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- Tasks: Support Compass in shaping services for young people by sharing your insights and experiences.
- Company: Compass Changing Lives is a national charity focused on emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
- Benefits: Flexible volunteering options and the chance to gain valuable skills while making a difference.
- Why this job: Influence meaningful change and help improve services for children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Motivated individuals with an understanding of emotional wellbeing; lived experience is a plus.
- Other info: Open to all backgrounds; we value diversity and encourage applications from everyone.
Are you passionate about improving services for children, young people, and families? Do you have personal experience with emotional wellbeing or a passion to support others? Compass Changing Lives is looking for Volunteer Peer Advisors to help shape and influence our services, ensuring they best meet the needs of those who use them.
As a Volunteer Peer Advisor, you will support Compass in evaluating and developing services by sharing your insights, experiences, and ideas. This is an opportunity to influence meaningful change while gaining valuable skills and experience.
As a Volunteer Peer Advisor, you will have the opportunity to take part in one or more of the following activities:
- Sharing experiences – work with other peer advisors to discuss what it’s like to access emotional wellbeing and substance use services for young people
- Social Media – content creation
- Providing insight at events – attend local and national (virtual) events to help Compass understand how to better respond to service user needs
- Recruiting staff – participate in the selection of Compass practitioners and managers to ensure our workforce reflects the right values and attributes
- Developing resources – research and contribute to service delivery programs and materials in collaboration with practitioners and managers
- Promoting participation – engage in outreach and awareness activities to encourage more young people and families to get involved
- Influencing decision-making – work with Compass Board members to develop plans and strategies with increasing input from young people and families
Compass Changing Lives offers early help and support for emotional wellbeing and mental health to children, young people, and families across Derby and Derbyshire. We comprise of two services: Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) and Early Intervention and Targeted Support Service. Compass Changing Lives ensures Children and Young People (CYP) access the right help, at the right time, in the right setting and these two teams work closely together to make sure everyone gets a comparable level of support wherever they live in the county.
Your story has the power to inspire change – let’s make it happen together.
We are looking for a motivated and flexible individual with an understanding of emotional wellbeing and the impact. Your ability to be a welcoming and approachable individual who is reliable, punctual, and trustworthy. You will show strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, young people, and families and an ability to maintain confidentiality and respect privacy.
We welcome applications from:
- Young Peer Advisors – with lived experience of emotional wellbeing services.
- Family Peer Advisors – Parents/carers who have supported a young person through emotional wellbeing challenges.
We offer flexible volunteering – you can participate in person with a local team. Above all, we are looking for someone who aligns with our values of integrity, valuing each individual, being solution focused, whilst being consistent and reliable – someone who is committed to working collaboratively, supporting others, and always striving to make a positive impact.
Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives.
All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks. We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce.
We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post. Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!
If you have any questions about this role please contact Tracey Carey-Meyrick on 01332 315569 or email [email protected]
Closing date: 21st June 2025
Interview date: w/c 4th August 2025
Volunteer Peer Advisor employer: Compass Bloom (MHST)
Contact Detail:
Compass Bloom (MHST) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Peer Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Connect with current or former Volunteer Peer Advisors to gain insights into their experiences. This can help you understand the role better and prepare you for any questions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Compass Changing Lives' mission and values. Being able to articulate how your personal experiences align with their goals will demonstrate your commitment and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with Compass on social media platforms. This not only shows your interest in the organisation but also helps you stay updated on their initiatives and events, which could be useful talking points in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've supported others in emotional wellbeing contexts. Sharing relatable stories can highlight your suitability for the role and your understanding of the challenges faced by young people and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Peer Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Volunteer Peer Advisor. Reflect on your personal experiences with emotional wellbeing and how they can contribute to the role.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experiences in your CV that demonstrate your understanding of emotional wellbeing and your ability to support others. Include any volunteer work, personal experiences, or skills that align with the values of Compass Changing Lives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for improving services for children and young people. Share specific examples of how your experiences have shaped your desire to help others and how you can contribute to the organisation's mission.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your strong communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively engaged with others, maintained confidentiality, and worked collaboratively in previous roles or experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Bloom (MHST)
✨Share Your Personal Experience
As a Volunteer Peer Advisor, your personal experiences are invaluable. Be prepared to share your journey and how it has shaped your understanding of emotional wellbeing. This will demonstrate your authenticity and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and engagingly. Think about examples where you've successfully communicated with young people or families, as this will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Align with Compass Values
Familiarise yourself with Compass's values of integrity, valuing individuals, and being solution-focused. During the interview, reflect these values in your answers and show how you embody them in your own life and experiences.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Demonstrate your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions for the interviewers. Ask about their current initiatives or how they measure the impact of their services. This shows that you're engaged and eager to contribute meaningfully.
