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 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 phonecalls, online and in person. We run monthly in person support groups, education sessions and social events and walks. The Cares 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 Co-facilitating monthly drop-in sessions Helping to create a welcoming and safe space for carers Occasionally attending events that support carers 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? Being empathetic and non judgemental Understanding the importance of confidentiality 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."
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.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The Company
The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.
What do we value?
Passion We are passionate about leading the way to a better quality of life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.
Commitment We work tirelessly to provide support for everyone severely affected by mental illness.
Openness We are open and transparent in all our work with beneficiaries, supporters, partners and the public to achieve change for people severely affected by mental illness.
Hope We offer hope of a better quality of life for all those severely affected by mental illness.
Expertise We constantly use our expertise to provide practical and personal support for people who are severely affected by mental illness.
Understanding People who are severely affected by mental illness are at the heart of everything we do in our organisation - our membership, our governance and our workforce.
Equity We believe that in a world where discrimination and disadvantage exist, treating people with equity is critical to ensure justice and fairness for all.
Openness We are open and transparent in all our work with beneficiaries, supporters, partners and the public to achieve change for people 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:
Training and development opportunities
Have a positive impact your own mental health as well as on others
Meet new people and increase your self-confidence
Enhance your CV and boost your employability. Gain a reference too!
Find a passion
Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
Our volunteers say
"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."
"I am currently completing my training for my volunteer advisory role. The training I have received over the last three months has been fantastic. I have learnt so much which I can use to help friends and family too who are experiencing problems associated with their mental health. The support I have received from my trainer has been faultless. I know this great support will continue beyond my training when I start my new advisory role soon. I highly recommend joining Rethink."
"I lead one of Rethink's Carers Support Groups. Connecting with the carers that attend the Carers Support Group is rewarding and educating. Listening to group members as they share their experiences, in the safe, supportive environment provided is a positive cycle. We learn from each other. We support each other. The group and I have the constant and ongoing support of the kind, caring and experienced Rethink team. Volunteering for and contributing to the wellbeing of others is something that to me, feels meaningful. I value that."
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.