MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton
MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton

MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton

Volunteer No home office possible
Derbyshire Mind

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead relaxed community walks, providing a safe space for open conversations about mental wellbeing.
  • Company: Derbyshire Mind, a local charity dedicated to mental health support.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience, connect with your community, and make a positive impact.
  • Why this job: Help others while enjoying nature and fostering a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just a passion for mental health and community support.
  • Other info: Flexible volunteering role with opportunities for personal growth and training.

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.
Person Specification:

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 employer: Derbyshire Mind

Derbyshire Mind is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community through the MindSpace Walk Leader role. With a strong focus on mental wellbeing, our supportive and empathetic work culture fosters personal growth and development, while providing volunteers with the chance to connect with nature and engage with diverse individuals. Join us in creating a welcoming environment that prioritises kindness and understanding, all while enjoying the beautiful parks of Derbyshire.
Derbyshire Mind

Contact Detail:

Derbyshire Mind Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, take some time to learn about Derbyshire Mind and their mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting mental health in the community.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice active listening! As a Walk Leader, you'll need to be a great listener. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to hone your skills. This will prepare you for those sensitive conversations during the walks.

✨Tip Number 3

Be yourself! Authenticity is key when creating a welcoming atmosphere. Share your own experiences and interests in nature to build rapport with attendees. It’ll make you more relatable and approachable.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton

Empathy
Active Listening
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Non-Judgmental Attitude
Supportive Nature
Ability to Build Rapport
Understanding of Mental Health
Basic First Aid
Reliability
Punctuality
Adaptability
Interest in Nature and Wellbeing
Community Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting mental wellbeing.

Show Your Empathy: This role is all about creating a supportive environment. Make sure to highlight any relevant experiences where you've listened to others or provided support. We love seeing how you connect with people!

Tailor Your Application: Read through the job description carefully and align your skills and experiences with what we're looking for. Mention specific duties that resonate with you and how you can contribute to our MindSpace walks.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the community!

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 Derbyshire Mind's mission and values, and think about how your personal experiences or skills align with their goals. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit.

✨Show Empathy and Understanding

Since this role involves supporting individuals with mental health challenges, 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 themselves.

✨Demonstrate Your Community Spirit

Highlight any previous volunteer work or community involvement during the interview. Talk about your passion for nature and how it contributes to wellbeing, as this aligns perfectly with the MindSpace initiative. Show that you’re not just looking for a role, but that you genuinely care about making a difference.

✨Prepare Questions to Ask

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the MindSpace programme, the team you'll be working with, and how they measure success in their walks. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you too.

MindSpace Walk Leader - Markeaton
Derbyshire Mind

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