Crisis Service Volunteer- Frome

Crisis Safe Space was codesigned by local people with experience of mental health crisis who wanted more support available in the community rather than at hospital. The service has been designed for people experiencing acute emotional distress who need immediate and short-term crisis prevention rather than intensive support from either an emergency or inpatient service. As an alliance member of Open Mental Health, we work in close partnership with Mind, Somerset Foundation Trust and other OMH partners.

 You will be providing a specialised role within the Crisis Safe Space Team. As part of the wider team, you will start to build a trusting relationship with individuals while they are accessing Crisis Safe Space, and your role will be to provide one to one face to face and telephone support to clients for a short period of time. You will be providing emotional support and exploring activities that help promote wellbeing, self-confidence, and independence. You will be supporting people who are experiencing isolation as well as mental health issues and other support needs. You will be working alongside a Senior and mental health crisis workers in the team, meaning you will have access to constant support and guidance.

 What will be involved?

·       Welcoming service users attending appointments at Crisis Safe Space: to assist clients to feel at ease and help them settle in and to provide general information about the service and what to expect.

·       Offer low level crafting/wellbeing activities before and/or after their appointment (depending on your own personal interests).

·       Offer to / make refreshments for clients when they arrive.

·       Provide a safe sounding board, someone who will listen and not judge.

·       Help to improve wellbeing, self-confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote these areas.

·       Ensure that professional boundaries are maintained to protect both yourself and the client.

·       Offer information and signpost, where necessary, to enable clients to make their own informed choices in their recovery journey.

·       To potentially shadow low level 1-1 support sessions to clients who are at baseline, or very slightly above (providing consent has been obtained).

·       To offer individual low level telephone support to clients. This may consist of follow up welfare support, providing signposting information and check in calls prior to their appointment.

·       Provide administrative and / or practical support to the staff team.

·       Debrief with the Senior or other named worker after your shift to discuss any concerns or queries.

Who should apply for this role?

We are looking for volunteers who have:

·       a passion for supporting others.

·       an awareness of self-management resources and coping strategies.

·       an ability to empathise 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 and willingness to utilise the support and supervision provided by the Volunteer Coordinator and Senior on duty.

Where and when will I volunteer?

Crisis Safe Space is open seven days a week, between 17.30 and 23:00. We welcome applications to those who can commit to a minimum of 1 evening per week. Please note that you will not be required to volunteer for the whole shift (i.e. 2-3 hours per evening).

What support will I get?

You will be supported by the Volunteer Coordinator who will provide regular check-ins and supervision sessions, as well as access to group supervision sessions with other volunteers. You will also have ongoing support and guidance from the Crisis Safe Space team during your shift, as well as an opportunity to debrief with a named member of staff before you finish.