Peer Support Volunteer

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

Peer volunteering is an opportunity for people who have themselves used mental health services, to volunteer and support other people currently using mental health services. 

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will provide additional support at our Peer Support Workers by assisting them with administration tasks and supporting with online group sessions. Depending on where you live, you will be based at our Folkestone or Ashford service.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website where you will also find a copy of the role description.

About the service

The East Kent Peer Support Service team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers.

What you will be doing as a Peer Support Volunteer

• Speaking to service users by empathising with them about the difficulties that having a mental health problem can create
• Helping with administration duties
• Telephone calls
• Explaining the services that are on offer and how these can be accessed
• Putting people who are anxious at ease by welcoming them to the service
• Helping to set up an online group

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have lived experience of mental illness
• Ability to empathise with others
• Good communication skills
• Reliable and punctual

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.