Open Mental Health - All Gender Domestic Abuse Volunteer

Volunteer Role Information 

Role: All Gender Domestic Abuse Volunteer 

Project: All Gender Domestic Support Group 

Supervisor: 

Location: Taunton (6 weeks) 

Hours required: 2.5 a week for 6 weeks, then 1.5 once a month, online.  

Main Purpose of role: To work collaboratively with the group facilitator to provide empowering, emotional and practical support, to people who are or have been experiencing domestic abuse.  

Key Tasks:  

• To encourage balanced participation and focus during discussions within the group where appropriate . 
• To work with the group to create a group agreement that sets out an expectation of respect, inclusion and abides by Mind in Somerset’s principles and policies.  
• To help the group negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings. 
• To maintain health and safety of self and group members. To uphold Mind in Somerset’s equality and diversity and adult safeguarding policies . 
• To make emails and phone calls where needed and to and to maintain personal boundaries accordingly. To adhere to GDPR and data protection according to Mind in Somerset’s regulations. 
• To follow the guidelines, policies and procedures for volunteering at Mind in Somerset.  

Responsibilities to Staff and Volunteers: 

Person Specification 

Essential:  

• A strong awareness of domestic abuse issues 
• Ability to communicate clearly, sensitively and empathetically 
• High level of self-awareness with the ability to reflect on own practice and to share personal experience in a responsible and boundaried way  
• Ability to manage individuals that are experiencing emotional distress 
• Personal resilience and flexible attitude in the face of difficulties 
• an awareness of self-management resources and coping strategies 
• an ability to empathies with others and form trusting relationships 
• a non-judgemental approach and an ability to maintain appropriate boundaries 
• good listening and communication skills, reliability and good time keeping 
• an ability to take responsibility for your own self-care  
• Commitment to working towards Mind in Somerset group’s ethos and values, including having a non-judgemental approach 
• Commitment to personal development and willingness to regularly update skills and experience 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of mental health issues & conditions, and of the challenges and issues that are likely to affect those who experience such difficulties 
• Understanding of Peer Support and Personal Recovery approaches 
• Personal experience of recovery from mental health challenge  
• Experience of working with individuals 1:1 and with groups