“Drop In Session” Volunteer - Open Mental Health

Role: Sedgemoor Community Support Project “Drop In Session” Volunteer

Project: Sedgemoor Community Support Project

Location: Mind In Somerset Bridgwater Office,

Town Hall, High St, Bridgwater, TA6 3AS.

Hours required: Variable according to availability Monday and Friday 9am – 1pm, Wednesday 2pm – 5pm.

Main Purpose of role:

As a Mind In Somerset Volunteer you will be working with individuals who are experiencing emotional and mental health problems and require support from someone who understands. You will have empathy and the desire to support and encourage others on their individual recovery journeys. 

In particular you will be providing a specialised role as part of the Sedgemoor Community Support Project in the Bridgwater Mind In Somerset Office, . at the “drop in sessions”. The project is funded by the Somerset Community Foundation to support residents of Sedgemoor, as well as those along the corridor towards Minehead, who have mental health support needs. It is a community focused project that is aiming to decrease the isolation felt in the Sedgemoor community, particularly for those who have been affected by the development of Hinkley Point C. However, there are no pre-requisites in accessing support, other than being a part of the Sedgemoor community and surrounding areas. A key part of our work will focus on outreach in order to support members of the community who may not be able to access services due to rurality or language barriers.  

We will be providing a 1:1 mental health service that will support individuals with their emotional wellbeing but also with practical challenges. Our 1:1 service is currently via telephone/online support but hope to return to face-to-face when it is safe to do so. If we receive inappropriate referrals, we will work closely with those individuals and support them with a ‘warm-handover’ to the right service. We will also offer signposting resources.   

Part of the role also involves working collaboratively with and building positive professional relationships with various agencies and services within and around Sedgemoor. When Covid-19 permits, we will also be running monthly community days where it is anticipated that these partner agencies will have a strong presence

Key Tasks:

•   Attend all initial and ongoing training
•  To cover a minimum of 1 session a month in the Mind In Somerset Sedgemoor Community Support Project for a minimum of one year after training
• To meet members of the public, provide information about Mind In Somerset and mental health issues etc. Offer listening support and when appropriate signposting to other agencies. This may be in the Mind In Somerset Sedgemoor office or other local venues at community awareness events.
• Record information in line with Mind In Somerset procedures
•  Give support while on shift to fellow volunteers by following debrief guidance
•  Take responsibility for finding cover for your shift if you are unable to do it
•  Commit to be willing and open to the supervision process
•  Attend monthly group support and supervision meetings
•  To complete quarterly 1 to 1 reviews with Supervisors
•  Work in accordance with all policies and procedures
•  On occasions to help with putting information packs /Publicity resources together
•  Contribute to the monitoring of the service

Responsibilities to Staff and Volunteers:

•  You will be provided with initial and on-going training and support with the SCSP Worker and other Mind In Somerset staff.

Person Specification

•  Good communicator
•  Someone who will listen carefully and supportively
• Empathic and non-judgmental attitude
•  Integrity and sense of confidentiality
•  Interest in mental health and the rights of users and carers
•  Commitment to the service
•  Team player and supportive of other volunteers
•  Insight into own problems and feelings and a commitment to effective self-care.
• Willingness to discuss how the work affects them & a commitment to reflective practice.