diverse communities or in peer support roles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with empathy for mental health struggles
• Basic understanding of local mental health services and support systems (training provided)
• Ability to work sensitively with individuals experiencing mental health difficulties
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable traveling between different locations across Stroud
• Basic IT skills for record keeping and communication

Personal Qualities:

• Genuinely friendly, approachable, and empathetic nature
• Non-judgmental attitude and respect for all individuals regardless of their mental health journey
• Hardworking with a proactive approach to supporting others
• Reliable and punctual with strong personal boundaries and self-care practices
• Understanding of mental health stigma and committed to reducing it
• Resilient and able to manage challenging situations while maintaining own wellbeing
• Passionate about mental health advocacy and community support

Practical Requirements:

• Ability to travel independently across Stroud (driving license preferred but not essential)
• Flexibility to work during daytime hours including some weekends
• Physical ability to carry equipment and set up session spaces
• Enhanced DBS check (we will support the application process)
• Commitment to ongoing mental health training and personal development

Time Commitment: Approximately 3-9 hours per week including travel time, with additional hours during busy periods or special community mental health events.

This role offers the opportunity to use your lived experience to support others while making a real difference in local communities. Full training in peer support, mental health first aid, and community outreach will be provided, along with ongoing supervision and support for your own wellbeing.