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About the role

Community Engagement Volunteer

Title of Opportunity: Community Engagement Volunteer

Location: Gloucestershire, covering all localities

Payment / Expenses: All reasonable and agreed expenses will be paid

Hours: 2-5 hours per week, with flexibility required during busier weeks when events are scheduled.

About the role

Connect and Offload is a mental health support helpline designed to provide accessible emotional support and signposting for people who may need someone to talk to.

We know that raising awareness in local communities is essential so that people understand how to access support when they need it most. To help strengthen our local presence, we are introducing a new volunteer role: Community Engagement Volunteer.

This volunteer opportunity is ideal for someone who is passionate about making a difference in their community and enjoys connecting with people and local organisations.

The role will involve attending community events, wellbeing fairs, local networking opportunities, and outreach activities across Gloucestershire to promote Connect and Offload, raise awareness of the support available, and build relationships with local services and communities.

This is a voluntary role and offers valuable experience for anyone interested in community engagement, mental health promotion, or future employment within the voluntary sector.

What tasks will be involved?

This role will include

• Attending local events across Gloucestershire to represent Connect and Offload

• Promoting the helpline and speaking to members of the public about the service

• Distributing promotional materials and resources

• Engaging with local services, organisations, and community groups

• Helping raise awareness of mental health support available locally

• Feeding back community insights and opportunities to the team

• Supporting the team during awareness campaigns and busy event periods

Who should apply for this role?

We would like to hear from people who are enthusiastic about community engagement and passionate about improving access to support for others.

Previous community engagement experience would be welcomed; however, this is not essential. If you are motivated, approachable, and passionate about making a positive difference in Gloucestershire communities, we would love to hear from you.

What will you need to do?

As a Community Engagement Volunteer, you will work flexibly alongside the Connect and Offload team, Service manager and community engagement officer to attend agreed events and outreach opportunities.

Some weeks may involve minimal hours, while busier weeks may require additional flexibility depending on event schedules.

You will act as a positive representative of the service, confidently engaging with members of the public and professionals.

What support will I get?

You will receive support and supervision from the Connect and Offload team, including:

• Regular check-ins

• Guidance before events

• Promotional materials and key messaging

• Ongoing support to build confidence in the role

Full induction and training will be provided before attending events independently.

You will also have access to volunteer support through Rethink Mental Illness.

What skills, knowledge & experience do I need?

The following will be valued

• Good communication skills

• Confidence speaking to new people

• Passion for supporting local communities

• Interest in mental health awareness

• Ability to represent the service professionally

• Reliability and flexibility

• Willingness to attend agreed events

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Previous community engagement, outreach, volunteering, or event experience would be beneficial, but not essential.

Is a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check required for this role?

A DBS check may be required depending on the nature of events attended.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.

About the role

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health and support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved. You will bring added skills and experience to our service and add real value to our team. You will provide additional support at our Peer Support group sessions. This could be, for example, by empathising with potential clients about the difficulties that having a mental health problem can create, helping to set up the room, explaining the services that are on offer and how these can be accessed, putting people who are anxious at ease by welcoming them. Peer volunteers can also co-facilitate groups based on personal skills and experience. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 3 hours per week.

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness.

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will

• Support the Peer Support Workers to run the group sessions e.g. by helping to set up the room and by welcoming people

• Help to create a safe space where people can share as much or as little as they wish to about their experiences

• Foster the principles of co-production

• Signpost people to services in the local area that meets their needs

• Describe and explain services that are on offer from Rethink Mental Illness and other local community assets that can provide help and advice relevant to people's needs

• Support the development of drop-in sessions at various locations across the locality

About the service

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire.

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Lived experience of mental health

• Ability to support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved

• Ability to empathise with others

• Good communication skills

• Reliable and punctual

It's not essential, but you may also bring

• Knowledge of the local area

• Knowledge of services that can be accessed

How to apply

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager:

Beth Morris – beth.morris@rethink.org

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.

About the role

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator you will

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator, you will play a key role in delivering our peer support groups. These groups run all around the county throughout the week. You will work alongside our team of peer support workers and other peer support volunteers.

There is some flexibility with volunteering opportunities ranging from a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly to monthly commitments.

There may also be the opportunity to attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire.

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Basic IT knowledge.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• To have empathy and remain non-judgemental.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Experience of leading a group.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have

• Good knowledge of the local area and organisations.
• Experience with supporting someone with mental illness / ill mental health

How to apply

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager:

Beth Morris – beth.morris@rethink.org

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.

About the role

As a Community Support Volunteer you will

As a Community Support Volunteer, you will complete face-to-face befriending activities with service users. You need to be able to travel around the locality in which you live to be able to do this. Ideally, you will be able to commit to a minimum of 1/2 a day (3-4 hours) of volunteering per week on a flexible basis, with the option to increase.

You will be working alongside our team of community link workers.

There may also be the opportunity to also attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire.

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

It’s essentials to have the following

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have

• Experience of supporting someone with ill mental health / mental illness.
• Good knowledge of your local area and organisations.

How to apply

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager:

Beth Morris – Beth.Morris@rethink.org

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.

About the role

Location: Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire

Hours: Approximately 3-6 hours a month

The Volunteer Connecting Peer Group Facilitator role supports people who have previously accessed support through Sequoia to build confidence, develop social connections, and take part in enjoyable activities in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

As a Volunteer Connecting Peer Group Facilitator, you will volunteer alongside fellow volunteers to organise and run Connecting Peer Groups once a fortnight or once a month. These groups are open to anyone who has previously accessed support with Sequoia and provide an opportunity to connect with others outside of a therapeutic or support-based setting.

You will help design and facilitate activities such as board games, crafts, or other group interests, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, included, and able to participate.

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness.

Please note, this role is only available to those who have previously accessed support with Sequoia. If you have not participated in a Sequoia intervention, we will not be able to progress your application.

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator, you will

• Help organise and develop a Sequoia Connecting Peer group
• Share your ideas and interests when designing group sessions and activities
• Co-facilitate group sessions and help create a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive environment
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are being followed and that the groups remain a safe space
• Communicate with group attendees to understand their goals and ensure the group meets their needs
• Use creativity to plan and support enjoyable activities such as games, crafts, or social activities
• Attend supervision, training, and any required meetings to support your role

About the service

Sequoia has been developed to support people who currently fall between primary and secondary mental health care services.

Delivered in partnership between Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) and Rethink Mental Illness, Sequoia offers a range of psychosocial interventions for people experiencing emerging, mild, or moderate difficulties relating to Complex Emotional Needs and Personality Difficulties.

All service users are aged 18 or over, and interventions take place across the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire areas. Service users can choose from four different interventions and may access more than one, with a consolidation period between them.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Previous experience of using the Sequoia service
• Lived experience of Complex Emotional Needs or Personality Difficulties
• The ability to communicate with a wide range of people in a friendly and non-judgemental way
• Empathy and compassion for people on their mental health journey
• Respect for people’s differences and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces
• A willingness to follow Rethink Mental Illness policies and procedures
• Commitment to attending training and engaging in support offered within the role

How to apply

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager:

Gracie Smith - gracie.smith@rethink.org

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.

About the role

Location: Brent

Hours: Minimum of 2 hours per week

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent.

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your volunteering role. You will ideally be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week, with flexibility to meet the needs of the people we support.

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness.

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will

• Meet with service users in locations and at times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
• Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
• Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
• Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
• Act as a community connector to local services

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL).

The aim of the Befriending Service is to;

• Reduce social isolation of service users
• Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
• Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users
• Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
• Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
• Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Good communication skills
• Flexible in order to meet the needs of the service users
• Lived experience of mental illness, either as a carer or as a person who has experienced your own mental health need
• You will live in the London Borough of Brent

How to apply

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact one of our Befriending & Volunteer Coordinators:

Melrose Richards – melrose.richards@rethink.org

Seena Cuffley – seena.cuffley@rethink.org

Heena Jivani – heena.jivani@rethink.org

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact - volunteer@rethink.org