Peer Support Volunteer

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 the roleAs a Peer SupportVolunteeryou 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 provideadditionalsupport 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-facilitategroups based on personal skills and experience. Ideally you will be able to commit a minimum of 3 hours per training and regular supervision will be provided soyoullfeel confident and supported in your role requires an EnhancedDBS check which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental aPeer SupportVolunteeryouwill:Support the Peer Support Workers to run the group sessions e.g. by helping to set up the room and by welcoming peopleHelp to create a safe space where people can share as much or as little as they wish to abouttheirexperiencesFoster the principles of co-productionSignpost people to services in the local area that meets their needsDescribe and explain services that are on offer from Rethink Mental Illness and other local community assets that can provide help and advice relevant to peoples needsSupport the development of drop-in sessions at various locations across thelocalityAbout the serviceThe Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across 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 will make you a great fit for this roleLived experience of mental healthAbility to support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolvedAbility to empathise with othersGood communicationskillsReliable and punctualItsnot essential but you may also bring:Knowledge of the local areaKnowledge of services that can be accessedHow to applyTo apply please click the apply now button and complete a short interest will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letterhoweverthis 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 you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying please contactthe volunteer manager:Beth Morris are weWereRethink Mental Illness a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups services policycampaigns and adviceand information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission:A better life for everyone severely affected by mental is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for Equity InclusionDiversity is important tousand we appreciate difference through difference inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world oursocietyand the diverse communitieswereworking with. By including everyone weare able todraw on the unique experiences andexpertiseof our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverseinclusiveand engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer statusand are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work a truly anti-racist organisationWe have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer campaigningorganisationand service provider -and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factorsimpactingon mental health set out inouranti-racist have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in ourRace Equality Action Planwhichdemonstrateour intention tohold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.