Befriending & Volunteering Coordinator

Rethink Mental Illness; Hertford; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

Rethink Mental Illness in Hertfordshire is seeking a compassionate Befriending & Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, train and support volunteers delivering one-to-one befriending relationships. You’ll help people living with mental health challenges reconnect with their communities and build confidence in daily life.

No two days are the same, as you’ll recruit volunteers, deliver inductions, coordinate activities and build strong partnerships to reduce isolation across East Hertfordshire.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people with mental health needs.
• Experience recruiting or coordinating volunteers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient IT skills with Office and databases.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, onboard and support volunteers throughout their journey.
• Match volunteers with individuals who would benefit from befriending.
• Deliver inductions and training sessions and supervise volunteers.
• Facilitate volunteer meetings, coffee groups and wellbeing activities.
• Build partnerships with local voluntary organisations and community networks.
• Support people to access local services and social opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records and service data.
• Promote safe, person-centred and recovery-focused support.
• Assist with continuous service improvement.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

People skills

Communication

IT skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database systems

Job description

Location: Field Based across Hertfordshire
Contract: Part Time 21 Hours, Fixed Term
Salary: £14,726.95
DBS Check: Enhanced with Adults Required

At Rethink Mental Illness, we know that meaningful connections can transform lives.

We're looking for a compassionate and organised Befriending & Volunteer Coordinator to help tackle loneliness, reduce isolation, and support people living with mental health challenges across East Hertfordshire. In this rewarding role, you'll recruit, train and support volunteers who provide vital one-to-one befriending relationships, whilst helping people reconnect with their communities and build confidence in their daily lives.

If you're passionate about mental health, love bringing people together, and thrive on seeing others grow, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Service

Our Rethink Companions Befriending Service supports adults experiencing mental health challenges across East Hertfordshire (excluding Bishop's Stortford). The service combines volunteer-led befriending, community coffee groups, wellbeing activities, and community connections to help people improve their wellbeing and reduce social isolation.

Working alongside a dedicated team, you'll play a key role in ensuring both volunteers and the people we support have positive, meaningful experiences.

What You'll Be Doing

No two days are the same, but you'll spend your time:

• Recruiting, onboarding and supporting volunteers throughout their journey.


• Matching volunteers with individuals who would benefit from befriending support.


• Delivering inductions, training sessions and regular volunteer supervision.


• Facilitating volunteer meetings, coffee groups and wellbeing activities.


• Building strong partnerships with local voluntary organisations and community networks.


• Supporting people to access local services, activities and social opportunities.


• Maintaining accurate records, reports and service data.


• Promoting safe, person-centred and recovery-focused support.


• Helping us continuously improve and develop the service.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines excellent people skills with strong organisation and coordination abilities.

You’ll bring:

• Experience supporting people with mental health needs.


• Experience recruiting, coordinating or supporting volunteers.


• Confidence facilitating groups, training sessions or workshops.


• The ability to build meaningful relationships with volunteers, community partners and people accessing services.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• A proactive, solution-focused approach and strong organisational abilities.


• An understanding of risk management, safeguarding and person-centred support.


• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems.


• Flexibility to travel across the service area, with access to your own vehicle.

Together, we’re working to create a better quality of life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.