1-1 Support Buddy

Role Title: 1-1 Support Buddy

Weekly Hours: Flexible; 4 hours per week minimum

Expenses: Expenses are compensated where applicable such as travel

Commitment: At least 6 months

Responsible to: Senior Mental Health Support Worker

Project overview:

The Mind in Kingston 1-1 Support Buddy service offers goal-oriented, practical, and emotional support to individuals who have accessed Information, Advice, and Guidance but continue to experience mental health challenges. Volunteers deliver support for up to 12 weeks through flexible means—face-to-face, phone, or virtual. Volunteers will typically work with individuals needing a lower level of support, while the 1-1 Support Worker handles more complex cases.

This may include supporting an individual with setting small, achievable goals, prepare for an important appointment or helping someone regain confidence to build a social network. The work will involve building a supporting and boundaried relationship with individuals over their time with the service (up to 12 weeks). The role is about empowerment, offering encouragement and reassurance while promoting self-sufficiency.

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. Volunteers are essential to our work, and we welcome applicants with lived experience of mental health challenges. We provide comprehensive training, supervision, and opportunities for career development.

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We encourage and welcome people with lived experience of mental health issues to apply to volunteer with us; this could be personal experience relating to yourself, a family member or a friend, or in a professional capacity working with people with mental health issues.

We care about everyone’s wellbeing and as an integral member of our team; volunteers receive extensive support to ensure they are trained and skilled up in their roles, so that they may also progress further in their career aspirations. They receive regular supervision and development opportunities as well as be part of our volunteer awards programme to recognise and celebrate their achievement and contribution to our community. As team members, volunteers have the opportunity to engage with the board of trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially.

Main purpose of the role:

·       Provide weekly person centred, 1-1 practical and emotional support.

·       Help service users set and work towards personal goals.

·       Offer empathic listening and promote wellbeing.

·       Signpost service users to relevant services.

Tasks will include:

·       Delivering regular (typically weekly) goal-focused 1-1 support sessions to individuals. These sessions may take place online, over the phone or at Mind in Kingston offices.

·       Maintain knowledge of local services for signposting.

·       Reporting risks & safeguarding concerns.

·       Maintain regular contact with the supervisor.

·       Attend meetings and supervision sessions.

What you will receive in return:

·       Training in skills that will include mental health awareness and boundaries.

·       Training in adult safeguarding and local procedures.

·       Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor.

·       Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support.

·       An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston.

·       Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

·       Professional references upon completion.

What we expect from you:

·       Commitment for at least six months.

·       Completion of required training.

·       Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding).

·       Confidence in supporting people with mental health challenges.

·       Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support.

·       Safe handling and return of any equipment issued.

You may on occasion volunteer from home, so a confidential space is essential.

Application Process:

·       Two references (one from a professional contact) are required.

·       An enhanced DBS check is necessary.

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from a professional connection such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults.