Mental Health Advocate Jobs

Brand and Content Adviser 

Location: Global remote

Salary: £55,00 - 60,000

Closing date: 15 January 2025

Our vision at UnitedGMH is a world where everyone everywhere can access mental health support. We use our expertise in advocacy, financing and campaigning to advance this vision, focussing on rights, health systems, ecosystems, and field building to deliver progress. We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Brand and Content Adviser to help increase our profile and impact through effective brand, social media and creative content approaches.

Reporting to the Communications Director, this new role will be part of a small international communications team covering strategic communications and media for UnitedGMH and the Global Mental Health Advocacy Network (GMHAN). You will have responsibility for helping manage freelancers and engaging with partners.

This is a great opportunity for a creative and entrepreneurial individual to help us tackle the challenges facing people with mental health needs worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Working with the Director of Communications  and wider team, contribute to the development of a long-term global brand, content and channels strategy which harnesses the strengths, expertise and impact of UnitedGMH to best effect.

• Provide clarity, guidance and insights to inform the development of our online channels and products.

• Work with colleagues to plan and deliver creative and informative content that reaches and engages audiences with our work and brand.

• Produce and commission multimedia resources to tell the story of UnitedGMH’s mission and impact.

• Monitor social media performance and provide insights on brand, content and channel effectiveness. Drive the continuous improvement and optimisation of our content.

• Provide guidance and quality assurance to ensure that our online content reflects the brand in a consistent and compelling way, wherever you are in the world. 

• Share and promote best practices with colleagues, and collaborate effectively to support our shared goals.

• Regularly review and update our website content and structure to optimise it for our audiences.

• Provide direction, management support and mentoring to the Communications Officer.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Experience of shaping and delivering brand, content and social media strategies for international organisations.

• Deep understanding of tools, techniques and approaches to monitoring and analysing data, and of using insights to continually inform and evolve content strategies.

• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills. Able to engage and support colleagues in developing content and promoting a unified brand externally.

• Strong creative instincts with the ability to produce, commission and curate technical information in an engaging way to a diverse global audience.

• An understanding of global advocacy communications and campaigns approaches.

• Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communications skills.

• Line management experience. 

Desirable

• Experience of working in global health, mental health or international development sectors.

• A network of freelance contacts, e.g. photographers, videographers, graphic designers.

• Knowledge of other language/s. 

This is a global remote role and you must already have the right to work in the country where you are based.

To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter via the Charity Job website by 12pm GMT on 15th January 2025. No direct applications will be accepted.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Community Connectors (Mental Health Resilience Worker)
Post no: 622
Working base: Leighton Buzzard or Dunstable (2 available locations)
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £24,720 per annum
Hours: 37.0 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About the Role

Community Connectors work as part of an integrated, blended mental health offer to support people with emotional, social and practical needs to access a range of local, non-medical and non-clinical services, to improve confidence, social inclusion and independence.

This role will involve working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with statutory, third sector and NHS colleagues to support clients who are suffering from moderate to severe mental health difficulties. You will need to have experience working with those suffering with mental health illness as well as being able to demonstrate in depth knowledge of the services, support networks and local resources that may assist in improved outcomes for those dealing with complex and enduring mental health issues. The ability to be adaptable, work independently and the resilience to work in some challenging environments are key attributes for this role.

Service Delivery

• Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks in your respective area
• To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Am enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources
• Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
• Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
• Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
• To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
• Identify and build good working relationships with the community groups, relevant services and activities for partnership work and signposting as well as keep updated information about them.
• Competently work as part of a blended team, under direction from Mind BLMK and ELFT, working with independence and in an agile way to support people with complex mental health challenges.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on 31st December 2024
Interview date: TBC
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Job Title: Children's Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (CHIDVA)

Location: South Warwickshire
Salary: £25,104 per annum
Contract type: Fixed Term (Until January 2026), Full Time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Children’s Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (CHIDVA) to provide high quality practical and emotional support to children who are living in Warwickshire and have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse. 
 
The post holder will support children and young people from the age of 4 – 17 years old who have been affected by domestic abuse, including teenage relationship abuse. The postholder will support children and young people from the point of crisis to ensure their short-term and long-term safety; reduce risk; enable them to access community support services and achieve their goals. The postholder will also increase the ability of partner agencies including schools to recognise and respond appropriately and safely to young people affected by domestic abuse. 

Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

Closing Date: 09:00am 6 January 2025

nterview Date: 15 January 2025
 

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. 

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Job Title: Peer Support Coordinator

Reporting To: Peer Support Team Leader

Location: Hybrid (Our offices are based at Phoenix Brewery, W10 6SZ)

Contract: Full Time, Permanent 

Salary: £24,000 per annum 

Benefits:

• Enhanced policies including 25 days annual leave per year, plus public holidays;
• Company electronic devices;
• Competitive pension;
• Remote and flexible working;
• Excellent opportunities for training and career progression.

Closing date: 12th January 2025

Job purpose: To manage the delivery of a volunteer-led, one-to-one Peer Support service providing
emotional support, peer support and appropriate signposting and resources

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting The Mix’ volunteer body to deliver high quality one-to-one support services safely and efficiently
• Overseeing appropriate risk assessment and making decisions about when to breach confidentiality and provide relevant information to the police
• Assisting with the running and development of shift support and on-going training for Peer Support Volunteers
• Overseeing effective shift management including matching volunteers to service users based on
  lived experience
• Ensuring appropriate training and development of volunteers with our Youth Engagement Team
• Ensuring implementation of relevant policies and procedures, so services are delivered to the highest quality
• Contributing data analysis to ensure services continuously respond to service user needs
• Quality assurance of volunteers on the Peer Support Service
• Supporting reflective practice, self-care and a culture of continuous development
• Volunteer Management including regular check-ins and development of volunteers
• Resolving operational issues in the delivery of one-to-one support services
• Supporting coordination of the management of regular and or concerning contacts
• Providing one-to-one Peer Support sessions as required
• Engaging volunteers on shift to create a meaningful, engaging and positive experience in the Peer Support Space
• Supporting volunteers with tech and troubleshooting as required

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience or interest in delivering support services via digital channels
• Lived experience of mental health needs and/or being part of a marginalised/protected community and/or having supported someone with this and/or having used services directly
• Lived experience of navigating issues such as bullying, relationship breakdowns, navigating exams and the education system, being a young carer, etc
• Passionate about supporting people who might be experiencing issues such as sociological, emotional or financial distress
• Experience of delivering support services to under 25s
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, to work flexibly and to work calmly under pressure
• Ability to maintain effective boundaries while delivering a service with empathy
• Ability to carry out objective risk assessments, liaising with emergency services as needed
• Strong demonstrable interest in the issues which affect young people
• Proven ability to deliver continuous improvement to services in response to service user need
• Understanding of how to retain, train, motivate and develop volunteers
• Good understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and safe working practices
• Self-starter with the ability to work on own initiative and as an active team member
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Desirable

• Passionate about supporting young people with the tools, resources and skills to harness their own recovery through resilience building
• Line management or volunteer management experience
• Experience of multi-channel support services including email and webchat
• Experience of using Salesforce or equivalent VOIP/CRM systems
• Project management experience

We will be interviewing on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of applicants.

As an IDVA, you will be able to effectively work with men experiencing domestic abuse, and supporting them to increase their safety and reduce harm. You will be providing high-quality, front-line service to prioritise risk, primarily focusing on males aged 18+.

You will initiate, develop, maintain and monitor multi-agency links through attending meetings such as MARAC and DA (Domestic Abuse) Forums to keep safety central to all services for men suffering/have suffered domestic abuse. You will specialise and be a leading practitioner for Male victims of domestic abuse; providing advice, guidance and single point of contact for male victims. Be willing to co-facilitate workshops across the service to ensure all clients are given the relevant advice in a timely manner.

You will be confident in your DVPO, DAPO, Occupational, restraining and Non-Molestation order knowledge. Be competent in completing the following forms-  DASH (Domestic abuse, Stalking and ‘honour’ based abuse), UPOA (Understanding Picture of abuse), UPOAP (Understanding Picture of a Perpetrator) and safety plans.

Focus on and prioritise high, medium and low risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service, through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support. Work with victims of domestic abuse to assist them in accessing services to keep them and their children safe.

Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including exploration of legal and civil options, housing, health and finance.

Support clients through the family and/or criminal justice system.

Maintain accurate and confidential case management records and contribute to monitoring information for the service including producing statistics, as required.

Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures, as well as all legislation connected to your work. Remain up-to-date and comply with organisational procedures, policies and professional codes of conduct - uphold standards of best practice.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Job title: Service Coordinator (Mental Health and Wellbeing)
Post no: 621
Working base: Bedford Wellbeing Centre, Woburn Rd, Bedford
Hours: 12 hrs per week
Working pattern: 2 days per week tbc (Monday – Friday), 6 hrs per day (10.00am – 4.00pm)
Contract: Fixed term until 31st August 2025
Salary: £24,720 per annum FTE (£8,017.30 per annum Actual)

About the Role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Bedford Mental Health Prevention service for adults which aims to improve people’s mental wellbeing, raise aspirations and enhance confidence.

As Service Coordinator you will be responsible for implementing working recovery models and coordinating the operational plans for the service to ensure that people are able to manage their mental health, move through their recovery journeys and achieve positive outcomes.

Along with coordinating service delivery to meet its aims, objectives and Key Performance Indicators, you will also line manage the service Recovery Workers and lead on recruitment, onboarding and management of volunteers in the service.

Additionally you will conduct assessments of individual’s suitability for the service, leading on more complex cases and guiding people through the range of available interventions that can support them to achieve the outcomes that matter to them.

In addition to managing the day-to-day delivery of the service you will also contribute to the direct provision of the service by leading and facilitating group sessions where needed and by offering informal 1-2-1 mental health and wellbeing support that reduces the chance that people will fall through gaps, be isolated and ensuring the right support and the right time that manages a range of needs.

You will lead opportunities to support events in the community to raise awareness of our services and to build links with local organisations and agencies.

You will need to be empathetic and deliver a person-centred approach in a non-judgemental way, collaborating with people to empower and engage them. SUN facilitators will have regular supervision and support in this role along with appropriate training.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm Thursday 12th December 2024
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Job Title: Community Manager 

Reporting To: Head of Youth Services

Location: Hybrid (Our offices are based at Phoenix Brewery, W10 6SZ)

Contract: Full Time, Permanent 

Salary: £36,000 per annum 

Benefits:

• Enhanced policies including 25 days annual leave per year, plus public holidays;
• Company electronic devices;
• Competitive pension;
• Remote and flexible working;
• Excellent opportunities for training and career progression.

Closing date: 12th January 2025

Job Purpose: To deliver The Mix’s online communities across discussion boards and group chats, leading a team to establish a fun, inclusive and supportive space for young people.

Main Responsibilities

Responsible for:

• Innovating and growing our online peer support community
• Taking the online community to the next level in terms of youth-led, peer-to-peer digital communities, both in terms of youth-led practice and using new technologies
• Line management of the community team and day-to-day delivery of the community service

Overseeing the day-to-day running of the community: 

• Supporting the community team to deliver The Mix’s peer support community across all channels including supporting young community moderators, activators, content creators and peer supporters, ensuring safe moderation and facilitating peer support
• Ensuring delivery of engaging community events such as group chats, live Q&As and Youth Voice activities
• Line management and development of the community team, including officers, senior officers, freelancers and 50+ young volunteers
• Working collaboratively with the content and digital marketing team and partner organisations to deliver a high-quality service
• Managing projects (including budgets) to develop the online community and volunteering offerUsing data and insights from the community to provide analysis of topics and discussions relevant to The Mix
• Working with the volunteer team to ensure that volunteer roles continue to help grow community engagement
• Ensuring that policies, procedures, rotas, schedules and other information about the services are delivered
• Promoting and encouraging self-care and reflective practice across the team

Community growth and strategy development:

• Leading on the growth and development of the community using youth-led practice and new technology to ensure that it is a space that meets the growing and changing needs of young people
• Delivering the community strategy and working with data and insight teams to monitor strategy development against KPIs
• Ensuring that community members have a sense of ownership and opportunities to help shape the community
• Establishing relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders across relevant sectors and fields
• Focusing on the continuous development of The Mix community by attending training events, being aware of best practice
• within the sector and cascading learning to staff, volunteers, and community members

Volunteering engagement & development:

• Line management of the Senior Engagement and Training Officer, supporting them to engage young
  people in the community into voluntary roles, lead on training and supporting young people in their voluntary roles
• Working with the Volunteering Manager to oversee the departments volunteering practices ensure a
  high-quality service, continuous volunteer development & a positive volunteering experience
• Ensuring that the community has enough volunteers to deliver the service safely
• Supporting the senior engagement and training officer with the co-design and design of volunteering
• roles and processes

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualification and/or relevant experience in youth work up to level 2
• Experience and demonstrable knowledge of running online peer support and community services, including the training and management of volunteers
• Passion for working with young people and experience and knowledge of the issues they face
• Good general technical knowledge with an understanding of the opportunities associated with new technologies and online services for young people
• Excellent people skills, adaptable and flexible in manner and approach with an understanding of how to motivate and develop staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication, as well as good listening skills with the ability to communicate with empathy and understanding
• Good planning and problem-solving skills
  Experience of delivering online workshops with young people
  Line management experience of staff and volunteers

Desirable 

• Experience in group facilitation and training
• Understanding of the legal issues affecting online communities
• Experience of working within safeguarding frameworks
• Good technical knowledge, ideally including at least a basic knowledge of HTML
• Any additional social media skills such as social listening, reporting and content creation

We will be interviewing on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of applicants.

This role will deliver tailored, one to one support and case work to support and resolve both immediate, crisis situations experienced by people and on a longer-term basis in the community. In the main people we support are Irish or of Irish descent including the Traveller Community. However, our services are open to all.

Additionally, part of the role will include working across the project team and wider role of ICCM in early intervention and prevention.  Informing and supporting community-based advocacy, awareness, and public campaigns to inform and increase knowledge and education of the community on how to access help, and the availability of support which is open to people as needs develop. Thus, increasing the wider public and social value of ICCM and brining more service users in to receive one to one support when needed. 

This will attract and support our community by making our services local, appropriate, and accessible to those who mainly do not access mainstream services. This will include advocacy and representative services in order for people to secure welfare benefits, enabling people to access the financial benefits they are entitled to.

This will support people experiencing mental and physical health issues, substance misuse, facing legal issues, those who require debt management, threatened with eviction, domestic abuse, and bereavement. This will be done mainly on an outreach basis across Manchester, supporting people in their own homes, in care homes, hospital and where they are resettled to their home environment.

The overall aim of the service is to improve quality of life, access to appropriate support services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes by acting as an advocate and to negotiate with other agencies, where necessary, on our client’s behalf.

Key Responsibilities:

• To make contact with members of the Irish and Traveller communities across Manchester.
• To provide Advocacy and Support via outreach, accompanying to appointments, advocacy to other agencies to address presenting needs who are vulnerable and ‘at risk’ through age, poor physical or mental health, homelessness, risk of homelessness, drug and alcohol use, offending, abuse, and social and cultural isolation.
• Undertake an initial assessment of service users’ needs, presenting issues and risks and to develop a care plan working alongside other statutory and voluntary agencies.
• To offer comprehensive information, advocacy, advice and support services to our community to meet individual needs and achieve positive outcomes.
• Make referrals to statutory and community and voluntary organisations working in partnership to achieve the best level of care and support.
• Develop care plans in order to improve the health of our communities, working with service users and relevant agencies
• To attend and participate in meetings and forums highlighting community issues, cultural needs and experiences.
• To support volunteers and students at ICCM. Volunteers will also support service users to meet presenting needs as highlighted in the assessment and care plan.
• To maintain accurate and up to date records of all areas of work.
• To closely monitor progress of work and report this to your line manager.
• To present accurate and clear reports on all cases as requested by the Advocacy & Advice Manager.
• Attend appropriate networking and training opportunities for personal and professional development.
• To attend and participate in team meetings.
• To participate and engage in supervision and appraisal provided by your line manager.
• To attend conferences and seminars locally, regionally and nationally as directed by line manager.
• To promote the work of ICCM as requested by your line manager.
• To work as an accountable member of the staff team, working within the Charity's policies and procedures
• It is the nature of the work at ICCM that staff are expected to work in a flexible way, when the occasion arises, when tasks not specifically covered in their job have to be undertaken for the benefit of our beneficiaries.
• To ensure you fully embrace ICCM’s values in all your work:

Travel: Regular travel across the UK (including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales)
 

Join us and use your skills, knowledge, passion and energy to help us achieve a future free from arthritis.

At Versus Arthritis, we won’t rest until everyone with arthritis has access to the treatment and care they need to live the life they choose with real hope of a cure in the future.

To turbo charge our progress towards achieving our goals we’ve created a new UK Advocacy (policy, public affairs and campaigns) and Health Intelligence department, within the Chief Executive Office who will pro-actively drive positive change with and for people living with arthritis.

About the role

We are now looking for an Assistant Director, who will work closely with and report to our Chief Executive Officer, to lead this new department.  You will lead a growing department of 18 people and have matrix management of our nations policy and public affairs teams.  Together you will deliver UK wide Advocacy and Health Intelligence strategies and ensure we make a step change in our influence.

About you

If your knowledge, skills and experience include the following then we’d love to hear from you:

• a highly experienced advocate with exceptional policy and influencing skills.

• a strong understanding of how to use data and health intelligence to drive system change in health or a closely related area.

• a track record of working at senior level in a role which requires an organisation-wide, cross-functional strategic perspective on issues, challenges and opportunities.

• excellent communication, networking and influencing skills, with the ability to build purposeful relationships at a very senior level.

People living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions have been overlooked for far too long, if you think you can help us change that, we’d love to hear from you.

*As a hybrid worker the expectation is that you will spend around 40% of your working time in our office spaces or working in community settings. As an inclusive employer we will consider home-based working for anyone where office-based hybrid working would be a barrier to being able to work for us, for example for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability.

Benefits

Your excellent benefits include:

• Flexible hours, environments and working practices to promote a healthy work/life balance.
• Health and wellbeing support – including the Employee Assistance Programme (free confidential 24/7 support with mental health, legal and financial queries).
• Simplyhealth cash plan.
• Supportive and inclusive culture, with a wide range of employee networks and support groups available to join.
• Learning and personal development opportunities.
• Competitive annual leave, with the option to buy/sell up to five days per year.
• Generous pension plan, with employer contribution of up to 10%.
• Life Assurance plan (4 x salary).

You must be based, and hold the right to work, in the UK to apply for this position.

Shortlisting 

• We advise candidates to apply early as we reserve the right to close applications ahead of this date.  
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

We do not wish to receive contact from agencies or media sales. 

Interview

Interview date to be confirmed. Interviews to be held at Versus Arthritis London Office.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee you will be offered an interview if you disclose a disability and demonstrate sufficient evidence within your application that you meet the essential criteria for this role. We will also make any reasonable adjustments you may require for your interview.

The policy and engagement officer will play an integral role in engaging with charities and other organisations across the substance misuse field to support Collective Voice to influence decision-makers to improve England’s drug and alcohol treatment and recovery system and to champion the role of charities in delivering it.

Collective Voice is the national alliance of voluntary sector drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services.  We advocate for a system that reduces harm and nurtures recovery and the vital role of charities in delivering this.

In a typical week you might draft a response to a government consultation on national policy, support a meeting to convene and collate the views of the field on a key issue, write our weekly e-bulletin to engage and inform stakeholders, brief the Director on a policy issue before they meet officials in Whitehall, take minutes at a board meeting, or write a blog analysing and explaining policy developments.

Forming a team of just two with the Director, the post holder will work closely with the Director across all functions of the organisation.  This represents, therefore, a significant opportunity for professional development.

Key responsibilities

1. Advocating for treatment and recovery (40%)
• Support Collective Voice to develop authentic, empowering and influential public positions on policy and campaigning issues
•Research and draft high quality influencing materials, including formal policy submissions, briefings, blogs and articles
• Develop expert knowledge in specific areas relevant to CV’s strategy and make recommendations for proactive and reactive responses
• Represent Collective Voice at external meetings and events, including some public speaking
• Develop relationships with relevant stakeholders in national and local government, policy and advocacy charities and beyond

2. Building the field (35%)
• Work with the Director to build our work to convene the field, currently through Collective Voice’s groups and events (online and in person) including providing administration and chairing where appropriate.
• Engage and convene organisations across the field and wider partners to gather intelligence, good practice and canvas opinion to inform policy positions
• Manage a range of projects, setting and meeting own deadlines and managing simple budgets where needed
• Coordinate Collective Voice’s social media, weekly e-bulletin and blogs to engage and inform the field and support delivery of our strategy

3. Strengthening our Collective Voice (20%)
• Contribute to the strategic and organisational development of Collective Voice, working alongside the Director
• Support governance by organising board meetings, writing minutes and papers and communicating with trustees
• Be a proud ambassador for the organisation and the wider sector at all times • Manage contractors and/or junior staff where appropriate
• Work flexibly and pragmatically within the constraints of a small organisation with a high profile
• Provide general administrative support appropriate to a charity of this size

4.Developing self and values (5%)
Proactively pursue formal and informal learning opportunities and create own development plan
• Actively participate in line-management and appraisal processes

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Peer Support Outreach Worker (Serious Mental Illness)
Post no: 623
Location: Milton Keynes
Contract type: 12 Month Contract
Hours: 12 hours per week (Mon, Tue, Thurs hours TBC)
Salary: £23,088 per annum, FTE (actual salary £7,488 per annum)

We are searching for new Peer Support Workers with lived experience to join our new peer support service. The role involves facilitating Peer Support groups to enable and support individuals with Serious Mental Illness.

Our peer support and recovery services are a key element of the services we offer, and we are looking for someone who can use their own lived experiences to provide support to help individuals achieve their goals. If you feel like you would be suitable for this role, we can’t wait to hear from you.

Service Delivery

• Facilitate Peer Support groups to enable and support individuals with Serious Mental Illness to get their 6 physical health checks and in turn, achieve the service’s KPIs.
• One to one navigation to enable and support individuals with Serious Mental Illness to get their 6 physical health checks and in turn, achieve the service’s KPIs.
• Where appropriate, support clients to access other services within Mind BLMK.
• Encourage and support client engagement with Mind BLMK through the influence and participation process, Guarantor Membership, and training opportunities.
• Identify and build good working relationships with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, community groups, relevant services and activities for partnership work and signposting as well as keep updated information about them.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mind BLMK team and relevant key post holders.
• Contribute to maintaining an effective volunteer workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (workload planning and support).
• Carry out Cash Handling, Health and Safety and Data Collection responsibilities as directed by the Team Leader in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures, requirements and guidance.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Westfield Health Plan – includes access to everyday healthcare and indemnifies towards the cost of routine health care.
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Tuesday 7th January 2025
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

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Director of Communications

Location: Global remote

Salary: £80,000 - 85,000

Reports to: CEO

Closing date: 15 January 2025

Our vision at UnitedGMH is a world where everyone everywhere can access mental health support. We use our expertise in advocacy, financing and campaigning to advance this vision, focussing on rights, health systems, ecosystems, and field building to deliver progress. We are looking for an experienced and creative Director to lead communications for UnitedGMH and the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN). 

You will have deep experience of global advocacy communications with the ability to develop and execute communications strategies with stakeholders across government, international organisations, civil society, the private sector, the media, research and academia. You will be confident in developing and implementing an organisational communications strategy, with a strong emphasis on brand, advocacy and digital communications to engage global audiences with UnitedGMH and GMHAN.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead a small central team, manage consultants, and provide communications advice and leadership to colleagues and partners worldwide. You will represent the organisation externally and manage high-level relationships with corporate partners, major health bodies, donors and board members. You will play an active role as a member of the senior management team, contributing to organisation-wide strategies, plans and fundraising.

You are a driven individual able to lead a cohesive and compelling communications approach, which harnesses our brands, profile, content, expertise, networks and channels to best effect. This is a great opportunity for a creative and confident communications leader to build on UnitedGMH’s successes to date, and to be part of an organisation at the forefront of tackling global mental health challenges.

Attributes and experience

Essential

• An ability to develop and execute communications strategies to help achieve change at the highest levels of government and international organisations.

• Proven experience of improving organisational brand and positioning to be a ‘go-to’ organisation in its field.

• An inspiring leader and manager, able to get the best from colleagues and stakeholders. 

• Experience of working in global health and/or international development communications at a global level.

• Proven experience of leading multi-disciplinary communications teams spanning brand, creative, social media, strategic communications, publications, events, and media relations.

• Experienced in building and developing high-level partnerships, especially with global media, and initiatives to reach and engage target audiences.

• Strong interpersonal and team working skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels.

• Fluent in English, with exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Able to turn technical policy information into engaging products.

• Political sensitivity, with the ability to apply good judgment in decision making.

• Proven ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment.

• Effective in managing budgets, contracts and plans.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of global health and associated networks.

• Additional language skills.

• Familiar with, and a champion of, communications informed by global and national experts including People With Lived Experience of mental health conditions. 

• Knowledge of best practice in communications for mental health

This is a global remote role and you must already have the right to work in the country where you are based.

To apply, please use the Charity Job website to upload a CV and Cover Letter and apply by 12pm GMT on 15th January 2025. No direct applications will be accepted.

Internally your job title will be Recovery Support Worker.

You have a good understanding of the harm caused by alcohol and drug use to adults, young people, children, families and society and a sympathetic approach to people who misuse them. You’d also like to be part of an organisation that counts on the professionalism, insight, expertise and passion of its staff to inspire individual recovery for the people they work with. Welcome to Aquarius as a Recovery Support Worker.

We’re part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. We know that recovery can look and feel very different to each and every one of us. But we also know that if we provide the right support, at the right time, we can inspire recovery nationwide and that recovery is possible for everyone.

Right now, we’re looking for a self-motivated individual to join us at our Recovery Near You service in Wolverhampton. This is a substance misuse service that works with adults aged 18+ and is run in partnership with Nacro and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust. Your challenge? To provide advice, support, advocacy and key work for recovery plans and undertake elements of assessment and case management as directed. You’ll work not only from Aquarius offices, but also in primary care, arrest referral, hospital and youth settings and other outreach settings as required. And, all the while, we’ll expect you to operate in a way that recognises and values diversity and understands the functional model of substance misuse, the Recovery Agenda and the problems caused by alcohol and drug misuse.

Preferably with a NVQ 2/3 in Social Care, or willing to attain this, you are used to working to policy and procedural requirements that include child protection, vulnerable adults, confidentiality and health & safety. We’ll also be looking for good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and fulfil data requirements. A flexible approach is important too, as is commitment to taking a client centred approach to providing services and working in a way that recognises and values diversity.

When applying, please upload a CV and supporting statement which should clearly outline your skills and experience.

In return for your skills and enthusiasm, this role comes with some really great benefits and excellent training and development opportunities. Learning and development is important to us, and we are pleased to be able to offer a wide range of apprenticeships. We hire apprentices into specific roles as well as offering apprenticeships to the workforce. Anyone can apply to undertake an apprenticeship relevant to the role as long as they are in a permanent post and have successfully passed probation.

This is a fixed term role ending on 31 March 2026.

This is a permanent full-time role requiring the post holder to work 37.5 hours per week

This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or anyone from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic group.

Aquarius was a subsidiary of Richmond Fellowship, with both organisations being part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. On 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship merged with Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. At the same time, Aquarius became a subsidiary of Humankind, with no impact to terms and conditions of employment. In October 2024, Humankind was renamed Waythrough to reflect the new organisation, of which Aquarius will remain a subsidiary.

HAMRAH seeks to equip Afghan civil society in exile to protect and strengthen the rights of vulnerable groups in Afghanistan, especially women and girls. We do this through core funding, capacity strengthening, network building and collaborative advocacy.

HAMRAH is hosted by Global Dialogue, an international philanthropy support organisation partnering with funders to advance rights, equity and diversity. Independent in status and global in reach, Global Dialogue provides funder networks, collaboratives and their partners with practical support and technical expertise to create lasting change.  

We seek a Senior Programme Officer – Development & Advocacy to ensure timely and effective implementation of project deliverables through day-to-day management of activities and processes.  

Hours This role is full-time (35 hours/week). We are open to negotiating a working pattern that works for the successful candidate and for Global Dialogue.

Terms Fixed term Contract -1 year (subject to 12-week probationary period. Possibility of an extension dependent on funding) 

Location Home Based. All locations welcome, you will need the right to work in the country that you reside in, we are unable to offer support with visa applications. 

Reporting Reports to the Programme Director   

Remuneration This role has been benchmarked at a UK salary of £44,500 (pro rata for a part time position). Global Dialogue offers a range of benefits including 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays (pro rata), a flexible working policy, and personal development leave. We contribute 6% to our employee’s workplace pension (on qualifying earnings). 

Offer packages may vary dependent on location due to local legislations that we are obliged to adhere to. Variations to the advert are always discussed with candidates at the offer stage. 

More about HAMRAH 

The HAMRAH Initiative is designed to address the significant challenges faced by Afghan civil society organisations (CSOs) forced into exile, particularly women-led organisations, as they continue to provide protection for vulnerable groups within Afghanistan. The initiative focuses on fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations, including women and girls.

Through sustained technical support and resources, HAMRAH aims to build a stronger Afghan civil society equipped with essential organisational infrastructure, leadership skills, and collaborative networks to preserve hard-won gains and advance rights and protections for vulnerable groups.

Currently, we are supporting 10 Afghan CSOs in exile, located around the world, that continue working partially or fully inside Afghanistan to protect vulnerable populations, including women and girls, LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals with disabilities.

More about Global Dialogue  

We currently host seven large networks and collaborations, serving more than one hundred independent funders, including Ariadne, the network of European funders for social change and human rights; the Funders Initiative for Civil Society (FICS); the International Education Funders Group (IEFG); Migration Exchange; Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace (PSJP) and HAMRAH, an initiative to strengthen the resilience and increase the impact of a cohort of Afghan civil society organisations in exile. We’re proud to have incubated several influential, award-winning charities, including Each Other (formerly RightsInfo), IMIX and The Five Foundation.   

Global Dialogue has just completed year one of an ambitious three-year strategy which includes aspirations to be a trusted partner in philanthropy support, with an organisational approach that is consistent with our mission – endeavouring to practice rights, equity and diversity in our operations as well as pursuing it through our programmes. We want to be more visibly active in pursuing our mission, elevating the work of the programmes we host, and taking and making opportunities to promote rights, equity and diversity in philanthropy more broadly.   

Overview    

The Senior Programme Officer - Development & Advocacy will play a vital role in advancing the HAMRAH initiative and strengthening the resilience of cohort organisations through fundraising, research, joint policy advocacy, communication, and capacity development. This position requires a dynamic and caring professional with experience working with Global South CSOs, as well as the passion and empathy to drive strategic initiatives, build partnerships, and amplify programmatic impact. In this role, you will collaborate closely with HAMRAH's partner cohort organisations (10 CSOs in exile), mentors, the advisory board, and other key stakeholders. The right post holder will be comfortable responding to the needs of a cohort of organisations whose priorities may change, which can lead to working in ways that require flexibility. There will be opportunities to explore, discuss and debate new ideas and consider how the latest research could benefit the cohort of organisations.

The Senior Programme Officer - Development & Advocacy will report to Programme Director.

Job Description 

Fundraising and Grant Writing: Work with the Programme Director to identify funding opportunities, lead the drafting and reviewing of proposals, concept notes, and grant applications for the HAMRAH initiative and its cohort organisations. Monitor funding trends and donor priorities to develop tailored and compelling proposals.

Policy and Joint Advocacy: Support HAMRAH and cohort organisations in designing and implementing targeted joint advocacy campaigns, including strategy and messaging development.  Help facilitate policy dialogue and engagement with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and civil society networks, to advance the priorities of HAMRAH and its cohort organisations.

Research and Analysis: Conduct research and analysis to inform programme strategies, advocacy efforts, and policy development. This includes helping produce briefing papers, reports, and articles with clear recommendations based on HAMRAH’s work and evidence.  Also monitor emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in Afghanistan and other exiled communities across Global South to ensure programming remains responsive, relevant and impactful. 

Communication and Reporting:  Lead the development of newsletters and other digital communication materials to showcase HAMRAH’s achievements and cohort organisations’ work.  If needed and approved by cohort, coordinate digital engagement strategies, including website updates and social media campaigns, to enhance HAMRAH visibility and outreach. Lead the drafting of narrative and financial reports to donors.

Capacity Development: support assessment of capacity-building needs of cohort organisations and develop tailored training plans to address identified gaps. When needed, provide technical support to cohort organisations to strengthen their operational and programmatic capacities.

Learning and Exchange: Support the planning and execution of online and in-person cross-learning exchange workshops with partner organisations in the Global South. Facilitate opportunities for collaboration and collective learning, and help establish global solidarity networks, platforms, and resources to enhance knowledge-sharing among cohort organisations.

Person specification 

Required 

• At least 5 years of experience in programme support across fundraising, joint advocacy, partnership, research and capacity development, particularly in the non-profit or international development sectors.

• Degree in a relevant field, or equivalent knowledge that could have been gained through lived experiences or informal learning. 

• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and successfully developing funding proposals for institutional donors, foundations, or multilateral agencies.

• Previous experience in policy dialogue, joint advocacy and policy development, particularly engaging with government stakeholders, donors, and civil society networks.

• Experience in research, mapping, analysis, and writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports, proposals, and policy documents.

• Demonstrated communication and networking skills, including experience in digital engagement and social media strategy.

• Strong Empathy and care for activists and human rights defenders, with a strong commitment to enabling their work and safeguarding their well-being who are operating in a complex and challenging environment.

• Demonstrated cultural competency, with confidence in building relationships across different cultures, navigating power dynamics, and engaging with stakeholders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

• A “self-starter” able to work independently and collaboratively, with the ability and energy to multi-task and thrive in a small team and flat organisational structures.  

• Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, including training and resource development.

• Willing to travel internationally for meetings and events (up to 4 weeks a year). 

Desirable

• Experience working with and collaborating with CSOs in the Global South, with a strong understanding of their dynamics and challenges.

• Demonstrate passion and commitment to HAMRAH’s mission, focusing on supporting strong female leaders and activists at the forefront, while ensuring HAMRAH’s role is to serve and empower them.

• Experience in policy engagement, research, and analysis within the humanitarian and development sectors, particularly in contexts similar to Afghanistan, with a focus on the impact of issues on small grassroots organisations.

• Experience in building partnerships, movements, and networks with Global South CSOs, fostering collaboration and solidarity.

• Experience in identifying and helping manage project risks, including implementing safeguarding measures and conducting due diligence.