Current Vacancies

Recruiting for “Peer Support” volunteers.

Working Towards Wellbeing are looking for empathic peer support volunteers with lived experience of recovery from mental ill health. 

What is Peer Support?

The idea is that people who have been through mental ill health and have similar experiences can provide support to each other based on their shared and personal understandings.

Peer Support volunteers can support people in situations through non-judgemental listening, empathy and practically by providing information or signposting. You will be encouraging and empowering individuals to be involved within their Communities to help reduce the feelings of isolation and increase social inclusion.

Volunteer Role Description

Description

 To provide a 1-1 Peer Mentor Support service to patients for the Working Towards Wellbeing Employment Service Team.  

As a Peer Mentor you will support individuals with mental health illness in social and work related activities. This is a flexible role that gives you the opportunity to help people in a way that you are passionate about, supporting them when trying something new.  However, this role will not require you to provide personal care or to give medical advice.

Working Towards Wellbeing are committed to supporting individuals with Mental Health conditions and/or disabilities to gain or retain paid employment.

To promote the positive impacts on mental health that a more inclusive improved quality of life can bring.

To adopt a holistic approach this compliments the individual’s treatment whilst promoting a positive recovery.

To provide a practical tailored support without time restraints to meet the individual’s specific needs when facing barriers when attending voluntary placements or training opportunities.

What’s involved?

To provide a 1-1 Peer Mentor Support service.

• To help individuals with mental health illness to utilise their skills and make a positive contribution within their community.
• To use your own experience of transitional life events to help others.
• Promote mental ill health recovery in a positive way.
• Supporting at a variety of activities aimed at enhancing the individuals’ quality of life.
• To support with travel training if required.
• Willingness to work in a range of settings, attend events and training when necessary.
• Behave in an acceptable manner for the working environment, and comply with Health & Safety and confidentiality requirements.
• To report and record any accident or incident which may occur – no matter how minor.  Any incident/accident forms are to be completed in a timely manner and in accordance with policy.
• Liaise with WTW Employment Advisors that are involved in the support & care of the individual to help meet identified needs & resolve any issues.
• Ensure all communication involved in the role of 1-1 Peer Mentor support is passed on accurately to the appropriate Employment Advisor.
• Liaise with external agencies/providers/employers in a positive manner.
• Have an understanding of how life events can impact on physical and mental health wellbeing.

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Skills Required

• Can confidently talk to people face to face.
• Are a good listener.
• Can provide non-judgemental support and encouragement to individuals.
• Are able to respect confidentiality.
• Are able to use your own experience of mental health illness to help others.
• Enjoy meeting people.
• Are friendly and enthusiastic.
• Are reliable and committed.

You will receive full support from the Working Towards Wellbeing team to help you to improve your own confidence and understanding for this role.

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Working Hours

Working hours are flexible and on agreement of availability.  

For an application form or to discuss the role in more depth please email julie.gladman@iow.nhs.uk