At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing challenges through mentoring and community activities.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading provider of mental health and wellbeing support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and reimbursement for expenses.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy personal growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others; no previous experience required.
Location: Aylesbury / High Wycombe
About Waythrough
Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We deliver high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job - it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
About the Role
Do you want to use your experiences, strengths, and passion for helping others to make a real difference? We are looking for Peer Mentor Volunteers to provide encouragement, guidance, and support to individuals working towards positive change. As a Peer Mentor, you will help create a welcoming and inclusive environment, support individuals to engage with services and activities, and encourage people to build confidence, wellbeing, and positive social connections. This is a rewarding opportunity to inspire others while developing your own skills and experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Support individuals through group sessions, workshops, and community activities.
- Encourage participation, engagement, and social interaction.
- Help people build confidence and develop positive support networks.
- Provide a welcoming and supportive presence within services and activities.
- Gather feedback to help improve services and ensure people's voices are heard.
- Support awareness events, campaigns, and community projects.
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Promote inclusion, wellbeing, and personal growth.
- Attend training, supervision sessions, and team meetings.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about supporting others.
- Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.
- Patient, understanding, and non-judgemental.
- A positive role model who can inspire and motivate others.
- Able to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Reliable and committed to making a difference.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Open to learning, developing new skills, and receiving support.
Previous volunteering experience is not essential. Training, guidance, and ongoing support will be provided.
What You'll Gain
- Experience supporting people within community and wellbeing services.
- Opportunities to develop communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.
- Access to training and personal development opportunities.
- Increased confidence and valuable transferable experience.
- The chance to meet new people and become part of a supportive team.
- An opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others.
- Reimbursement of agreed volunteer expenses.
Join us as a Peer Mentor Volunteer and help empower people to achieve positive change while developing your own skills and confidence along the way.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you'll enjoy:
- Discounts from various schemes.
- Training and personal development.
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
- Free induction and role-specific training.
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision.
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence.
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses.
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development.
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
Closing date: 2026-08-30
Peer Mentor Volunteer in Oxford employer: Recovery Focus
Recovery Focus is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities they serve. With a supportive work culture, employees enjoy generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, pension contributions, and access to a 24/7 online GP, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of families in Enfield. The company also fosters professional growth, providing opportunities for training and development in the health and social care sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Mentor Volunteer in Oxford
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like Recovery Focus.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like Recovery Focus. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps Recovery Focus understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show Recovery Focus how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Recovery Focus serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with Recovery Focus.
