Role: Volunteer Advocate

Location: Taunton area

Level of Commitment: Flexible to suit

Purpose of the Role: 

To support our team of recovery and wellbeing workers by providing companionship and emotional support to their clients who are experiencing mental health challenges, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and support them in attending groups and appointments. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Offer regular social contact through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or video chats. 
• Build a trusting and supportive relationship with the client. 
• Encourage engagement in community activities where appropriate. 
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality at all times. 
• Report any concerns or safeguarding issues to the project lead or safeguarding leads. 

Skills and Qualities Needed: 

• Empathy, patience, and good listening skills. 
• Non-judgmental and respectful of others’ experiences and backgrounds. 
• Reliable and able to commit to regular contact. 
• Willingness to undertake training and attend supervision sessions. 
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.  
• To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation.  
• Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge.  
• Understanding of the need for good record keeping and GDPR  

Training and Support: 

• Full induction and training provided. 
• Ongoing support and supervision 
• Opportunities for further training and development. 

Benefits of Volunteering: 

• Make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. 
• Gain experience in mental health support. 
• Be part of a supportive and compassionate team. 
• Enhance your communication and interpersonal skills. 

Values:

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisation’s values at all times. We ask that you be:

·       Collaborative – work better together

·       Respectful – treat people how we like to be treated

·       Accountable – are responsible for own actions

·       Inclusive – respect everyone’s uniqueness

·       Compassionate – empathise, care and support

Equal Opportunities: 

Mind in Somerset is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, direct or indirect. All employees and volunteers are expected to promote and work fully in line with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Mind in Somerset is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview/Volunteer meeting, please contact Mind in Somerset.

Criminal Record:

Due to the safeguarding nature of our work, the successful candidate/volunteer may need to complete a fully funded disclosure and barring check (DBS) prior to starting with us. A criminal record will not automatically mean withdrawal of an offer, however, to safeguard our staff, volunteers and clients, further discussion or investigation may be required so that an informed decision can be made as to your suitability to work with vulnerable people to ensure that we are not putting service users at risk. For volunteers there are occasions when a DBS will not be required; however, a risk assessment will be conducted and the form completed and placed within the Volunteer’s electronic file.

All new volunteers will be required to complete 6 essential online training courses as part of their induction into the Charity. Dependant on the type of volunteer role undertaken, additional training may be also required to meet service expectations.  

Location: Flexible- remote/or in our office locations, Taunton, Yeovil, Shepton Mallet

Level of Commitment– adhoc inline with recruitment campaigns

Main Purpose of role:

To support fair, inclusive, and person‑centred recruitment by contributing a lived experience perspective to interview panels. The role ensures that candidates are assessed not only on skills and experience, but also on values, behaviours, and their approach to supporting people experiencing poor mental health.

Key Tasks:

Attend interview panels as an equal panel member

Review interview questions in advance and contribute to values‑based assessment

 Ask agreed interview questions where appropriate

Share perspectives informed by lived experience of poor mental health

Participate in post‑interview discussions and scoring

Maintain confidentiality of all candidate information

Demonstrate professionalism and impartiality during recruitment processes

Provide feedback on the recruitment process where requested

Skills & Qualities

Essential

• Lived experience of poor mental health, with insight into recovery and support needs
• Ability to reflect on lived experience in a constructive and appropriate way
• Confident with all Microsoft IT packages as some interviews will be delivered remotely.
• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with others
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries

Desirable

• Experience of volunteering or involvement in service user / lived experience roles
• Confidence participating in group discussions
• An interest in recruitment, people processes, or organisational culture

Values:

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisation’s values at all times. We ask that you be:

·       Collaborative – work better together

·       Respectful – treat people how we like to be treated

·       Accountable – are responsible for own actions

·       Inclusive – respect everyone’s uniqueness

·       Compassionate – empathise, care and support

Equal Opportunities: 

Mind in Somerset is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, direct or indirect. All employees and volunteers are expected to promote and work fully in line with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Mind in Somerset is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview/Volunteer meeting, please contact Mind in Somerset.

Criminal Record:

Due to the safeguarding nature of our work, the successful candidate/volunteer may need to complete a fully funded disclosure and barring check (DBS) prior to starting with us. A criminal record will not automatically mean withdrawal of an offer, however, to safeguard our staff, volunteers and clients, further discussion or investigation may be required so that an informed decision can be made as to your suitability to work with vulnerable people to ensure that we are not putting service users at risk. For volunteers there are occasions when a DBS will not be required; however, a risk assessment will be conducted and the form completed and placed within the Volunteer’s electronic file.

All new volunteers will be required to complete 6 essential online training courses as part of their induction into the Charity. Dependant on the type of volunteer role undertaken, additional training may be also required to meet service expectations.  

Location: Taunton, 21 Canon Street

Commitment: Saturday 11.45am-3:15pm on a rota basis
Volunteer position available for our Saturday Community Day to assist as part of a team with the smooth running of group, setting up, welcoming clients and clearing up after the group.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
· Providing support to service users who have different capabilities to participate in activities.
· Collaborating with the team of volunteers to generate ideas for upcoming groups.
· General tiding, organisation and upkeep of both the community area.

Personal Skills and Qualities that will be beneficial:
· Willingness to help
· Positive attitude
· Compassion
· Lived experience
· Works well as part of a team

Mindline Live Webchat handler (Volunteer) 

Location: Home working

Commitment:   

• Required level of commitment 1 x 3hr shift per week, to include at least 1 x shift a month covering a Saturday or Sunday. 
• Each shift is 8pm – 11pm 

Overview of Role: Volunteering under the supervision of the Mindline Project Lead and Shift Supervisor to operate the Mindline Live Webchat service, supporting the day-to-day running of the Mindline services. The role offers text-based mental health and emotional support for up to 30-minutes per webchat. You will need to understand this is an emotional support service, where other services such as ‘Open Mental Health’ and ‘Crisis Safe Space’ and wider community offers can be offered under the direction of the Shift Supervisor. 

Main purpose of role:

1. To be responsible for answering incoming webchat requests, responding to chat users emotional and mental health needs.  
2. To check-in with Shift Supervisor at the beginning of each shift. The Shift Supervisor is available throughout the shift, providing support and debrief at the end of each shift and provides the supervisor team with a brief shift handover report. 
3. To liaise with the Shift Supervisor to support chat users access more help if needed. 
4. To liaise with Shift Supervisor in the event of a crisis or safeguarding concern, assisting in the process of safely linking the chat user to appropriate support ranging from (e.g. emergency services or First Response).  
5. To record contact and monitoring information in the Views data base, if relevant. 
6. To recognise and take prompt and appropriate action in a crisis or safeguarding situation. To clearly record all information and actions taken and to escalate as per procedure.  
7. To follow Health & Safety and Security procedures and ensure the wellbeing of each service user.  
8. To adhere to Working from Home guidelines. 
9. To attend and contribute to the mandatory monthly group meeting.  
10. To engage with and attend to own needs in the mandatory clinical supervision process. 
11. To attend to 1 to1 supervision with allocated supervisor, quarterly. 
12. To attend appropriate training to remain skilled and updated on Somerset service provision. 
13. To support the technical running of the Live Webchat service through software and routing systems (Call Handling).  
14. To adhere to all policies of the organisation. 
15. In agreement with the Project Lead, to carry out related tasks and duties, as appropriate to the changing needs of the post. 
16. To cover leave and absences where required.  

A PC/Laptop is required for this role with an adequate broadband connection.

Experience/skills required:

1. Good literacy and numeracy skills demonstrated by a good standard of GCSE’S at grade C or above.  
2. Providing text-based support work in either paid or voluntary role. 
3. Experience of working with VCSE and statutory partners, across partnership work  
4. Proven experience of leading/working constructively and effectively in a team. 
5. Compilation of reports, record keeping and other relevant documentation.    

Values:

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisation’s values at all times. We ask that you be:

·       Collaborative – work better together

·       Respectful – treat people how we like to be treated

·       Accountable – are responsible for own actions

·       Inclusive – respect everyone’s uniqueness

·       Compassionate – empathise, care and support

Equal Opportunities: 

Mind in Somerset is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, direct or indirect. All employees and volunteers are expected to promote and work fully in line with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Mind in Somerset is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview/Volunteer meeting, please contact Mind in Somerset.

Criminal Record:

Due to the safeguarding nature of our work, the successful candidate/volunteer may need to complete a fully funded disclosure and barring check (DBS) prior to starting with us. A criminal record will not automatically mean withdrawal of an offer, however, to safeguard our staff, volunteers and clients, further discussion or investigation may be required so that an informed decision can be made as to your suitability to work with vulnerable people to ensure that we are not putting service users at risk. For volunteers there are occasions when a DBS will not be required; however, a risk assessment will be conducted and the form completed and placed within the Volunteer’s electronic file.

All new volunteers will be required to complete 6 essential online training courses as part of their induction into the Charity. Dependant on the type of volunteer role undertaken, additional training may be also required to meet service expectations.  

Volunteer Handyperson ( 2 roles)

Location:

Shepton Mallet & Taunton

Overview of role

To provide practical, basic maintenance and repair support that helps keep Mind in Somerset’s offices functional, and welcoming. The role focuses on tasks that improve day‑to‑day living conditions and support the wider work of the organisation. 

Main purpose of role:

• General repairs — fixing minor issues such as loose hinges, sticking doors, small cracks, or simple furniture repairs. 

• Basic maintenance — tasks like replacing lightbulbs, tightening screws, oiling hinges, or checking for minor wear and tear. 

• Safety checks — reporting hazards, identifying maintenance needs, and escalating anything beyond volunteer scope. 

• Decorating support — light painting, touching up scuffs, filling small holes, or helping prepare areas for redecoration. 

• Outdoor tasks — cleaning external areas, or small upkeep jobs. 

• Supporting staff and service users — completing agreed tasks, offering practical help, and maintaining a friendly, respectful approach

Skills required:

• Practical DIY ability (ideally gain within a trade) with confidence in basic tools and simple repairs. 

• Problem‑solving mindset and willingness to find safe, simple solutions. 

• Reliability and ability to work independently once tasks are agreed. 

• Good communication to clarify what’s needed and report completed work. 

• Respectful and patient when working in people’s homes or shared spaces. 

• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.   

• To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation.   

• Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge. 

Values:

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisation’s values at all times. We ask that you be:

·       Collaborative – work better together

·       Respectful – treat people how we like to be treated

·       Accountable – are responsible for own actions

·       Inclusive – respect everyone’s uniqueness

·       Compassionate – empathise, care and support

Equal Opportunities: 

Mind in Somerset is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, direct or indirect. All employees and volunteers are expected to promote and work fully in line with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Mind in Somerset is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview/Volunteer meeting, please contact Mind in Somerset.

Criminal Record:

Due to the safeguarding nature of our work, the successful candidate/volunteer may need to complete a fully funded disclosure and barring check (DBS) prior to starting with us. A criminal record will not automatically mean withdrawal of an offer, however, to safeguard our staff, volunteers and clients, further discussion or investigation may be required so that an informed decision can be made as to your suitability to work with vulnerable people to ensure that we are not putting service users at risk. For volunteers there are occasions when a DBS will not be required; however, a risk assessment will be conducted and the form completed and placed within the Volunteer’s electronic file.

All new volunteers will be required to complete 5 essential online training courses as part of their induction into the Charity. Dependant on the type of volunteer role undertaken, additional training may be also required to meet service expectations.  

For an application form and information pack for this role, please email mindline@mindinsomerset.org.uk

Summary

Mindline Somerset is an Emotional Support Helpline. Well established since 2001 we are looking for more volunteers to help run our 24/7 service.