Peer Support Volunteer

Peer Support Volunteer

South Shields Volunteer No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • 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.

Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people from accessing support to live a valued life. We address poverty and disadvantage through mental health, substance misuse, housing, and related support services.

We operate nearly 200 services across England, supported by almost 3,500 staff and volunteers, helping around 125,000 people annually.

As we integrate two major organizations, some branding and systems are still separate. Our jobs are currently branded under \’Humankind\’, with full system integration expected next year.

Location: Cookson House, South Shields, NE33 1TL

Region: Tyne and Wear

City: South Shields

Interview Date: 23 Jul 2025

About The Role:

This is an unpaid, voluntary role supporting peer-led services by leveraging lived experience to assist in coordinating and delivering interventions. You will help develop community recovery activities alongside the Community Development Worker, supporting individuals with complex needs through our Supporting Voices model, which includes telephone support and signposting. You will also act as a point of contact for service users and their families, participate in supervision and training, and promote engagement activities.

Tasks may include:

  • Advocating for service users to promote access and engagement with support services.
  • Participating in engagement activities such as posters, advertising, and direct communication with service users.
  • Serving as a role model by demonstrating positive engagement and maintaining personal wellbeing.
  • Building effective relationships with support providers to benefit service users and volunteers.

Additional Information:

Location: Cookson House, South Shields

Timing: Max 15 hours/week; availability on Fridays required

Training: Access to LearningKind platform; completion of training modules within first 3 months

Who are we: Waythrough, launched in October 2024, aims to dismantle barriers to support, addressing community poverty and disadvantage through various support services. We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity. Applications from those with lived experience of substance use are encouraged. Support with applications is available if needed.

Additional Details: Applications close on 20 Aug 2025. No driving license or police vetting required. For more info, review our privacy statement here.

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Peer Support Volunteer employer: Forward Leeds

Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in South Shields. As a Peer Support Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing complex needs while benefiting from comprehensive training and personal development. Our commitment to diversity and community engagement ensures that every volunteer's voice is valued, making this role not just a job, but a rewarding experience that contributes to breaking down barriers in mental health and support services.
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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

Empathy
Active Listening
Communication Skills
Advocacy Skills
Relationship Building
Community Engagement
Organisational Skills
Teamwork
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Mental Health Issues
Knowledge of Support Services
Flexibility
Confidentiality
Training and Development

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.

Peer Support Volunteer
Forward Leeds
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