Peer Support Worker - Ramsgate

Peer Support Worker

Hours: 10 hours per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings)

Salary: £24,775.13 – £25,498.72 per annum (pro rata: £6,606.70 – £6,799.66 per annum)

Contract: Fixed-term contract until December 2027

Based: Ramsgate, Kent

Can you help someone realise their potential? If you want a role where you can support people on their recovery journey and make a meaningful difference in your community, this could be the opportunity for you!

Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with nearly 40 years of experience delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We support people experiencing mental health difficulties across England through a committed, compassionate workforce.

Everything about MHM is people-focused. Our colleagues are central to the care and support we provide, helping people build hope, confidence and stronger connections in their communities.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who values social inclusion, person-centred recovery and the positive impact of peer support.

Working pattern

This is a 10-hour-per-week position, working Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. The weekly hours comprise three hours each evening (nine hours in total) for group preparation, facilitation and close-down, plus one additional hour for administration. Exact evening start and finish times will be confirmed.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Peer Support Worker to join our service in Ramsgate. Working alongside Recovery Workers and other colleagues, you will draw on your own lived experience of mental health difficulties, or of caring for someone who has experienced them, to offer practical and emotional support.

A particular focus of this post is planning, preparing and facilitating peer support groups three evenings a week. You will help create a welcoming, respectful and non-judgemental environment where people can share experiences, feel heard and build confidence in their own recovery. You will also provide appropriate low-level interventions to people assessed as low risk, within agreed service procedures and with support from colleagues.

Responsibilities will include:

• Planning, preparing and facilitating peer support groups, including setting up and tidying away after sessions.
• Using lived experience appropriately to build rapport, share hope and encourage self-management and recovery.
• Providing supportive, person-centred, low-level interventions to people assessed as low risk, within the boundaries of the role.
• Working alongside colleagues to support people in identifying goals and taking practical steps towards them.
• Offering emotional and practical support and promoting safe, respectful group participation.
• Helping people connect with community resources, partner services and sources of further support.
• Completing accurate attendance, activity and support records, and associated weekly administration.
• Recognising changes in risk or safeguarding concerns and escalating these promptly in line with MHM procedures.
• Working collaboratively with the wider team, attending relevant training and supervision and maintaining confidentiality.

About you

You will have lived experience of mental health difficulties or experience of supporting someone with mental health difficulties, and you will be able to use the understanding gained from that experience appropriately in a peer support role.

You will bring empathy, strong listening and communication skills and a genuinely non-judgemental approach. You will understand recovery-focused, person-centred support and be able to encourage people to take an active role in their own wellbeing. You will be organised, comfortable facilitating group activities, able to maintain accurate records and confident working both independently and as part of a team.

You will have completed Peer Support Worker training or be willing to undertake the training within the first 12 months of employment, subject to course availability. Experience of a recovery setting, group facilitation, coaching or mentoring would be beneficial. Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for the full requirements.

Why Join Us?

Mental Health Matters (MHM) delivers innovative, life-changing mental health support for individuals and communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and values-led environment where colleagues can thrive and make a meaningful difference.

By joining MHM, you will become part of a compassionate organisation focused on improving mental health, promoting recovery and creating positive change in local communities.

What we offer you

• Competitive salaries, with an annual pay review process
• 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Enhanced occupational sick pay, subject to policy
• Access to our workplace pension scheme
• Family-friendly and flexible working arrangements where service requirements allow
• Access to our wellbeing offer, including EAP, virtual GP service and wellbeing resources
• Life assurance and free Will-writing service
• Blue Light Card and charity worker discounts
• Access to Tickets for Good
• Employee recognition and celebration schemes
• A tailored induction programme, personal development and career pathways

How to Apply

At Mental Health Matters, we are committed to safer recruitment and appointing people who share our values and are dedicated to making a positive difference.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete our online application form. As part of your application, you will be asked to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the criteria in the Person Specification. We encourage you to provide examples that show your suitability for the role.

For further information about our recruitment and selection processes, please refer to our Candidate Guide.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is fair, welcoming and accessible to all, and value the different experiences and perspectives that our colleagues bring.

All disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential shortlisting criteria are guaranteed an interview.

Interested in Finding Out More?

We welcome informal conversations about the role. Please contact Sara Lipinska at slipinska@mhm.org.uk.

We look forward to hearing from people who share our passion for improving mental health and changing lives.

Please note that, due to the sensitive nature of the duties, an enhanced DBS check will be sought in the event of a successful application.

The closing date is a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received, so early applications are encouraged.

Closing date: Friday 27 November 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 8 December 2026 (via Microsoft Teams)

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