Volunteer Advocate

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

We are looking for Volunteer Advocates to support our Advocacy Service in the Boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond. You will be based at home but this role could also involve some travel within Wandsworth and Richmond boroughs. 

Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 7 hours per week to volunteering. You will be able to confirm your availability on your application and this will be discussed with you during your discussion with the volunteer manager.

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.

About the service

Wandsworth & Richmond Advocacy services offers a range of statutory and non-statutory advocacy services. As a volunteer you will be supporting our delivery of community advocacy for people who are 18+ and live in Wandsworth & Richmond Boroughs. You will be supporting a range of people including those with learning, physical and sensory disabilities as well as mental illness, who need support with a health and social care issue and are not eligible for a statutory service. We do not support people with everyday decisions but when important decisions are being made which could affect their quality of life, independence or have long term consequences.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Advocate

• You will hold a small caseload supporting people to do a range of issues
• You will offer support on a short-term basis and focus on a specific issue. 
• You will support people by enabling them to find information, understand their rights and choices, have a voice and make their own informed decisions. 
• You may be supporting people in making difficult or important decisions which may impact on their quality of life and independence and have long term consequences.
• You will provide peer advocacy and help with the delivery of self advocacy workshops.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will possess the ability to empathise
• You will have the motivation to secure the rights of people from all backgrounds
• You will have knowledge of, or experience of working within, health and social care
• You will have a good knowledge of IT skills for recording information and using e-mails
• You will be flexible and able to volunteer during the working week

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.