About this role
Tasks
– What you have in common.
Peer support brings together people with shared experiences, and these experiences can vary. For example, share a diagnosis of a particular mental health problem or similar personal interests. Or shared experiences, such as hearing voices, identifying as LGBTIQ+ or having a shared cultural background.
– What you do together.
You might focus on talking and discussion, which could be about particular topics or difficulties, anything you feel like or a mixture, depending on how the support is run. Or you might do activities together such as walking, gardening, sport or being creative.
– How you access the support.
Peer support might involve meeting in person or it might be something you access online. You might also use other ways getting in touch, such as emails, phone calls or text messages.
– How many people take part.
You might meet in a group, which might sometimes be called a self-help or support group. Or you might take part in one to one peer support, which is sometimes called mentoring or befriending. This is where you work towards goals you’ve agreed together with someone else.
When you can volunteer
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Requirements
Experience
Personal ‘lived’ experience of mental illness, or as a carer of an individual with mental illness
Knowledge
Awareness of various mental health conditions and how they manifest
Skills
Good communication skills or willingness to develop these
Ability to empathise and show understanding
Awareness of own health needs and ability to self-manage
Awareness of strengths and limitations, and when to seek help and guidance
Role model recovery and the recovery process
Motivation
Feel inspired to do something in your local area to make a difference to the lives of others
Wanting to support others through their own recovery journey
Special Aptitudes
Open, honest, and friendly
Willingness to work as part of a team
Circumstances/Flexibility
Access to a computer / tablet (can be arranged locally through the peer support coordinator)
Qualifications
Some level of ability to speak, read and write in English will be needed – however, reasonable adjustments are available.
Location
This opportunity allows you to volunteer from home
Available from home
Location 9 Bridge St, Shepshed, Loughborough LE12 9AD, UK