At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery through various community-based roles and activities.
- Company: Phoenix Futures is a leading provider in the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership, focusing on substance use services.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, and support while making a real difference in your community.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering commitment of at least 4 hours per week; various roles available.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help others on their recovery journey while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Lived experience with drug/alcohol use is essential; no formal qualifications required.
Derbyshire Recovery Partnership Alcohol and Drug Service
About Phoenix Futures and Volunteering Opportunities
Phoenix Futures is one of four providers within the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership alcohol and drug service. We lead on delivering psychosocial interventions that support behaviour change for people seeking to address their alcohol and/or drug use.
We are looking to expand our well‑established volunteer team, whose contributions are highly valued and play an important role in complementing our service.
What Our Volunteers Do
Volunteer roles may include supporting Key Workers and Recovery Workers with one‑to‑one sessions, drug and alcohol testing, issuing Naloxone, needle exchange, and attending multi‑disciplinary meetings. Volunteers may also support or co‑facilitate a wide range of groups, including gender‑specific, therapeutic, rehab, aftercare, mindfulness, substance‑specific, peer support and service‑user involvement sessions, meetings and activities.
You may also help encourage people accessing our service to attend one‑to‑one sessions, groups and activities, highlighting the benefits of engagement and sustained participation.
Some volunteers choose to focus on a specific role (such as the Recovery Through Nature project or Naloxone Ambassador work), while others prefer a mixed role across different areas of the service.
Who Can Apply
You can apply to volunteer with us whether or not you have lived experience of addiction—we welcome all applications. Applicants must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be passionate about supporting people in addiction and recovery
- Be willing to complete training and develop new skills
We recommend a commitment of 4–20 hours per week to ensure appropriate training, support and meaningful opportunities. Volunteering takes place Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. If you have specific availability requirements, let us know and we will aim to accommodate these where possible.
Lived Experience Career Pathway
If you have lived experience and live in Derbyshire, you may also be offered the opportunity to join our Lived Experience Career Pathway. This includes access to one‑to‑one coaching, group support, peer networks, and a range of accredited courses and qualifications in alcohol and drug work.
Application Process
Volunteer applications are reviewed monthly by our Recovery Team Manager and Career Coordinator. All applicants will be contacted to offer an informal interview or discuss any potential barriers to volunteering.
If you are offered a role, a DBS check and references are required before agreeing a start date. As we work with vulnerable adults, this applies to everyone recruited within our service. We recognise that applicants may have a history of addiction or offences and ask that you are open about these on your application. There are very few circumstances where this would prevent us from offering a volunteering role.
Specific Volunteering Roles
You may wish to reference one or more of the following roles in your application:
- Naloxone Volunteer – training and issuing life‑saving Naloxone kits
- Recovery Connector Volunteer – supporting access to community‑based recovery activities, projects and fellowship meetings
- Recovery Through Nature Volunteer – engaging people in conservation and horticultural projects alongside our specialist lead
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment Volunteer – supporting people in treatment, which could include those involved in the criminal justice system
- Groupwork Volunteer – co‑facilitating a range of group sessions
- Detox and Rehab Volunteer – supporting people preparing for detox and/or rehabilitation alongside a specialist worker
How to Get Involved
To find out more, contact us at dhcft.derbyshirelivedexperiencecareerpathway@nhs.net
If you’re ready to get involved, please apply via our website – www.phoenix-futures.org.uk
Additional Information
- Derbyshire Recovery Partnership: www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk
- For paid roles, visit: www.phoenix-futures.org.uk
If you’d prefer an informal conversation before applying, please contact us using the email above. Please note this email address cannot be used for Phoenix Futures job applications.
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Volunteer - various opportunities at locations within Derbyshire employer: Phoenix Futures
Contact Detail:
Phoenix Futures Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer - various opportunities at locations within Derbyshire
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your lived experience in your conversations with the team. This is a key aspect of the role, and sharing your personal journey can help you connect with the staff and demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by those in recovery.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the different volunteering roles available, such as Wellbeing and Groupwork Volunteer or Recovery Connector Volunteer. Understanding the specifics of each role will allow you to express your interest more clearly and show how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current volunteers or staff members if possible. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the organisation's culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your discussions about potential roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in expressing your availability and commitment. Since the minimum volunteering requirement is 4 hours per week, clearly communicate your preferred days and times to volunteer, showing that you are ready to contribute and be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer - various opportunities at locations within Derbyshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the specific volunteering opportunities available. Make sure you know what each role entails and how your lived experience can contribute.
Tailor Your Personal Statement: In your personal statement, highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the roles you're interested in. Be specific about how your lived experience can benefit the team and the individuals you'll be supporting.
Specify Your Availability: Clearly state your preferred volunteering days, times, and locations in your application. This helps the organisation understand how you can fit into their schedule and needs.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Futures
✨Show Your Passion for Volunteering
Make sure to express your genuine interest in volunteering and helping others. Share any personal experiences that have motivated you to apply for this role, especially if they relate to substance use or recovery.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any previous volunteering experience or skills that are relevant to the role, be sure to mention them. This could include working with vulnerable populations, facilitating groups, or any community service you've been involved in.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you understand more about the role and the organisation. You might ask about the training provided or how volunteers are supported in their roles.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Availability
Since the role requires a minimum commitment of 4 hours per week, be prepared to discuss your availability clearly. Mention the days and times you can volunteer, as this will help the interviewers see how you fit into their needs.