Rethink Mental Illness are the leading expert charity for people with serious conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We offer practical help guided by what works.
Every year, our ...
Peer Support Volunteer
Practical details
Volunteering • One-off
Contact person
Luke Kingsland
Requirements
#123157
Scan me or visit www.govolunteerglos.org/o/Rethink-Mental-Illness/opportunities/Peer-Support-Volunteer/123157 to join
As a Peer Support Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health and support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues.
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.
About the role
As a Peer Support 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 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. Peer volunteers can also co-facilitate groups based on personal skills and experience. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 3 hours per week.
Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.
This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness.
As a Peer Support Volunteer you will:
- 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
- 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
- Support the development of drop-in sessions at various locations across the locality
About the service
The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire.
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 will make you a great fit for this role?
- Lived experience of mental health
- Ability to support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved
- Ability to empathise with others
- Good communication skills
- Reliable and punctual
It's not essential, but you may also bring:
- Knowledge of the local area
- Knowledge of services that can be accessed
How to apply
To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.
A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager:
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.”
Related to
About Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness are the leading expert charity for people with serious conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We offer practical help guided by what works.
Every year, our diverse range of information and support helps tens of thousands of people get through crises, live independently and feel that they do not have to face mental illness alone.