Volunteer Connecting Peers Group Facilitator

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 roleLocation:Bristol North Somerset South GloucestershireHours: Between 3-6 hours a monthThe Volunteer Connecting Peers Group Facilitator role supports people who have previously accessed support through Sequoia to build confidence develop social connections and take part in enjoyable activities in a relaxed and welcoming a Volunteer Connecting Peers Group Facilitator you will volunteer alongside fellow volunteers to organise and run Connecting Peers Groups once a fortnight or once a month. These groups are open to anyone who has previously accessed support with Sequoia andprovidean opportunity to connect with others outside of a therapeutic or support-based will help design andfacilitateactivities such as board games crafts or other group interests ensuring that everyone feels comfortable included and able training and regular supervision will be provided soyoullfeel confident and supported in your role requires anEnhancedDBS check which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental note this role is only available to those who have previously accessed support with Sequoia. If you have not participated in a Sequoia intervention we will not be able to progress your aVolunteer Group Facilitator youwill:Help organise and develop a Sequoia Connecting Peers group Share your ideas and interests when designing group sessions and activities Co-facilitate group sessions and help create a welcoming friendly and inclusive environment Ensure safeguarding procedures are being followed and that the groups remaina safe spaceCommunicate with group attendees to understand their goals and ensure the group meets their needsUse creativity to plan and support enjoyable activities such as games crafts or social activitiesAttend supervision training and any required meetings to support your roleAbout the serviceSequoia has been developed to support people who currently fall between primary and secondary mental health care in partnership between Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) and Rethink Mental Illness Sequoia offers a range of psychosocial interventions for people experiencing emerging mild or moderate difficulties relating to Complex Emotional Needs and Personality service users are aged 18 or over and interventions take place across the Bristol North Somerset and South Gloucestershire areas. Service users can choose from four different interventions and may access more than one with a consolidation period between will make you a great fit for this rolePreviousexperience of using the Sequoia service Lived experience of Complex Emotional Needs or Personality DifficultiesThe ability to communicate with a wide range of people in a friendly and non-judgemental way Empathy and compassion for people on their mental health journey Respect for peoples differences and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces A willingness to follow Rethink Mental Illness policies and procedures Commitment to attending training and engaging in support offered within the roleHow 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:Gracie 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.