Volunteer Advocate - Mental Health Team

"Living through periods of mental ill health has challenged me but it has also given me the strength and drive to help others. Volunteering at SWAN gives me the platform to do this, and they are supporting me to reach my goals at my pace." Volunteer Advocate with the Mental Health Team

We are seeking volunteers to help support our Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA) in ensuring that individuals experiencing mental ill health have their voices heard and rights upheld.

You will support IMHAs in the community and in hospital facilities, providing clients with information about SWAN's services, signposting to other relevant organisations and also coaching them to use our Self-Advocacy Toolkit.

You may attend Have Your Say meetings within the hospitals to ensure that clients attending feel able to voice any concerns that they have.

Benefits of Volunteering with SWAN

• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills and gain experience volunteering in a charity
• The opportunity to meet new people
• The opportunity to build a Personal Development Portfolio with full training and ongoing access to keep knowledge and skills up to date
• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed – mileage £0.45 per mile, Bike £0.20 per mile plus parking tickets, bus and train fares etc
• Support to progress to paid employment
• The satisfaction of knowing you are making a vital difference to the work of SWAN
• The satisfaction of empowering autistic people to find their own voice and tell others what they want or need
• Being part of an organisation, which has strong values and provides help and support to those most marginalised in society
• The opportunity to see the person progress

What type of person are we looking for?

• Someone with lived experience as you are someone who has experienced mental ill health or experience working with or supporting people who have had [periods of mental ill health
• ·Positive attitude towards vulnerable clients who may have a variety of complex needs
• Someone with around 3- 6 hours per week to spare
• Confident to communicate both verbal and written information
• Committed to enabling people to take control of their lives
• Some experience of record keeping and report writing
• Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding is desirable but full training is given
• IT literate

Please note that while the skills and knowledge listed are good to have, SWAN also appreciates that life experience can make you the ideal volunteer for a role such as this. We are keen to hear from people who have experienced mental ill health and would like to help empower others in the same position. If this sounds like you then do, please get in touch.

Equality and Diversity Statement

Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to SWAN’s values. It is important that our workforce reflects the diverse communities in which we work. We therefore welcome applications from people who represent the diversity of the people we advocate for and the communities we work in.

Application process only. Please request and complete a Volunteer Application form to be considered for this role. If you require any assistance with completing the application please get in touch.



SWAN supports and empowers people to have a voice, by ensuring access to quality, independent advocacy. We believe that everyone has the right to be heard & respected, the right to choice in decisions about themselves and the right to be safe.