At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health issues through 1-2-1 befriending activities.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity dedicated to improving lives affected by mental health challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible volunteering hours, training, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience while helping others and reducing social isolation in your community.
- Qualifications: Must be reliable, live in Hertfordshire, and commit to at least 1 hour per week.
This is a voluntary, flexible vacancy that ideally requires a minimum of 1 hour per week. Your role as a Befriending Volunteer will support our befriending service in East Hertfordshire, providing 1-2-1 befriending for people with mental health issues.
You will be required to travel across Hertfordshire to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to dedicate a minimum of 1 hour per week to volunteering. You must live in Hertfordshire and be able to travel to East Hertfordshire for face-to-face befriending activities.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.
Our service provides support to people with a mental health issue, aged 18 and above, who are known to mental health services. We provide befriending support to people living in the Hertfordshire towns of: Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Chestnut, Cuffley, Waltham Cross.
The aim of the befriending service is to:
- Reduce social isolation of service users
- Increase the confidence of service users to access community resources independently
- Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users
- Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
- Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
- Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness
As a Volunteer Befriender, you will:
- Meet with service users in locations and times that meet their needs, which could include going out for a walk or meeting for a coffee
- Support service users to access and build social and community networks
- Support service users to achieve realistic goals
To be a great fit for this role, you will be reliable and able to commit to 1 hour per week of volunteering. You will also be flexible to meet the needs of the service users.
We value passion, commitment, hope, expertise, and equity in our work. We believe in treating people with equity to ensure justice and fairness for all.
Why volunteer with Rethink? We understand that people volunteer for many different reasons, and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. You will receive an induction to ensure you feel confident in your role, as well as regular supervision.
Please be mindful that we may need to close adverts early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Volunteer Befriender employer: Mentalhealth UK
Rethink Mental Illness is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its volunteers, offering a flexible and rewarding role as a Volunteer Befriender in East Hertfordshire. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organisation provides comprehensive training and support, fostering a culture of personal growth and community impact. By joining Rethink, you will not only gain valuable experience in the mental health sector but also play a vital role in reducing social isolation and enhancing the lives of those affected by mental illness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Befriender
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Rethink Mental Illness and their mission. Understanding their values and the impact of their work will help you connect with the organisation during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former volunteers at Rethink. They can provide insights into the role and share their experiences, which can be invaluable in preparing for your own application.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to mental health awareness. Engage in local community events or online forums related to mental health to show your dedication and understanding of the issues faced by service users.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and reliability. Since the role requires a minimum of one hour per week, think of examples from your past that showcase your ability to commit and adapt to the needs of others.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Befriender
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, take time to fully understand the role of a Volunteer Befriender. Reflect on how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work or volunteer roles related to mental health or community support. Emphasise your reliability and commitment to volunteering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for supporting individuals with mental health issues. Share personal anecdotes or motivations that demonstrate why you want to be a befriender and how you can make a difference.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mentalhealth UK
✨Show Your Passion for Mental Health
Make sure to express your genuine interest in mental health issues during the interview. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support others, as this will resonate with the values of Rethink Mental Illness.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Reliability
Since the role requires a commitment of at least one hour per week, be prepared to discuss how you can meet this requirement. Highlight your ability to adapt to the needs of service users and your reliability in keeping appointments.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of thoughtful questions to ask about the befriending service and the training provided. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you understand how you can best support service users.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
As a befriender, effective communication is key. Be ready to discuss your interpersonal skills and how you would approach building rapport with service users, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.
