Peer Support-Lead Volunteer

Location: Minehead EYE

Times: Mondays 1-3pm weekly (Term time only)

Role Purpose: 

• To encourage and support peers to communicate.
• To support facilitating the group on a weekly basis and to run the group in the lead’s absence. We are also open to someone who would like to improve their own skills and confidence in leading a group.  another to promote wellbeing. 
• Encourage problem solving and promote new wellbeing ideas. 
• Share and discuss lived experiences / coping strategies/methods. 
• Encourage individuals to engage or explore other groups or interests. 
• Share hobbies/ interests. 
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues. 
• To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation. 
• There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time. 

Desired skills:

• Good communication and awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.  
• Knowledge of how peer support groups work. Also experience of working with diverse groups. 
• Lived experience of mental health or knowledge of mental health illness.

Values:

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisation's values at all times. We ask that you be:

·       Collaborative – work better together

·       Respectful – treat people how we like to be treated

·       Accountable – are responsible for own actions

·       Inclusive – respect everyone’s uniqueness

·       Compassionate – empathise, care and support

Equal Opportunities: 

Mind in Somerset is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, direct or indirect. All employees and volunteers are expected to promote and work fully in line with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Mind in Somerset is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview/Volunteer meeting, please contact Mind in Somerset.

Criminal Record:

Due to the safeguarding nature of our work, the successful candidate/volunteer may need to complete a fully funded disclosure and barring check (DBS) prior to starting with us. A criminal record will not automatically mean withdrawal of an offer, however, to safeguard our staff, volunteers and clients, further discussion or investigation may be required so that an informed decision can be made as to your suitability to work with vulnerable people to ensure that we are not putting service users at risk. For volunteers there are occasions when a DBS will not be required; however, a risk assessment will be conducted and the form completed and placed within the Volunteer’s electronic file.

All new volunteers will be required to complete 5 essential online training courses as part of their induction into the Charity. Dependant on the type of volunteer role undertaken, additional training may be also required to meet service expectations.