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- Tasks: Support peer-led services and coordinate community recovery activities.
- Company: Waythrough is dedicated to breaking barriers in mental health and support services.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and make a real impact in the community.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help individuals with complex needs thrive.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; lived experience is valued.
- Other info: Unpaid role with flexible hours, max 15 hours/week, and training provided.
About The Role
This is an unpaid, voluntary role. Support the delivery of peer-led services by utilising lived experience to contribute to the co-ordination and delivery of interventions. Support the development and delivery of community-based recovery activities by assisting the Community Development Worker in developing collaborative forums and plans. Support with the provision and care for individuals with complex needs and vulnerabilities using lived experience, especially via our Supporting Voices model in which you will deliver telephone support and signposting where necessary. Act as a point of contact for service members and their family. Supervision, performance appraisals and attending training as/when required.
Tasks may include:
- Where appropriate, act as an advocate on behalf of service members to promote access to and engagement with sources of support.
- Promote and participate in service user engagement activities e.g. posters, advertising activities, talking to service members.
- Act as a role model for individuals, demonstrating positive engagement and maintenance of own health and wellbeing.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of support providers and maximise opportunities for service members and volunteers.
Location
Cookson House, South Shields
Timing
Max of 15 hours per week. Applicants must be available on a Friday afternoon.
Training
Volunteers have access to Waythrough’s training platform, LearningKind, and will be asked to complete a number of training modules within their first 3 months.
Who we are
Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support. We have almost 200 services around England – and nearly 3,500 staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 125,000 people. You may notice the jobs here branded ‘Humankind’; next year recruitment systems will be fully integrated.
Thanks for bearing with us — and don’t forget to check Waythrough jobs on the Richmond Fellowship and Aquarius job site. What we can offer: fantastic learning and development opportunities, including free training courses; wellbeing offers for our workforce.
Equal opportunities Waythrough is an equal opportunities employer. We value diverse perspectives and inclusion. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome, including people with lived experience of substance use.
Other
Applications Close Date: 22 Oct 2025. Driving license not required. DBS requirement: Basic. Police/Prison vetting: Not applicable. Please review our privacy statement before applying.
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Peer Support Volunteer employer: Forward Leeds
Contact Detail:
Forward Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Support Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Supporting Voices model mentioned in the job description. Understanding how this model works will help you articulate your thoughts during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former volunteers at Waythrough or similar organisations. They can provide insights into the role and share their experiences, which can be invaluable when discussing your motivations and expectations in the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your lived experiences and how they relate to the role. This is a peer support position, so being open about your journey can demonstrate your ability to connect with service users and advocate for them effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the community recovery activities that Waythrough currently offers. Being knowledgeable about these initiatives will allow you to suggest ideas or improvements during your interview, showcasing your proactive approach and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Peer Support Volunteer role. Highlight how your lived experience aligns with the tasks mentioned, such as advocating for service users and participating in engagement activities.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to support individuals with complex needs. Include any previous volunteer work, training, or personal experiences that showcase your skills in advocacy and community engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that explains why you are passionate about this role and how your lived experience can contribute to the mission of Waythrough. Be specific about your motivations and how you can help break down barriers for service users.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your information is clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Leeds
✨Showcase Your Lived Experience
As a Peer Support Volunteer, your personal journey is invaluable. Be prepared to share how your experiences have shaped your understanding of mental health and support services. This will demonstrate your authenticity and ability to connect with service users.
✨Understand the Organisation's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Waythrough's mission to break down barriers to support. Being able to articulate how you align with their vision will show your commitment and passion for the role, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle specific situations involving service users. Think about past experiences where you've advocated for someone or facilitated engagement, and be ready to discuss these examples in detail.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with the Community Development Worker and other volunteers, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've built relationships in previous roles or volunteer positions to illustrate your teamwork skills.
