At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community walking groups and create a welcoming wellbeing hub for all.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness and make a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and access to wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Help reduce social isolation and promote health while building connections.
- Qualifications: Friendly, approachable, and good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
The purpose of your role is to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people feel supported, connected, and encouraged to improve their health and wellbeing. By leading regular community walking groups and supporting activities within the wellbeing hub, you will help reduce social isolation, promote physical activity, and build confidence among participants. You will welcome people attending the hub, encourage participation in activities, and provide a friendly listening ear where appropriate. You may also signpost individuals to local services and community resources that can support their wellbeing. Your involvement will make a positive difference by helping people become more active, develop new friendships, improve their mental wellbeing, and feel more connected to their local community.
This volunteer opportunity supports a community wellbeing service delivered by Rethink Mental Illness. The wellbeing hub is based in Newport Pagnell, with walking groups taking place in various locations across Milton Keynes. The service currently supports registered members of Rethink Mental Illness, providing opportunities to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection in a safe and welcoming environment. Participants can access wellbeing activities, meet new people, and build confidence through regular community-based sessions. The long-term aim is to develop these activities into open community groups that are accessible to the wider public, helping to create inclusive spaces where everyone can benefit from social connection, physical activity, and peer support. The service operates within both urban and suburban areas of Milton Keynes, making use of local parks, green spaces, and community venues to encourage participation and improve wellbeing.
You will complete the following tasks:
- Lead and support inclusive community walking groups in a safe and welcoming manner.
- Welcome participants to the wellbeing hub and help create a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
- Encourage people to take part in activities and build positive social connections.
- Support the planning and delivery of wellbeing sessions and community events.
- Signpost participants to appropriate local services and activities where appropriate.
- Follow health and safety, safeguarding, and confidentiality procedures, reporting any concerns to the appropriate member of staff.
Necessary skills, experience, and attitude:
- Friendly, approachable, and welcoming.
- Good communication and active listening skills.
- Confident leading or supporting small groups.
- Reliable, organised, and able to manage time effectively.
- Empathetic and respectful of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Able to encourage and motivate others to participate.
- Comfortable working as part of a team and following guidance.
- A commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, equality, and inclusion.
You will demonstrate and apply Rethink Mental Illness values and CARES behaviours.
The training and support you will receive include:
- As part of your induction, you will complete e-learning modules on Safeguarding adults, Data security, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
- You will have access to regular check-in sessions with your Volunteer Manager and a range of wellbeing resources.
Volunteer Wellbeing Hub & Walking Group Coordinator in Milton Keynes employer: Rethink Mental Illness
As a Service Manager at our Wells location, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred housing support for adults with mental health needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development, offering opportunities for training and advancement within the organisation. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a flexible part-time schedule and a competitive salary.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Wellbeing Hub & Walking Group Coordinator in Milton Keynes
✨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 Wellbeing Hub & Walking Group Coordinator in Milton Keynes
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!