Criminal Justice Peer Support Apprentice in Spennymoor

Location: Thinford Investigative Police Hub, Meadowfield Avenue, Durham Gate, Spennymoor, Durham, DL16 6YJ

Hours: Part-time (3 days working in custody, 1 day college/study time, and 1 day off per week)

Contract: Fixed-term, 15-month apprenticeship

Salary: £20,875.40 (This is a full time equivalent so will be pro-rate based on 4 days)

A driving Licence is Essential in this role.

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we've created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 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

We're looking for a Criminal Justice Peer Support Apprentice to join our Durham and Darlington Liaison and Diversion Team.

You'll receive dedicated support and on-the-job experience while working towards a Level 2 Health and Social Care apprenticeship. You'll learn alongside experienced practitioners and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to build a career supporting people within criminal justice and community settings.

You don't need previous experience of working in a support service. What matters is your willingness to learn, your ability to build positive relationships and your genuine desire to use your experience to help others.

As a Criminal Justice Peer Support Apprentice, you'll work alongside experienced colleagues to help people access appropriate support and services.

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and understanding while supporting people in a range of settings, including custody, court and the community.

Key responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with people accessing the service.
• Meet with individuals alongside Lead Practitioners, Support Workers and other members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Support individuals to engage with appropriate health, wellbeing and community support services.
• Contribute to care planning and risk management alongside experienced colleagues.
• Work alongside police, probation, youth offending teams and other partner agencies.
• Support people in custody to engage with community services and other sources of support.
• Provide information, advice, guidance and emotional support to individuals and, where appropriate, their families and carers.
• Help people identify and access services that can support their physical and mental wellbeing and improve their life circumstances.
• Use your own lived experience appropriately and professionally to help people feel understood, valued and supported.
• Promote the value of lived experience within the wider Liaison and Diversion Team.
• Develop your knowledge of referral pathways and the support available across Durham and Darlington.
• Help develop resources such as service directories, posters and information for people accessing the service.
• Support service user engagement activities, including surveys and feedback.
• Develop effective relationships with partner organisations and support providers.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of your work and interactions with people accessing the service.
• Recognise and encourage positive engagement with support services.
• Complete your dedicated college study day each week as part of your apprenticeship.
• You'll be supported throughout your apprenticeship to put what you learn into practice, develop your confidence and work towards a recognised qualification.

About you

This role is particularly suited to someone who wants to turn their own experiences into something positive by supporting others.

You may have personal experience of mental health challenges, substance misuse, learning disability or the criminal justice system.

Your experience doesn't have to come from previous employment-what matters is how you can use your experience appropriately, safely and within professional boundaries to support others.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Caring, compassionate and non-judgemental.
• A good listener who can build positive relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Respectful and open-minded.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact and support people in difficult circumstances? Join us and help create a brighter future together.