At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate peer support groups, organise activities, and create a welcoming environment.
- Company: Rethink Mental Illness, dedicated to supporting mental health and community connection.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a positive impact in your community.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team, and a chance to contribute to mental health awareness.
- Why this job: Help others build confidence and connections while enhancing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Must have previously accessed Sequoia support and possess empathy and communication skills.
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.
About the role
- 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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
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 this 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 to 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 demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
Volunteer Facilitator for Connecting Peers Groups 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 Facilitator for Connecting Peers Groups in Bristol
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Facilitator for Connecting Peers Groups in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Rethink Mental Illness, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Rethink Mental Illness.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Rethink Mental Illness and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
