Volunteer for Mind In Somerset

 

 

Please see all our current volunteering vacancies below

To apply for our volunteering vacancies, please click the volunteer application pink button at the top or bottom of this page. For further information relating to our volunteering vacancies, please email volunteer.recruitment@mindinsomerset.org.uk

For Mindline (Trans+) vacancies only, an application form and information pack are available by emailing mindline@mindinsomerset.org.uk

Peer Support- Lead Volunteer-Minehead

Role: To support facilitating the group on a weekly basis and to run the group in the lead’s absence. 

We are also open to someone who would like to improve their own skills and confidence in leading a group. 

Location: Minehead EYE

Times: Mondays 1-3pm weekly (Term time only)

Role Purpose: 

  • To encourage and support peers to communicate with one another to promote wellbeing. 
  • Encourage problem solving and promote new wellbeing ideas. 
  • Share and discuss lived experiences / coping strategies/methods. 
  • Encourage individuals to engage or explore other groups or interests. 
  • Share hobbies/ interests.  
  • 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.  
  • There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time.  

 

Desired skills:

  • Good communication and awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion.  
  • Knowledge of how peer support groups work. Also experience of  working with diverse groups. 
  • Lived experience of mental health or knowledge of mental health illness.

 

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.  

Volunteer Administrator-HR Department

Summary

Assisting Volunteering Manager with volunteer recruitment processes

 

Detailed description

Hours required: Hours to suit, ideally Tuesday or Friday office based, 8-10 hours per week.

Main Purpose of role: Assisting the Volunteering Manager with volunteer recruitment processes for Mind in Somerset. The role would be invaluable experience for anyone who wishes to embark on a career in HR or studying for a CIPD qualification or HR degree.

Key Tasks: 

  • Managing candidate applications received in the recruitment volunteer inbox 
  • Updating volunteer vacancies on recruitment platforms. 
  • Liaising with volunteer candidates and Line Managers to arrange interviews. 
  • Send onboarding documentation to successful volunteer candidates. 
  • Compliance checks including conducting reference checking, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checking, proof of eligibility documentation. 
  • Set up essential training modules for new volunteers and monitor compliance. 
  • Book new volunteers onto Induction Training. 
  • To always maintain confidentiality, in accordance with GDPR 

Person Specification 

Essential: Strong IT skills (Microsoft packages), experience in an administrative role. 

Desirable: Experience in Recruitment/HR processes, CIPD qualification or working towards. 

 

Community Day Assistant (Wobbly Bus) Taunton
 

Summary

Volunteering role- Monday 9.30am-1pm. To assist with the running of the Wobbly Bus Community Day

Detailed description

Monday 9.30am-1pm

Volunteer position available for Mind’s Wobbly Bus Community Day.

Applicant would assist as part of a team with the smooth running of group, setting up, welcoming clients and clearing up after the group.

Personal Skills and Qualities that will be beneficial:

· Willingness to help

· Positive attitude

· Compassion

· Lived experience

· Works well as part of a team

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.

Qualities and Skills gained or improved upon through volunteering for Mind Community Day:

· Teamwork

· Creative Skills

· Time Management

· Problem Solving

· Organisation

· Interpersonal Skills

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisations 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.  

Volunteer Advocate- Bridging the Gap Project Taunton

Summary

As a Volunteer Advocate with Mind in Somerset, you will be supporting and advocating for tenants who have mental health/wellbeing concerns.

Detailed description

Role: Volunteer Advocate

Project: Bridging the Gap

Location: Taunton

Hours/Days Available: We ask volunteer advocates to be as flexible as possible, but we’d like volunteers to be available usually during the day for approximately 6 hours a week, by arrangement to work with clients, and attend training and supervision. Preferred days are Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

Main Purpose of Role: The main purpose of the project is to support and provide advocacy for tenants of Somerset Council in the Taunton area that have mental health/wellbeing concerns.

Key Tasks:

Empower clients to make effective choices about their life and to ensure that they are accorded the same respect, dignity and consideration that all members of society can expect

·       Explore client’s concerns, identify options, listen supportively, and offer the opportunity to decide how any actions should be carried out

·       Attend meetings and appointments as moral support or to speak out for the clients depending on their wishes

·       Take notes, write emails, make phone calls, find information and refer people on to appropriate agencies

·       Make clear, concise and factual records of each client and professional contact 

·       Participate in the supervision and training offered by Mind in Somerset

·       Not knowingly place yourself in any situation that may compromise your personal safety

·       To attend the organisational update meeting 

·       Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own safety and that of colleagues

·       To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation 

·       There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time.   

Person Specification:

Essential:

·       Positive team-working skills.

·       Demonstrable IT knowledge (using Microsoft Packages).

·       Willingness to learn and extend knowledge.

·       Understanding the importance of good record keeping and GDPR.

·       Good communication skills.

·       A positive attitude and willingness to help.

·       Compassionate and empathetic nature

·       Ability to work well as part of a team.

Desirable:

·       Experience working with clients with poor mental health in an advocacy role.

·       Lived experience of mental health or knowledge of mental health illness.

 

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisations 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.  

Hearing Voices Volunteer-Bridgwater

Summary

To support the facilitation of groups for individuals who experience auditory and other hallucinations. Wednesday 11.45am-1.30pm

Detailed description

Main Purpose of role: Assist with the weekly Hearing voices group  

Key Tasks:  

To support the facilitation of groups for individuals who experience auditory and other hallucinations. This will involve delivering creative, engaging and inclusive group and activity support work that encourages and enables people to improve/maintain their mental wellbeing. 

· To support service-users in accessing the group support offer. 

· To encourage peer support within the group. 

· To adhere to our inclusive way of working and support a diverse group of individuals. This will include supporting younger and older adults. 

· To enable service-users to have access to information and signposting to other areas of support. 

· To engage fully with the values and community of Mind in Somerset. 

· To attend regular one-to-one supervision with your line manager. 

  • To work in an inclusive and culturally sensitive way for all service-users; being responsive to individual needs and challenging stigma and discrimination. 
  • To take prompt and appropriate action in a safeguarding situation. To clearly record all information and actions taken and to escalate to the Group Facilitator and Safeguarding Lead as per procedure. 
  • To follow Health and Safety and Security procedures. 
  • To cover leave and absences where required. 

Person Specification 

 Essential: 

  • Positive team-working skills 
  • Flexible approach 
  • Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge 
  • Understanding of the need for good record keeping and GDPR 
  • Good non judgmental listening skills 
  • Experience working with people in mental health

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. 

Cooking group- Volunteer Lead Support-Shepton Mallet

Summary

To co-lead a fortnightly cooking group in Shepton Mallet. Teaching cooking skills and educating on how food/nutrition supports overall wellbeing.

Detailed description

Role: Cooking group- Lead Support (Wednesday 1.30pm-4pm-fortnightly)

 

Project: Mind in Somerset Recovery and Wellbeing groups

 

Location: Shepton Mallet office 

 

Hours/Days available: Wednesday 1.30pm-4pm-fortnightly

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisations 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 

 

Main Purpose of the role: To co-lead a fortnightly cooking group in Shepton Mallet. Teaching cooking skills and educating on how food/nutrition supports overall wellbeing

 

Key tasks: 

·       Passion for cooking and desire to engage others.

·       Initiate meal planning options for the cooking group to implement.

·       Co-lead the group in cooking skills and preparation.

·       Promote/teach good food hygiene at all times

·       To attend the organisation update meeting. 

·       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. 

·       There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time. 

 

Person Specification 

 Desirable: Food hygiene certificate/training would be desirable. If not willingness to undertake necessary training courses.

·      Experience in catering, teaching or food/nutrition.

·      Open and friendly with potential group members

·      Confidence to lead and engage a group

·      Reliable and consistent with plans

·      Good and open communication with group leader about any issues, complications, changes, and positives.

 

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.  

Volunteer Receptionists-Taunton and Yeovil

Summary

To provide a receptionist service to Mind in Somerset.

Detailed description

Role: Volunteer Receptionist 

Project: Core 

Supervisor: Elaine Price

Location: Taunton and Yeovil

Hours/Days available: We are seeking to cover the following hours:

 Taunton-Wednesday and Thursday 9-5 and Friday 1pm-5pm ( these can be broken into am/pm roles and we are seeking several volunteers to cover these hours).

Yeovil-Monday and Wednesday 9-1am and 1-5pm

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisations 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 

 

Main Purpose of the role: To provide a reception service for Mind in Somerset. 

Key tasks: 

To be the first point of contact for the Mind in Somerset reception function.  

Greet all, welcome and help navigate visitors within our offices.   

Supply refreshments if people need to wait.  

Answer the telephone and support with general administration including responding to e-mail queries. 

Providing service users with a signposting and information 

Basic administrative support as required e.g. photocopying, scanning, making phone calls, booking venues for training or events, booking rooms. 

Liaising with fellow volunteer receptionists to ensure rota is covered 

Effectively take and distribute messages to relevant project leads 

Dealing with Post and Deliveries 

To attend the organisation update meeting 

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. 

There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time. 

 

Person Specification 

Essential: 

Positive team-working skills 

Flexible approach  

Demonstrable IT knowledge/experience using Microsoft Packages 

Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge 

Desirable: 

Understanding of the need for good record keeping and GDPR 

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.  

 
Mindline Call Handlers ( including Trans+)

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.

Detailed Description

This role will involve supporting people in emotional distress or needing somebody to talk to. This opportunity is ideal for those wanting to improve their listening skills. All training provided including mental health awareness and telephone listening. Gain personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement by experiencing the diversity of telephone support. Applications are encouraged from people who have had experience of mental distress or have an understanding of what mental distress may mean for others. 

This role will involve supporting people in emotional distress or needing somebody to talk to. This role requires you to commit to supporting the line four evenings a month (8pm-11pm) and attending our monthly group supervision. 

Mindline Trans +

Mindline call handlers will have the opportunity to volunteer for our Mindline Trans + helpline as a progression opportunity. You will need to attend Trans Awareness training. You will be offering emotional support to transgender people, their family and friends. Mindline Trans+ operates every Friday 8pm – 11pm. Minimum commitment for Mindline Trans+ 2 x 3hr shifts per month.

Person Specification 

Essential: 

PC / Laptop with good internet connection

Positive team-working skills 

Flexible approach

Demonstrable IT knowledge/experience using Microsoft Packages 

Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge 

Desirable: 

Understanding of the need for good record keeping and GDPR 

 

Why volunteer for Mind in Somerset?

It’s simple… using your time to give something back feels amazing. Whether you can give minutes, hours, or days, our volunteer roles are designed to fit around your available time. These small deeds really can make a huge difference to people’s lives – including yours!

People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Regardless of the motivation, what unites them all is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.

You’ll have the chance to meet some great people who are passionate about the same things as you, as each and every one of our volunteers play an important part in supporting mental health.

Benefits of volunteering with Mind in Somerset

Comprehensive induction programme

Line Manager supervisions

Essential training courses and training to support ongoing CPD

Opportunity to learn new skills whilst supporting others

Access to discount shopping platforms

Meet new people and broaden your horizons 

Enhance your CV to support a route in employment

Fully funded DBS

 

Mind in Somerset Organisations Values

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisations Values, 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 

 

Volunteer Recruitment

Interview Process

Once we have received your volunteering application we will contact you by email to advise if you have been selected for an interview. We provide the opportunity for candidates to view the interview questions in advance of the interview on request. Please email volunteer.recruitment@mindinsomerset.org.uk

Interviews will be conducted remotely via a teams’ meeting and will be of an informal, get to know you nature. Should you wish to be interviewed via another method, please make this known to us and we are happy to accommodate your needs where possible. We will always provide an outcome after your interview.

Recruitment/Disclosure and Barring Checks

Due to the safeguarding nature of our work, the successful candidate/volunteer may need to complete a 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. 

We will also require you to provide the names and contact details for two referees who we can approach for references as part of the recruitment process.

Essential Training

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. 

 

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 application or interview process, please contact us at:  volunteer.recruitment@mindinsomerset.org.uk 

 

 

To apply to be a volunteer please fill out our volunteer application form

Mindline Trans +

0300 330 5468


Mindline Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as Trans, A Gender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary.

Find out more

Mindline

0800 138 1692
or 01823 276 892


Our Mindline Emotional support and mental health helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Find out more

Live Chat

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Available every day from 8-11pm.

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