At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun activities and support patients in a lively coffee bar environment.
- Company: Join SAMH, Scotland's leading mental health charity with nearly 100 years of impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, training opportunities, and team wellbeing budgets.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to develop your skills in a unique setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a creative and supportive space.
- Qualifications: Experience in running activities and a passion for mental health are essential.
Overview
Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland's national mental health charity. We have represented the voice of people most affected by mental health problems in Scotland for almost 100 years. Today, in over 60 communities we work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others. These services together with our national programme work in respectme, suicide prevention and active living; inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change. SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.
Role details
- Location: The Hive, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Tipperlinn Rd, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF
- Hours: 23.5 hrs per week
- Salary: £26,228 per annum (pro rata) - £13.45 per hour (Salary scale 10)
- Contract: Permanent
About the role
The Hive is an activity centre in the grounds of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital providing coffee bar, activities, and events for all the in-patients of the hospital. The Hive is a fun lively unique place to work, we offer a welcoming space for patients away from the wards where they can relax and have a coffee or get involved in activities and social events e.g. music, art, clay modelling, knitting, yoga, walking groups, music jam, karaoke, parties, and much more.
Activity Workers are responsible in leading and encouraging patient involvement in activities in the Hive. They will also be expected to run groups, activities and events involving music, arts, crafts and physical activities, especially if you can offer a different skill than our current staff team. The post will also involve promotional and administrative tasks. The successful candidate will assist in the day to day running of the coffee bar, serving drinks, snacks, keeping coffee bar clean and tidy in line with food hygiene regulation.
The post requires flexibility in the hours that you are available to work as The Hive is open Tuesday to Saturday during the day and opening late on a Tuesday evening. This post will require you to work on Fridays and Saturdays. If you have creative skills that you would like to share and have some experience of mental health, we would love to hear from you. This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
What we are looking for
- Skills and experience running groups/activities in music or arts + crafts or fitness/sports - Essential
- Experience in mental health field - Desirable
- Basic knowledge and understanding of factors affecting mental health - Desirable
- Experience in a coffee bar role or bar work - Desirable
- Food hygiene certificate or willingness to complete training - Essential
- Good Communication and interpersonal skills - Essential
- IT Literate - Essential
- Experience of using Canva and Microsoft Office suite - Desirable
- Must be approachable, supportive and able to operate in a team - Essential
- Experience of planning events and activities - Desirable
What we will provide for you
You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include:
- Reimbursement of PVG, Disclosure registration costs.
- Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions
- 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years' service
- 4 public holidays
- 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you.
- Team wellbeing budgets
- Workplace pension scheme
- Life Assurance policy
- Employee Assistance Programme
Closing date for applications will be Wednesday 8th July 2026 5pm.
If you'd like an informal chat about this role and working for SAMH, please contact: Julie McPherson Team Leader, 0131 537 6256 or julie.mcpherson@samh.org.uk
To apply and for further information please visit; https://www.samh.org.uk/information/work-with-us
PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of any qualifications declared in your application will be required. Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.
Activities Worker Level 1 (REC1964) - 478094 employer: Scottish Action for Mental Health
At SAMH, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer dedicated to mental health and wellbeing. Working at The Hive in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital offers a unique opportunity to engage with patients in a vibrant environment, where creativity and compassion are at the forefront of our activities. With comprehensive training, generous leave policies, and a strong focus on employee development, we empower our staff to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Scottish Action for Mental Health Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Worker Level 1 (REC1964) - 478094
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Scottish Action for Mental Health, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Scottish Action for Mental Health. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Scottish Action for Mental Health's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Activities Worker Level 1 (REC1964) - 478094
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Scottish Action for Mental Health. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Scottish Action for Mental Health.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Action for Mental Health
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Scottish Action for Mental Health.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Activities Worker Level 1 (REC1964) - 478094 at Scottish Action for Mental Health.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Scottish Action for Mental Health that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Activities Worker Level 1 (REC1964) - 478094 role.
