Advocacy Volunteer

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. We support clients with mental health with both clinical and non-clinical interventions. The volunteer will work with the Advocates, assisting the Inpatient Advocacy service, on the wards of The Limes and St Bernards Hospital. Our volunteer will the opportunity to support the Advocacy team with various tasks, including administration, (once trained), with the possibility of being trained as peer advocate.  

Main Responsibilities

To work closely with the Advocacy team and Adult Services, Day Service Manager, attend ward rounds at The Limes and St Bernards Hospital and support the service in general. There will also be a further opportunity to train as a volunteer Peer Advocate in the future.  

Tasks

• Attend Ward Rounds 3x per week with the Advocacy staff
• Support/work with the Advocacy staff on the Ward Round
• Provide information on the Advocacy Services
• Triage clients for the service through an onboarding process
• Register potential Clients, wanting to access Advocacy services
• Complete Advocacy Action Plans (training will be provided)  
• Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the project and obtained their feedback to improve our services
• Support the Advocacy team to promote the service within the local community
• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm

Type of person we are looking for:

We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs. However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. 

We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

You will have:

• An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access Advocacy services

• An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems 

• Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner 

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures

• A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment

• IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications 

Time commitment and expenses:

• 6 - 10 hours per week, 9am - 12pm
• 2 - 3 days per week: Tuesday & Thursday and/or Wednesday
  • Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s)/time(s) on your application
• ​We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

Application Instructions

• To apply please send your CV and expression of interest addressing the below questions
• Please tell us why you would like to volunteer with HFEH Mind (minimum 50 words)
• Please share any relevant skills or experience you have for the role. This may include education, work or voluntary experience (minimum 100 words)

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.