At a Glance
- Tasks: Support others through creative peer support sessions and share your lived experience.
- Company: Sound Minds, a user-led charity transforming lives through creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contribution, and supportive training.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for renewal based on funding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while working in a creative community.
- Qualifications: Personal lived experience of mental health difficulties is essential.
The arts for mental health – peer support delivered creatively. Sound Minds is a user-led charity transforming lives through music, film and art. We are a thriving community bound together by creativity and a shared belief in mutual learning and peer support.
Main purposes of the job: Sound Minds is recruiting a Peer Support Worker to join our team in Wandsworth. The Peer Support Transformation Project is funded by and delivered in partnership with South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust, Mushkil Aasaan, and Wandsworth Carers Centre. It is an integral part of Sound Minds’ Canerows programme; a user led service working to improve the lives of people who are overcoming mental health challenges.
Mental Health Peer Support gives emotional support and promotes access to information and practical advice to people experiencing mental health difficulties. As a Peer Support Worker, you will draw on your own direct lived experience of mental health difficulties to support other people through time-limited 1-2-1 sessions. Peer Support Workers at Sound Minds work collaboratively with the Sound Minds team and our partners at South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust. They offer educational, emotional and practical support towards goals that are defined by the client. Peer Support Workers are supported through peer support training and regular supervision. Personal lived experience of mental ill health is essential for this role.
Salary: £27,169 per annum (pro rata) & 3% contribution to pension. Hours: 21 hours per week. This fixed term contract ends on 31 March 2027 and is renewable depending on funding. You will be required to have a DBS (criminal records check) and satisfactory written references before starting.
Closing date: 10:00am, Monday 29th June 2026. First interviews: Monday 6th July 2026. Second interviews: date tbc.
Peer Support Worker employer: Sound Minds
Sound Minds is an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and mutual support. As a Peer Support Worker in Wandsworth, you will not only contribute to transformative mental health initiatives but also benefit from comprehensive training and supervision, ensuring your personal and professional growth within a supportive community. Join us in making a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to improving lives through the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Dive into Sound Minds' mission and values. When you understand what drives us, you can tailor your approach and show how your personal experience aligns with our goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Peer Support Workers at Sound Minds. They can give you insider tips on what we value in candidates and how to stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by role-playing with a friend. Focus on how your lived experience has shaped your ability to support others – that’s what we’re really interested in!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role of a Peer Support Worker entails and how your experiences align with our mission at Sound Minds.
Showcase Your Lived Experience:Since personal lived experience of mental health difficulties is essential for this role, don’t shy away from sharing your story. We’re looking for authenticity, so be open about how your journey has shaped your ability to support others.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Peer Support Worker position. We love seeing how you can contribute to our Canerows Programme and the wider Sound Minds community.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your application, please do it through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sound Minds
✨Know Your Story
As a Peer Support Worker, your personal lived experience is key. Be ready to share your journey and how it has shaped your understanding of mental health. This authenticity will resonate with the interviewers and show them you truly understand the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Sound Minds
Dive into the mission and values of Sound Minds. Understanding their approach to peer support and the Canerows Programme will help you align your answers with their goals. It shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations as a Peer Support Worker. Think about examples from your own experience where you’ve supported others or faced challenges. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the impact of the Canerows Programme. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
