At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, provide support, and connect them with resources at our REST Hubs.
- Company: Community-focused organisation dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and make a positive impact in your community.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great for building skills and enhancing your CV.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly environment where you can help others and make new connections.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and basic understanding of mental health.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a REST Hub Volunteer. Here is a little more information to give you a clear understanding of the role: REST is an acronym that stands for Recover, Eat, Support, Talk. Our REST Hubs are located across the Norfolk County Area including: Norwich, Thetford, Aylsham, Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth. Most of our REST Hubs provide a 7 days a week service from 9:30am through to 6pm. Although each Hub is unique to the area it is located, we generally provide planned & unplanned 1-2-1 structured wellbeing support, groups and signposting opportunities. We work collaboratively with emergency services such as the police and ambulance, as well as other local charity and NHS services. To us, REST is a safe place where everyone can feel confident to talk about their mental health difficulties, socialise, make new connections and recover. To many people who have accessed our service, it is a friendly place where they feel included, respected and genuinely cared for.
To continue this fabulous work, we are looking for Volunteer Hub Hosts to provide a warm welcome to visitors who may access the Hub for various reasons ranging from support, advice, signposting, referral to just having a cuppa, chat and socialise.
What does a REST Hub Volunteer do?
- You will be meeting visitors coming in to the main entrance.
- Your role will be to orientate people to the building and answer general queries about the services and activities available (including the café, library, events and support activities).
- You will direct and sometimes support visitors to locate events and activities.
- You will be giving out information and resource materials to the public.
- You will link visitors who arrive in a state of distress or crisis with a staff member who will provide 1:1 support.
- You will support reception at busy periods to ensure the entrance is free of obstruction and remains a warm and welcoming environment.
Who makes an ideal Volunteer Hub Host?
- Hub hosts are there to make people feel welcome, relaxed, signpost into services and identify when staff support is required.
- Local knowledge of services would be beneficial for this role.
- You will be enthusiastic and have a passion for helping others.
- The hub host role will involve meeting new people and engaging with our regular visitors.
- The ideal person for this role will be able to listen actively with empathy, communicate well, build rapport and engage with others quickly and easily.
- Adequate training is provided for volunteers. However, we request that all hub hosts have a basic understanding of mental health, either through lived, professional or academic experience.
Training and Support
Here is a list of organisational training that is provided. In addition to this, volunteers will be offered service specific training as part of the induction period:
- Moving and Lifting
- Safety at Work
- Safeguarding
- Professional Boundaries
- Equality and Diversity
- Prevent
- Named contact
- Regular catch ups
- MHFA (when available)
If this sounds like an exciting and interesting opportunity, please download the criteria list for more details of the role requirements.
REST Hub Host Volunteer in Norwich employer: Norfolk and Waveney Mind
Norfolk and Waveney Mind is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises mental health and well-being. As a Recovery Worker in Norwich, you will benefit from flexible daytime shifts, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community by helping individuals navigate their recovery journeys. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values compassion, collaboration, and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land REST Hub Host Volunteer in Norwich
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace REST Hub Host Volunteer in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Norfolk and Waveney Mind, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Norfolk and Waveney Mind.
How to prepare for a job interview at Norfolk and Waveney Mind
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Norfolk and Waveney Mind and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
