At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing challenges in mental health and wellbeing through practical and emotional encouragement.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading provider of specialist support services.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and reimbursement for expenses.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and be part of an inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing new skills and confidence.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others; no prior experience needed as full training is provided.
Service Volunteer Recovery Focus Walton Street, GB
Location: Aylesbury / High Wycombe
About Waythrough
Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery 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
Are you passionate about supporting others and making a positive impact in your community? We are looking for Service Volunteers to support individuals accessing our services, providing practical and emotional encouragement that helps people achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing.
This rewarding role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced practitioners, support group activities, and help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone accessing support.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide support to individuals alongside practitioners during one-to-one sessions.
- Assist with group sessions, workshops, and activities.
- Support the delivery of community and service events.
- Help individuals attend appointments and access support services.
- Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation within the community.
- Build positive relationships with service users and staff.
- Promote a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about helping and supporting others.
- Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.
- Reliable and committed to making a difference.
- Patient, understanding, and non-judgemental.
- Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
- Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- A positive role model who encourages and inspires others.
- Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
Previous experience is not essential, as full training, supervision, and ongoing support will be provided.
What You'll Gain
- Valuable experience within health, wellbeing, and community services.
- Opportunities to develop communication, support, and interpersonal skills.
- Access to training and personal development opportunities.
- Increased confidence and experience working with diverse communities.
- The chance to meet new people and become part of a supportive team.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
- Reimbursement of agreed volunteer expenses.
Join us as a Service Volunteer and help support individuals on their journey towards positive change while gaining valuable experience and developing new skills.
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
Full-time
Service 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 Service 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.
