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- Tasks: Facilitate peer support groups for individuals with complex emotional needs.
- Company: Mind BLMK, dedicated to improving mental health in local communities.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, health plan, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while sharing your own recovery journey.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of complex emotional needs and a passion for mental health.
- Other info: Receive full training and ongoing support from mental health professionals.
The predicted salary is between 14273 - 15100 £ per year.
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.
About the Service User Network (SUN)
The SUN is an open access model of community-based facilitated group peer support for people experiencing complex emotional needs associated with complex trauma and/or a diagnosis of personality disorder. The SUN aims to help people develop effective ways of coping, reduce emergencies and improve access to appropriate services. Those accessing the SUN may or may not have a formal diagnosis of personality disorder. Group members will have experienced longstanding emotional difficulties, isolation and may demonstrate patterns of behaviour that may not be helpful in the longer term.
About the Role
Fundamental to creating empowerment and engagement in the SUN Project is the therapeutic community principle, that the effectiveness of the service depends upon engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members' own resources and expertise is integral to the SUN model of peer support. SUN Facilitators will have their own lived experience of complex emotional needs associated with a diagnosis of personality disorder and will be able to demonstrate their recovery journey. They will work closely with mental health practitioners from ELFT (East London NHS Foundation Trust) to deliver regular Service User Network (SUN) groups in different community-based locations in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire or Luton. Full training in the SUN model, and weekly supervision by a Psychotherapist / Psychologist, will be provided for all team members.
Facilitators will work to develop and support the therapeutic community principle of the SUN model and the effectiveness of the service through engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development, and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members' own resources and expertise is integral to the model of peer support upon which the SUN groups are based. SUN facilitators will have regular supervision and support in this role along with appropriate training.
Entitlements/benefits:
- 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
- Optional Health Plan
- 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)
If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.
Closedown: Monday 13th April 2026 at 5:00 pm
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.
Start date: ASAP
Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.
Please note: 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.
No agencies please.
Lived Experience Facilitator - Service User Network (SUN) in Luton employer: Mind BLMK
Contact Detail:
Mind BLMK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lived Experience Facilitator - Service User Network (SUN) in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health field, especially those connected to Mind BLMK. Attend local events or online meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your personal journey and why you're passionate about mental health. Authenticity can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to lived experience and peer support. Think about how your own experiences can contribute to the SUN model and be ready to discuss them confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Mind BLMK team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Lived Experience Facilitator - Service User Network (SUN) in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to hear about your lived experiences and how they've shaped your understanding of mental health. Don't hold back; your unique journey is what makes you a great fit for the role!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Lived Experience Facilitator role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the SUN model and the therapeutic community principle. This shows us that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Show Your Passion: We love seeing candidates who are passionate about mental health! In your application, share why this role excites you and how you envision contributing to the Service User Network. Your enthusiasm can really make your application stand out.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, give your application a thorough once-over. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and ensure all required information is included. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which we value highly at Mind BLMK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mind BLMK
✨Know Your Lived Experience
Be ready to share your personal journey and how it relates to the role. Reflect on your experiences with complex emotional needs and think about how they can inform your approach as a facilitator.
✨Understand the SUN Model
Familiarise yourself with the Service User Network (SUN) model and its principles. Be prepared to discuss how you can engage group members in running and evaluating the service, showcasing your understanding of peer support.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Demonstrate your ability to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges. Think of examples where you've supported someone else or contributed to a community, highlighting your empathetic approach.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if Mind BLMK is the right fit for you.