Peer Support Worker

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no‑one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Location: Luton Wellbeing Centre, Dumfries Street, Luton LU1 + Admin time worked from home

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Part‑Time, 7 hours per week

Work Pattern: Tuesdays (4.5 hours group facilitation + 2.5 hours admin)

We are searching for a Peer Support Worker to join our mental health services. The role is a peer support worker, who uses their own lived experience of mental health difficulties to support others on their recovery journey through the facilitation of group-based peer support.

Our peer support and recovery services are a key element of the services we offer, and we are looking for someone who can use their own lived experiences to provide support to help individuals achieve their goals.

• Facilitate Peer Support groups and ensure outcomes which support individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs across Luton in line with Mind BLMK’s agreed peer support model and service’s KPIs and contract requirements.
• Support the Service Manager, when required, by assessing individual’s suitability for attending the peer support service in line with the organisations Access to Services process.
• Signpost individuals to wider services and encourage and support people to access local activities and community services.
• Use own lived experience of mental health challenges to show hope, empathy and understanding in a safe space where people feel accepted.
• Share ideas and approaches that support the improvement of mental health and wellbeing and embed this in working practices as a peer.
• Work closely with Service Manager to ensure that our peer support service meets the needs of Luton’s diverse community.
• Encourage and support client engagement with Mind BLMK through the influence and participation process, Guarantor Membership, and training opportunities.

The successful candidate will have an understanding of the wellbeing needs of and working with people with mental health needs, including those from culturally diverse communities, personal lived experience of mental health difficulties and recovery, and the interpersonal skills required to maintain both working relationships with a wide range of people and appropriate peer relationships with service users.

Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)

Westfield Health Plan – includes access to everyday healthcare and indemnifies towards the cost of routine health care.

Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good

In‑house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.

Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.