At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate peer support groups, organise activities, and create a welcoming environment for participants.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity dedicated to mental health support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real difference in your community.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team, and a chance to contribute to mental health awareness.
- Why this job: Empower others while building connections and enhancing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Must have previously accessed Sequoia support and possess empathy and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29642 - 30000 £ per year.
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.
Location: Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire
Hours: Between 3-6 hours a month
The Volunteer Connecting Peers Group Facilitator role supports people who have previously accessed support through Sequoia to build confidence, develop social connections, and take part in enjoyable activities in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
As a Volunteer Connecting Peers Group Facilitator, you will volunteer alongside fellow volunteers to organise and run Connecting Peers Groups once a fortnight or once a month. These groups are open to anyone who has previously accessed support with Sequoia and provide an opportunity to connect with others outside of a therapeutic or support-based setting.
You will help design and facilitate activities such as board games, crafts, or other group interests, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, included, and able to participate. Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.
This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness. Please note, this role is only available to those who have previously accessed support with Sequoia. If you have not participated in a Sequoia intervention, we will not be able to progress your application.
As a Volunteer Group Facilitator, you will:
- Help organise and develop a Sequoia Connecting Peers group
- Share your ideas and interests when designing group sessions and activities
- Co-facilitate group sessions and help create a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive environment
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are being followed and that the groups remain a safe space
- Communicate with group attendees to understand their goals and ensure the group meets their needs
- Use creativity to plan and support enjoyable activities such as games, crafts, or social activities
- Attend supervision, training, and any required meetings to support your role
About the service
Sequoia has been developed to support people who currently fall between primary and secondary mental health care services. Delivered in partnership between Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) and Rethink Mental Illness, Sequoia offers a range of psychosocial interventions for people experiencing emerging, mild, or moderate difficulties relating to Complex Emotional Needs and Personality Difficulties. All service users are aged 18 or over, and interventions take place across the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire areas. Service users can choose from four different interventions and may access more than one, with a consolidation period between them.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Previous experience of using the Sequoia service
- Lived experience of Complex Emotional Needs or Personality Difficulties
- The ability to communicate with a wide range of people in a friendly and non-judgemental way
- Empathy and compassion for people on their mental health journey
- Respect for people’s differences and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces
- A willingness to follow Rethink Mental Illness policies and procedures
- Commitment to attending training and engaging in support offered within the role
How to apply
To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: Gracie Smith - gracie.smith@rethink.org
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement. We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
Volunteer Connecting Peers Group Facilitator in Bristol employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including access to a Wellbeing Hub, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave policies. With a strong focus on professional development and a culture that values diversity, we empower our team members to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve within the North East Prisons.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Connecting Peers Group Facilitator in Bristol
✨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 Rethink Mental Illness.
✨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 Rethink Mental Illness. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Connecting Peers Group Facilitator in Bristol
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 Rethink Mental Illness 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 Rethink Mental Illness
✨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 Rethink Mental Illness how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Rethink Mental Illness 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 Rethink Mental Illness.
