At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead relaxed community walks, providing a safe space for open conversations about mental wellbeing.
- Company: Join Derbyshire Mind, a local charity dedicated to mental health support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and contribute to your community's wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by supporting others while enjoying nature and fresh air.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just a passion for helping others and being outdoors.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering role with opportunities for personal growth and training.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Derbyshire Minds MindSpace walks are informal community walks and talks in local parks. They are designed to provide a supportive and empathetic listening group to those that may need it, while benefiting from getting out of the house and into nature for some fresh air. MindSpace is a non-judgemental safe space for attendees to talk about their mental wellbeing struggles or experiences with our caring and empathetic volunteers.
The main purpose of this Walk Leader role is to help all attendees feel welcome within the group, lead a gentle walk around the park, and to provide a safe space for attendees to talk about their feelings and experiences with you and the wider group.
Main duties of the job:- Co-leading mindful, relaxed walks in a local park every 4 weeks (walks currently run fortnightly but you will be part of a rota and will always volunteer in pairs).
- Supporting the wellbeing of the group while enjoying the walk together.
- Creating a friendly, non-judgemental atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
- Asking attendees how they are feeling and holding space for conversation that may be sensitive or emotional at times.
- Listening to participants with compassion and sensitivity without trying to fix or advise.
- Keeping in touch with our Wellbeing team for any support or questions.
- Being a friendly person to chat with, and a positive ambassador for Derbyshire Mind.
About us: Derbyshire Mind is your local independent mental health charity. We provide a range of community mental health and wellbeing services designed to support people with mental health problems, improve mental health and wellbeing and to help promote better mental health and wellbeing for all throughout the population of Derby and Derbyshire.
Job responsibilities:- Facilitating a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive environment within the MindSpace group.
- Being responsive to the group's abilities and needs when initiating the walk around the park.
- Supporting new attendees to register their details with Derbyshire Mind via QR code or registration form online.
- Talking with and listening to attendees who may require someone to listen to them and asking each attendee how they are doing.
- Treating all attendees with kindness, empathy, understanding and respect.
- Providing information about local Derbyshire Mind services and other community groups as necessary.
- Working with and alongside other MindSpace volunteers within the group.
- Adhering to Derbyshire Mind policies and procedures and the Volunteer Code of Conduct, including our Health and Safety policy and Risk Assessments for the MindSpace groups.
- Feeding back about the group regularly to the Mental Wellbeing Services Coordinator via WhatsApp group or email. This includes overall verbal feedback from the group about the session, any concerns, and attendance.
- Attending volunteer induction training (online), familiarising oneself with Derbyshire Mind policies and procedures and undertaking necessary and appropriate training / e-learning for the role.
- Being enthusiastic and taking pride in the MindSpace service, and being ready and willing to suggest ways to improve the service further.
Qualifications: N/A
Experience: Possibly has a personal experience of a mild to moderate mental health condition.
Skills, Qualities, and Experience: This role is best suited for someone that:
- Is local and has use of a car.
- Is available on Thursday mornings.
- Is reliable and punctual.
- Can build a rapport with a wide range of people.
- Is open-minded and able to see things from different perspectives including diverse values and beliefs.
- Can listen to others in a supportive and non-judgmental way, and without feeling the need to fix or give advice.
- Can communicate clearly to others with a friendly and supportive tone.
- Can remain calm and professional in sometimes potentially challenging situations.
- Can undertake/perform basic first aid.
- Understands the importance of boundaries and confidentiality in a role like this.
- Has a personal interest in nature and the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors in nature.
- Has an interest in helping to support the wellbeing of their local community by creating a friendly and welcoming group.
- Is over 18 years old.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Voluntary role - expenses paid only.
MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton in Chesterfield employer: Derbyshire Mind
Contact Detail:
Derbyshire Mind Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton in Chesterfield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your first walk, spend some time in the local parks where you'll be leading. Familiarise yourself with the area and maybe even chat with locals. This will help you feel more comfortable and create a welcoming vibe for attendees.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice active listening! When you're out there, remember that it's not just about leading the walk but also about being present for the participants. Show genuine interest in their stories and feelings; it’ll make them feel valued and understood.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for anything! Sometimes conversations can get emotional or sensitive. Have a few comforting phrases ready to use, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the Wellbeing team if you need support during a walk.
✨Tip Number 4
Spread the word! Encourage friends and family to join the walks or share the info on social media. The more people know about MindSpace, the more we can help those in need. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get involved!
We think you need these skills to ace MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton in Chesterfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting mental wellbeing.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We love seeing applicants who understand what it means to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
Show Your Empathy: Since this role is all about listening and supporting others, include examples of how you've demonstrated empathy in past experiences. Whether it's through volunteering or personal interactions, we want to know how you connect with people.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire Mind
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the MindSpace Walk Leader role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and how they align with your personal experiences or values. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since this role involves supporting individuals with mental health struggles, be prepared to discuss your approach to empathy and active listening. Share examples from your past where you've successfully created a safe space for others to express their feelings.
✨Demonstrate Your Community Spirit
Highlight any previous volunteer work or community involvement that showcases your commitment to helping others. Discuss how you can contribute to creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere during the walks, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the MindSpace programme and Derbyshire Mind's initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.