This is a voluntary, 3 hours per week vacancy that will close in a month at 23:59 BST.
Your role
Amazing, giving and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
We are looking for a Carer Support Volunteer to support our Carers Service in Bristol. You will be based in central Bristol and, ideally, you will be able to commit approximately 3 hours per week to volunteering.
Your role will involve interacting and building relationships with carers that are supported by the Rethink Mental Illness Carers Service. You will attend the monthly carers group and engage with the people who attend, making them feel welcome and comfortable. Attendees may ask questions that require you to research to help find a solution – for example, finding charities that can help fund training, supplying equipment, or companies that assist with PIP forms. You may also help to find information about upcoming events in and around the Bristol area that would be suitable for mental health carers that we can include in our fortnightly e-bulletin. You may also be asked to help with occasional events which would involve setting up, registering attendees, and making sure people are welcomed and comfortable.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.
About the service
Our service supports adult family members, partners, and friends of adults with mental health conditions in Bristol. This includes individual support and group support, via phone calls, online, and in person. We run monthly in-person support groups, education sessions, and social events and walks. The Carers Service is run by a service coordinator and a hospital liaison worker who work within the wider Rethink Bristol Community team.
What you will be doing as a Carer Support Volunteer
1. Co-facilitating monthly drop-in sessions
2. Helping to create a welcoming and safe space for carers
3. Occasionally attending events that support carers
4. Researching solutions and events to help with the drop-in sessions and the e-bulletin
What will make you a great fit for this role?
1. Being empathetic and non-judgmental
2. Understanding the importance of confidentiality
3. Being flexible, punctual, and reliable
If you have any questions about the opportunity, please contact the Volunteer Manager, Caitlyn.seton@rethink.org / 07483913160 or you can contact the Carers Service Coordinator, Karen Bonney on karen.bonney@rethink.org / 07918162523.
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.”
Why volunteer with Rethink?
We understand that people volunteer for many different reasons and whatever your reason is for volunteering we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. You will receive an induction to ensure you feel confident in your role as well as regular supervision. Other benefits of volunteering include:
"I was able to gain valuable experience in the mental health field which has helped me to kick-start my career. Overall, the befriending experience is definitely one I would recommend. It has helped me to expand on skills, to make a difference in people’s lives, and has opened up opportunities for me to progress in my career."
"I am a lived experienced volunteer for Rethink. The thing I find amazing is that my lived experience which includes addiction, prison, and mental health all of which helped me get the role which makes me feel that all the suffering I've gone through has meant something and that makes me feel I'm respected. The reason I do this role is every time I help someone, I feel I'm one step away from the person I was to the person I'm meant to be, I'm very grateful to Rethink as they helped me to become the best version of myself."
Please be mindful that we may need to close adverts early if we receive a high volume of applications, we therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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