At a Glance
- Tasks: Gather and create content for a magazine, supporting meaningful storytelling.
- Company: Waythrough, a supportive organisation focused on mental health and community well-being.
- Benefits: Training, personal development, travel reimbursement, and discounts from various schemes.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for personal and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building confidence and skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for storytelling and a desire to help others.
Please note, you need to be based within the UK.
About Us: We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation.
An expectation of this role would be to be involved in gathering and creating content for the magazine and also to support with the design and delivery of a lived experience training programme which will cover:
- Reporting methods / techniques
- Responsible storytelling
- Different types of storytelling
The role: As a Community Reporter, you will be part of a small, supportive team creating Waythrough’s external magazine. You will work alongside a Creative Designer, Managing Editor and Community Editors to help shape a magazine that showcases the best of Waythrough and puts the stories and voices of people we support at the heart of every edition. This role is flexible and designed for people who want to build confidence, share their experience and contribute to meaningful storytelling. (You can take on tasks at your own pace - there is no pressure to do everything.)
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.
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.
Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.
Volunteer Community Reporter: Magazine & Storytelling 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 Volunteer Community Reporter: Magazine & Storytelling
✨Get Involved in Local Media Communities
Join local journalism groups or media guilds in your area. They often have volunteer opportunities that can help you network and get your foot in the door. Plus, being active in these communities can lead to solid references and connections!
✨Offer Your Skills to Non-Profits
Many non-profit organisations need media help for newsletters, social media, or event coverage. This is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and bolster your portfolio while also doing something meaningful.
✨Attend Journalism Workshops and Events
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, and networking events on journalism. Not only will you learn new skills, but you’ll also meet fellow aspiring journalists and industry insiders who could have leads on volunteer positions.
✨Show Your Work Publicly
Set up a blog or a social media page where you can showcase your writing. Share the stories that matter to you and tag relevant organisations or publications. This visibility can attract attention from local media outlets looking for eager volunteers like us!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Samples:As you're diving into the world of journalism-media, make sure to include a few of your best writing pieces in your application. Whether it's articles, blog posts, or even social media content, showcase your range and style. We want to see how you tell stories and engage readers!
Tailor Your CV for the Media World:Your CV should reflect your passion for journalism. Highlight relevant experiences, even if they’re volunteering gigs or class assignments that relate to media. Get creative with your layout—consider including links to your published work or any media platforms you've contributed to. We love seeing initiative!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to share your enthusiasm for the role at Recovery Focus. Talk about why you’re drawn to this volunteer position specifically, and how it fits into your journey as a budding journalist. Let us in on your motivations and what you hope to learn!
Be Ready to Collaborate:Since this is a volunteer role, emphasise your willingness to work with others in the media field. Mention any group projects or collaborations you’ve done in the past. Skills like teamwork and communication are vital in journalism, and we want to see that you can thrive in a collaborative environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
As a volunteer in journalism-media, we need to present samples of our best writing. Curate a portfolio that highlights different styles – features, news reports, or opinion pieces. Be prepared to discuss the thought process behind your pieces and how you approach different topics.
✨Be Conversational and Engaged
Interviews in the media field can feel more like a chat than a formal interrogation. So, let’s be enthusiastic about our ideas and show a genuine interest in the role. Prepare some engaging questions about the type of stories Recovery Focus covers and their approach to journalism.
✨Know Your Media Tools
Familiarity with tools like CMS for writing and editing, or social media for content promotion can set us apart. If you've used any multimedia tools or video editing software, don’t hesitate to mention them—it shows versatility and a modern edge in our media approach.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Volunteer Work
Since this role is a volunteer position, we need to convey why we're passionate about journalism and what we're hoping to learn or contribute. Share our motivations for joining Recovery Focus and how this role aligns with our personal goals in the media industry.
