At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the community, facilitate discussions, and support health and wellbeing activities.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and reimbursement for travel expenses.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, teamwork, and a genuine interest in supporting others.
Volunteer Role Description
Team reporting to Health & Wellbeing Hub
Location: Newton Aycliffe
Brief description of project: Operating in the Western area of Newton Aycliffe, bringing a wide range of health initiatives, wellbeing support, and community resources directly to the local community aged 16 years and over.
Details of the role & tasks: We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation.
The role: This exciting volunteer role would suit someone with an empathetic, open-minded attitude who can build strong working relationships with others as part of a holistic approach to improving overall health and wellbeing of the people we support. A Wellbeing Volunteer will attend the service frequently to engage with the staff and people the service supports, offering assistance, with group sessions every Monday when the health and wellbeing activity session takes place followed by the social group in the afternoon. Session times are 10:30 am – 1:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
- Being a friendly face and welcoming those who attend the service
- Offering a listening ear and facilitating discussions that bring people together
- Setting up for group sessions, helping to keep the communal areas tidy (e.g. kitchen and ground floor space), and packing away following each session
- Promoting and signposting activities available in the wider community
- Identifying and reporting any concerns or risks to the Manager within the building
- Planning and delivering activities – these could be creative based arts and crafts, board games, music based, yoga, or other skills and interests that you bring with you
- Engaging with the people who access the service and encouraging time in the community (e.g. walk and talks, or attending external groups with them for support)
Personal qualities and skills we would like you to bring to the role:
- Non-judgmental towards people with lived experience
- Good time keeping
- Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
- An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website, and you can call a specific project to make enquiries
- A genuine interest in being part of the mission, vision and promise of Waythrough
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training
What Volunteers can expect from us: Volunteering with Waythrough offers people a unique chance to have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. We work both with and within diverse communities across the UK and every day we see people making positive changes to turn their lives around. We also offer:
- Regular supervision and support
- Induction and access to online and face-to-face training. Note Cyber Ninjas eLearning, Information Governance eLearning, Equality & Diversity eLearning and Volunteer Induction workshop are mandatory for all volunteers as a minimum with additional training depending on the role
- The opportunity to learn and practice new skills
- The opportunity to be part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation
- Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey
- Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough’s work
Our values:
- Kindness – be generous, caring and understanding
- Courage – be bold, trust, commit
- Respect – everyone deserves dignity
Location: 10/11 Silverdale Place, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7DZ
Timing: See role description
Induction Training Requirement: All volunteers will be expected to complete induction training before their agreed start date. This training ensures you have the knowledge and confidence to carry out your role safely and effectively. Induction can be completed online or in person, and details will be provided during the onboarding process.
About Waythrough: Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community: Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
What We Offer:
- Discounts from various schemes
- Training and personal development
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
- Free induction and role-specific training
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development
Inclusion and accessibility: Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme – all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
Email: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
How to apply: If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click “Apply via company website” to view the full job description and submit your application. Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.
Wellbeing Volunteer in Newton Aycliffe employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that values its volunteers, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where individuals can make a meaningful impact in their community. Located in Newton Aycliffe, volunteers benefit from comprehensive training, regular supervision, and opportunities for personal growth, all while being part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to improving the lives of those facing mental health challenges. With a commitment to kindness, courage, and respect, Waythrough fosters an environment where every volunteer can thrive and contribute to positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wellbeing Volunteer in Newton Aycliffe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, check out Waythrough's website and social media. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your listening skills! As a Wellbeing Volunteer, being a friendly face and offering a listening ear is key. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable with engaging in conversations and facilitating discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Think about activities you could bring to the table, like arts and crafts or yoga. Prepare a few ideas to share during your interview to demonstrate how you can contribute to the community and engage with others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Wellbeing Volunteer in Newton Aycliffe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When 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 wellbeing.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the role of a Wellbeing Volunteer. Highlight any relevant activities or roles you've had that show your empathy and ability to connect with others.
Show Your Commitment:We love volunteers who are genuinely interested in making a difference. In your application, express your enthusiasm for supporting the community and how you plan to engage with those we serve.
Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you’re serious about the role and pays attention to detail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research Waythrough and its mission. Understanding their values, such as kindness and respect, will help you align your answers with what they stand for. This shows genuine interest and commitment to their cause.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Wellbeing Volunteer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated understanding and support for others. This could be through volunteering, work, or personal situations. Highlighting these moments will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like engaging with service users or facilitating group discussions. Think of creative activities you could bring to the role, such as arts and crafts or yoga, and be ready to share your ideas.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or how volunteers can contribute to the community. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
