At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health issues through 1-1 sessions and community activities.
- Company: Join Solent Mind, the largest mental health charity in Hampshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while using your own recovery experience.
- Qualifications: Personal lived experience of mental health issues and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 14900 - 16360 £ per year.
Service: Wellbeing (Fareham and Gosport)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Location: Coastal Primary Care Network
Salary: £15,187.50 to £16,361.15 per annum (£24,975 to £26,905 full time equivalent) - Solent Mind Band B
Closing Date: Thursday 26 March 2026 (11:59pm)
About the role
We are looking for a Peer Support Worker to join our team. You will be based in the Gosport PCN surgeries in the Fareham and Gosport localities. In this role you will support the PCN Wellbeing Advisors, hold a caseload of patients offering 1-1 sessions to help manage mental wellbeing. You will also support people to access groups and activities in the community. You will use your skills and experience to work directly with people with mental health issues in group and one to one settings, including telephone, face to face and online engagement.
About you
You will need to have personal, lived experience of a mental health issue, having done your recovery journey. You will have experience of working with people with mental health needs, excellent communication skills and a strong understanding of the key difficulties and challenges faced by people on their recovery journey. You will need to demonstrate a resilient approach to dealing with changing priorities and emotionally challenging situations.
About us
Solent Mind is the largest mental health charity in Hampshire. It is part of a network of 125 local Minds in England and Wales, which are independent charities affiliated to Mind, the national mental health charity. Solent Mind has its own Board of Trustees and raises its own funds to deliver its services, support and training tailored to the needs of people living in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight. Solent Mind has a Gold award for Workplace Wellbeing Index 2022/2023 and has signed up to be a Mindful Employer.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS - You will be asked about gaps in your employment and to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at interview. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor this role as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Any offer for this role will be subject to an Enhanced Adult Barred Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and receiving your references.
We welcome applications from all of the communities in which we work. We also positively encourage applications from people with mental health problems to apply for a role within Solent Mind. Appointments are made on merit.
We reserve the right to end any vacancies prior to the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of applications have been received. Therefore, please submit your application as early as possible.
Peer Support Worker (Coastal PCN) in Eastleigh employer: Solent Mind
Solent Mind is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the vibrant communities of Eastleigh and Southampton, we offer our team members the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in mental health services while benefiting from ongoing training and development programmes. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that values collaboration and innovation in delivering vital crisis support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Support Worker (Coastal PCN) in Eastleigh
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Solent Mind.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Solent Mind!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Solent Mind, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Solent Mind or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Worker (Coastal PCN) in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Solent Mind:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Solent Mind! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Mind
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
