Volunteer Befriender

Rethink Mental Illness; East Hertfordshire; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A mental health support organization in East Hertfordshire is seeking Volunteer Befrienders to provide emotional support to adults living with mental health challenges. You will help them feel more connected to their community and encourage social interactions. The ideal candidate should have lived experience of mental health and strong listening skills. Full training will be provided, and this role is part-time, requiring about 1 hour a week.

Qualifications

• Lived experience of mental health (your own or as a carer).
• Good listening and communication skills.
• A flexible, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach.

Responsibilities

• Meet with people in the community to provide support.
• Provide emotional support based on personal experience.
• Encourage social connections and local activity involvement.

Skills

Good listening and communication skills

Empathetic and non-judgemental approach

Lived experience of mental health

Job description

Inspiring, supportive, and committed - just a few of the words we’d use to describe our volunteers.

At Rethink Mental Illness, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They play a vital role in supporting our services and making a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can have a positive impact while developing your own skills and experience, we’d love you to join us.

About the role

Do you enjoy meeting people, offering a listening ear, and helping others feel more connected to their community? We’re looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Befrienders who can give around 1 hour a week to support adults living with mental health challenges across Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Cuffley, and Waltham Cross.

As a Volunteer Befriender, you’ll :

• Meet with people in the community at times and places that suit their needs (this may occasionally include evenings or weekends).
• Provide emotional support, drawing on your own lived experience.
• Encourage people to build social connections and get involved in local activities.
• Act as a “community connector” by signposting people to services and opportunities.

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

About the service

Our Hertfordshire befriending service supports adults (18+) who are living with mental health challenges and are known to mental health services. The service helps people feel less isolated, more confident, and more connected to their local communities.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Lived experience of mental health (your own or as a carer)
• Good listening and communication skills
• A flexible, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach

It’s not essential, but you may also bring :

• Knowledge of local services and community resources
• Familiarity with the Hertfordshire area
• A commitment to supporting people in their recovery journey

How to apply

To apply, simply click the “apply now” button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form.

If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch :

Carol Whitbourn (Volunteer Manager) – [e-mail]