At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery from Chemsex and assist with community outreach.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading alcohol and drug service in Leeds.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, and support while making a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours, travel expenses covered, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help others lead healthier, happier lives.
- Qualifications: Empathy, non-judgmental attitude, and good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation. Forward Leeds is the alcohol and drug service in Leeds for adults, young people and families. Forward Leeds is delivered by 4 services in partnership, led by Waythrough.
This role supports gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary men, as well as men who have sex with men and identify as heterosexual. The role focuses on supporting individuals who use substances to enhance sexual experiences, commonly known as Chemsex. This volunteer role would suit someone who has an understanding and/or lived experience of Chemsex who is no longer participating in the scene. We’re looking for someone with an empathetic, non-judgmental attitude who can build strong working relationships with others. This is a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience in a drug and alcohol service, and to put your passion for supporting and advocating for others who are struggling as a result of Chemsex participation to great use.
Tasks may include:
- Much of this role will take place out in the community but with our Kirkgate city centre hub as a base.
- Assist delivery of training to other professionals on Chemsex.
- Signposting to Leeds sexual health and other MESMAC.
- Signposting and awareness of LGBT+ substance and wellbeing support networks.
- Researching Chemsex specific interventions & the history of the subculture.
- Assist in providing harm reduction advice relating to Chemsex.
- Assist with drop-in support services for clients.
- Provide support for clients throughout their recovery journey.
- Provide support for clients with any unmet needs (health, housing, benefits, criminal justice, for example).
- Provide suitable emotional support for clients.
- Support staff with providing urine tests for clients.
- Potential to support MESMAC community outreach once a week.
- Assist with writing up case notes.
- Adhere to risk management, health and safety guidelines and any relevant policies relating to the role.
- Complete comprehensive assessments & any other relevant paperwork.
- Record information on SystmOne.
Skills we would like you to bring to the role:
- Good IT skills.
- Good written communication skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to keep track of multiple tasks and report back on progress.
- Non-judgmental towards people with lived experience.
- Confident to contact people by email/phone.
- Good time keeping.
- Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction.
- An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website.
- A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training.
What Volunteers can expect from us:
Volunteering with Waythrough offers people a unique chance to have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. We work both with and within diverse communities across the UK and every day we see people making positive changes to turn their lives around. We also offer:
- Regular supervision and support.
- Induction and access to online and face-to-face training.
- To learn and practice new skills within a teamwork setting.
- To feel part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation.
- Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey.
- Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough's work.
Our values:
Our values underpin everything we do – from how we work together through to how we design and deliver services. All our work to fulfil this vision is strengthened by our values.
- Kindness - be generous, caring and understanding.
- Courage - be bold, trust, commit.
- Respect - everyone deserves dignity.
Location: 74 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ
Timing: Fully Flexible: Mon-Fri, 9-5 (15 hours maximum)
Training: Prior to start date, a volunteer is required to attend the one-day induction workshop offered online or in person. Following start date, volunteers have access to our training platform, workday, and may be asked to complete several training modules applicable to their role within their first 3 months.
About Waythrough: Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We deliver high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 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.
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.
Closing date:
Recovery Support Volunteer - Chemsex employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and service users. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to health equality, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the vibrant city of Sheffield, this role as a Health & Wellbeing Nurse allows you to be part of a dedicated team focused on transforming lives and promoting mental health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Support Volunteer - Chemsex
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Support Volunteer - Chemsex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Waythrough, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Waythrough.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Waythrough and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
