At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 peer support and help individuals engage with their communities.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Training, personal development, travel reimbursement, and discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and gain valuable experience while making an impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and support positive change.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of the criminal justice system and a passion for helping others.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
About the Role
Our Liaison and Diversion service supports individuals within the criminal justice system who may be experiencing challenges such as mental health needs, substance misuse, learning disabilities, social isolation, or other complex life circumstances. As a Peer Support Volunteer, you will use your lived experience to provide low-level, strengths-based support to people transitioning from our Community Link service. You’ll help individuals build confidence, stay connected with services, engage in their communities, and improve their overall wellbeing through supportive 1:1 engagement. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference by helping others move forward positively and reduce the risk of disengagement from support services.
Key Duties
- Provide 1:1 peer support to individuals accessing the service
- Encourage and support engagement with community activities and social networks
- Assist individuals in attending appointments where appropriate
- Promote wellbeing, independence, and positive coping strategies
- Build supportive, professional relationships based on empathy and understanding
- Maintain appropriate boundaries and follow service guidance and procedures
- Work alongside the wider Liaison and Diversion team to support positive outcomes
About You
We are looking for people who have lived experience of the criminal justice system and a passion for supporting others. You will be compassionate, approachable, and able to encourage individuals in a positive and non-judgemental way. You will also have:
- Good communication and listening skills
- The ability to build trust and rapport with others
- An understanding of the challenges people may face when accessing support services
- Reliability and a willingness to learn
- A commitment to equality, inclusion, and confidentiality
No formal qualifications are required — full training and ongoing support will be provided.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:
- Discounts from various schemes
- Training and personal development
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
- Free induction and role-specific training
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
How to apply
If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application. Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.
Liaison and Diversion Peer Support Volunteer employer: Waythrough
Contact Detail:
Waythrough Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Liaison and Diversion Peer Support Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Waythrough and understand their mission and values. This will help you connect your personal experiences with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former volunteers at Waythrough on social media. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your lived experience can help others and be ready to share specific examples of how you've overcome challenges.
✨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 the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Liaison and Diversion Peer Support Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your lived experience can make a difference in this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. Highlight your communication skills and any relevant experiences that show your passion for supporting others.
Show Your Commitment: We love seeing applicants who are genuinely passionate about making a difference. Share why you want to be a Peer Support Volunteer and how you can contribute to our mission at Waythrough.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll have access to all the details and can ensure your application is submitted correctly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to be a Peer Support Volunteer. Think about your lived experiences and how they can help others. Being able to articulate your passion for supporting individuals facing challenges will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your communication and listening skills. Think of situations where you've built trust and rapport with others. Sharing these stories will demonstrate your ability to connect with individuals in a supportive way, which is crucial for this role.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key duties of the Liaison and Diversion service. Be ready to discuss how you would provide 1:1 support and encourage engagement with community activities. Showing that you understand the responsibilities will show your commitment to the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the training process or how the team supports each other. Asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.