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- Tasks: Support individuals affected by mental illness through befriending and community connection.
- 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: Minimum commitment of 2 hours per week with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Help reduce social isolation and empower others while sharing your lived experience.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a flexible approach; lived experience of mental illness is a plus.
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: Brent
- Hours: Minimum of 2 hours per week
We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your volunteering role. You will ideally be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week, with flexibility to meet the needs of the people we support. 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.
As a Volunteer Befriender, you will:
- Meet with service users in locations and at times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
- Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
- Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
- Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
- Act as a community connector to local services
About the service
Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL). The aim of the Befriending Service is to:
- Reduce social isolation of service users
- Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
- Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users
- Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
- Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
- Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Good communication skills
- Flexible in order to meet the needs of the service users
- Lived experience of mental illness, either as a carer or as a person who has experienced your own mental health need
- You will live in the London Borough of Brent
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 one of our Befriending & Volunteer Coordinators:
- Melrose Richards – melrose.richards@rethink.org
- Seena Cuffley – seena.cuffley@rethink.org
- Heena Jivani – heena.jivani@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.”
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.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of becoming 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.
Volunteer Befriender (Brent) in London employer: Rethink Mental Illness
Contact Detail:
Rethink Mental Illness Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Befriender (Brent) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Rethink Mental Illness and understand their mission. This will help you connect with their values during your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers on social media or through community groups. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your story! If you have lived experience of mental illness, be open about it. Your personal journey can resonate with the team and demonstrate your empathy and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets directly to us. Plus, you’ll have the chance to upload any additional info that might help your case, even if it’s not mandatory.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Befriender (Brent) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to apply for the Volunteer Befriender role.
Highlight Your Experience: If you have lived experience of mental illness or have supported someone with mental health needs, make sure to mention it! This is super important for us as it shows your understanding and empathy towards the service users.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. This will help us see how you can make a positive impact in our Brent Mental Health service.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s quick and easy! Plus, you’ll have the chance to upload your CV or cover letter if you want, but it’s not mandatory. Just hit that 'apply now' button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Why
Before heading into the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to be a Volunteer Befriender. Understanding your motivation will help you articulate your passion for supporting those affected by mental illness, which is key to connecting with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Lived Experience
Since lived experience is a vital part of this role, be prepared to share your personal journey and how it shapes your understanding of mental health. This authenticity can resonate deeply with the interviewers and demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Flexibility is Key
Highlight your flexibility in meeting the needs of service users. Be ready to discuss how you can adapt your schedule to provide support during evenings or weekends, as this shows your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you gauge if Rethink Mental Illness aligns with your values and expectations. It’s a two-way street!