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- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges by providing companionship and emotional support.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity dedicated to mental health.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive support from coordinators, and make a real difference.
- Why this job: Help reduce social isolation and empower others while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a willingness to support others.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet service users' needs.
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 role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering.
Support and Benefits
You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.
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 Befriending Service aims 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 you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender
- Meeting with service users in locations and 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
You will have good communication skills and be flexible to meet the needs of the service users.
Organisation and Diversity
At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people's lives. If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we'd love you to join us.
We are Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. 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.
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.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
Volunteer Befriender employer: Rethink Mental Illness
Contact Detail:
Rethink Mental Illness Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Befriender
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you apply, check out Rethink Mental Illness's website and social media. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect better during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers on LinkedIn or community forums. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like to be a Volunteer Befriender.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your story! Your lived experience is valuable. Think about how it relates to the role and be prepared to discuss it openly during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the impact you can make.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Befriender
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing 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 become a Volunteer Befriender.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This shows us that you understand the role and are genuinely interested in making a difference.
Show Your Passion: We love seeing enthusiasm! In your application, express why you’re passionate about mental health and supporting others. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping those in need.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to be a Volunteer Befriender. Understanding your motivation will help you articulate your passion for supporting those with mental health issues and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a befriender, good communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past experiences, whether through volunteering or personal interactions. This will show that you can connect with service users and provide the emotional support they need.
✨Flexibility is Key
The role requires flexibility to meet the needs of service users. Be ready to discuss how you can adapt your schedule and approach to accommodate different individuals and situations. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances.
✨Emphasise Your Lived Experience
If you have personal experience with mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to share it. This can create a strong connection with the interviewers and demonstrate your understanding of the service users' perspectives. Just ensure you frame it positively, focusing on how it has shaped your desire to help others.
