At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in recovery by sharing experiences and guiding them to treatment services.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives and empowering change.
- Benefits: Receive training, ongoing support, and reimbursement for volunteering expenses.
- Other info: Flexible hours, team support, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of overcoming challenges related to substance misuse or homelessness.
Volunteer Role: Peer Mentor
Location: 25 Victoria Street, Rochester, ME1 1XJ and other locations in the surrounding community. Unfortunately, this service does not have step‑free access.
Do you...
- Have lived experience of substance misuse, supported living, or rough sleeping?
- Found ways to overcome challenges in your life that you could share with others?
- Have experience accessing treatment or support services?
- Been free from illicit drug use or problematic alcohol use for the past 3‑6 months?
If you’ve said yes to all of the above, there are people going through a similar experience that need your help in their recovery. You will be fully trained and supported by our Peer Outreach Coordinator throughout your time with the project.
About the Role
Our Peer Mentors support clients to engage with treatment services through supporting access to these services in a variety of ways, including taking people to appointments, sharing their own experiences, making referrals into drug and alcohol treatment services, and proactively encouraging clients to access harm reduction interventions and treatment services. The clients that you will be working with will either be experiencing rough sleeping or be at risk of experiencing rough‑sleeping.
What is the Commitment?
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to giving 1‑5 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months. Volunteering at our service usually takes place Monday – Friday, 9am‑5pm. We are very flexible and happy to work around your availability where we can.
What You Can Expect From Us
- A mandatory training course will be provided which will cover all aspects of Peer Mentoring, including boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality, and personal safety. This course will be undertaken in partnership with the NHS peer mentor training scheme.
- Ongoing supervision and support will be provided throughout the whole process by the Pathways Peer Outreach Coordinator.
- You can expect that we will:
- Work with you to find a volunteering arrangement that works for you and for the service. We will be as flexible as we can!
- Reimburse you for agreed expenses relating to your volunteering.
- Welcome you warmly into our team and support you to get the most from your experience.
- Recognise and celebrate your contribution to the team!
- Provide regular supervision and opportunities to provide feedback on your experience.
- You will be eligible to register with Blue Light Discount Card.
About Social Interest Group (SIG)
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop‑in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Additional Information
This role may close early, for a better chance to be considered, we recommend applying as soon as possible as we screen on an ongoing basis. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. If you need support with making your application, for example, due to learning needs or a disability, please email volunteering@socialinterestgroup.org.uk or call our central office on 020 3668 9270 to request a call back.
Application Deadline: Friday 3rd of July 2026
Peer Mentor in Rochester employer: Homeless Link
At Social Interest Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the lived experiences of our volunteers. As a Peer Mentor, you will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the community while developing your skills in a flexible and inclusive environment. Join us in our mission to empower individuals and transform lives, all while enjoying a supportive work culture that celebrates your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Mentor in Rochester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you apply, check out Social Interest Group's mission and values. Understanding what they stand for will help you connect your experiences with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers on social media or community forums. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to shine in your role as a Peer Mentor.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by reflecting on your own experiences. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them. This will help you share your story effectively and show how you can support others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in and shows you're serious about joining the team. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applicants easily!
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Mentor in Rochester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! Share your lived experiences and how they've shaped you. We want to hear your story and how it connects to the role of a Peer Mentor.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your experiences align with what we're looking for. We love seeing applicants who understand the role and can relate their background to the responsibilities.
Show Your Commitment:Since we’re looking for volunteers who can commit to 1-5 hours a week for at least 6 months, make sure to mention your availability in your application. Flexibility is key, so let us know how you can fit this into your schedule!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Know Your Story
As a Peer Mentor, your lived experiences are invaluable. Be ready to share your personal journey, focusing on how you've overcome challenges. This not only shows your resilience but also helps potential clients relate to you.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Peer Mentor. Think about how you can support clients in accessing treatment services and what strategies you might use to encourage them. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding during the interview.
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
During the interview, highlight your ability to empathise with others. Share examples of how you've supported someone in need or how you would approach a sensitive situation. This role requires a lot of heart, so let that shine through!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the training and support you'll receive. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your desire to be well-prepared. It also gives you insight into how the organisation values its volunteers.
