Peer Support Volunteer

Role Summary:

To provide peer support at resilience group sessions for expectant and new mums (pregnancy up to 1 year) at Children & Family Centres across the London Borough of Bexley, or online via Zoom.

Key Responsibilities:

1.     Successfully complete a training course for Mindful Mums Peer Support Volunteer. You will be fully supported during this time and on successful completion will understand different mindfulness, wellbeing, resilience and coping techniques and be confident in leading the peer support within these groups.

2.     Prepare for and lead the peer support for a minimum of three Mindful Mums groups (over 5 consecutive weeks). Group dates and times will be discussed with you in advance.

3.     Liaise with the Project Coordinator regarding sessions that need volunteers.

4.     Contribute to the development of the content of the Mindful Mums sessions based on your experience as a parent.

5.     Report any concerns arising from the sessions to the Project Coordinator and, where appropriate, the contact at the venue.

6.     Participate in catch-up meetings with the Project Coordinator, group volunteer meetings and training on Safeguarding Children and Adults.

7.     Take part in some Mindfulness practise.

8.     At all times work in accordance with the organisation’s policies regarding Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding Children, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Confidentiality & Data Protection.

Person Specification

To undertake the role of Mindful Mums Peer Support Volunteer, you must be able to show that you have the following:

o   Experience of having felt stressed, low, anxious or have struggled with your mental or emotional wellbeing in other ways during the perinatal period (pregnancy to 1 year).

o   Ability to communicate well with other mums.

o   Skills to effectively facilitate sessions.

o   Good interpersonal skills.

o   Ability to work well in a team.

o   Understanding of the pressures and stresses facing pregnant and new mums.

o   Willingness to engage in some Mindfulness practise. 

o   Willingness to talk from your own experience in an appropriate way.

o   Ability to maintain appropriate and professional boundaries.

o   A commitment to attend training, support groups and to deliver 5-week programmes in Children & Family Centres across Bexley, or online via Zoom.

Benefits of getting involved

·  Being part of a team of local mums, who have all experienced perinatal mental health issues and who want to help pregnant and new mums build skills to manage their mental health in a positive way.

·       Delivering an exciting and innovative project that really makes a difference to pregnant women and new mums.          

Other Information

Successful applicants will be required to provide details of two references and agree to submit details for and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check.

The majority of courses will be run during school term times.

Free crèche facilities are sometimes available at the Children & Family Centres.