Peer Activity Volunteer

Purpose of the Role

· To create safe, comfortable and welcoming environments for new and existing service users to meet together for social contact and activities.

· Support other volunteers and service users to achieve better wellbeing.

· Help provide existing social activities and support others to develop new ideas for groups/activities.

· Complement the professional services offered by Futures in Mind and external providers.

· Identify others who would be interested in becoming a volunteer.

· Support individuals access activities

Responsibilities

· Where appropriate to open and close venues, leaving the spaces used clean and tidy.

· Keep to times specified.

· Be prepared to facilitate an activity or group of service users without supervision.

· Where appropriate, ensure stocks of refreshments or other materials needed by the group are replenished.

· Welcoming and information gathering of new service users.

· Respect confidentiality, personal space and equal opportunities for everyone. Maintain impartiality.

· Awareness of the importance of your own wellbeing and a commitment to sharing your limitations with other volunteers and Service Coordinators.

· Attend volunteer support meetings and any training as required.

· Collate and record information for monitoring purposes

· Listen to service users effectively, offering informal support and if necessary signposting within Futures in Mind or to an external organization.

· Ensure the Community Code of Conduct is known and adhered to.

· Be an ambassador for Futures in Mind in your community.

Skills

Person Specification

· Be confident in group settings. · Stable in your own mental health, and in recovery from any substance misuse. · Be willing to undertake training, and continue your own professional development · Awareness of confidentially, disclosure and professional boundaries · Good people skills. · A friendly and approachable manner. · Non-judgemental and inclusive attitude to all people involved with Futures in Mind. · Basic administration skills. · Willing to have enhanced DBS check for working with vulnerable adults. Role Benefits · Increased personal confidence and self-esteem. · Volunteering is a useful addition to your CV or application for further education opportunities. · Helping to have a sense of purpose and regular routine. · Personal satisfaction from helping others in their journey of recovery. · Giving something back to the community that has supported you. · Develop new skills, and enhance existing attributes.