Mental Health Professional
At Take Back Your Mind UK, our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We truly rely on their dedication and compassion to carry out our mission.
Volunteering with us is a rewarding experience. You'll gain a sense of pride, satisfaction, and purpose by engaging in meaningful conversations that can make a real difference in someone’s life.
Join our welcoming and supportive community of fellow volunteers, where you can forge lifelong friendships and connect with others who share your passion for mental health advocacy.
Additionally, volunteering is an excellent way to enhance your CV. No prior experience in mental health is necessary; we provide training and ongoing support to equip you for the role.
Are qualified in mental health, counselling, social work, or psychology, with knowledge in crisis intervention.
Have a genuine interest in mental health and a desire to help others on their journey.
Possess strong communication skills, allowing you to engage empathetically and actively listen to those in need.
Are open-minded and non-judgmental, creating a safe space for individuals to share their thoughts and feelings.
Can commit to regular volunteering hours, ensuring consistency and reliability for those you support.
Enjoy working as part of a team, collaborating with fellow volunteers to create a positive impact.
Are willing to learn and grow, embracing training and support to enhance your skills and understanding of mental health challenges.
Demonstrate resilience and adaptability, as each conversation will present unique challenges and experiences.
Value inclusivity and diversity, respecting individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend, maintaining professional boundaries while offering support.
Be aware of your well-being, recognising the importance of self-care in your role as a volunteer.
Are 18 or older.
We ask volunteers to contribute 2 to 4 hours a week, if they can.
Introduction
Talking Service Volunteers are responsible for the provision of our Mental Health Talking Services.
We're looking for volunteers with a passion for helping others.
Responsibilities
Crisis Assistance: Step in to support crisis contacts, providing professional intervention when situations escalate beyond the scope of the Support Volunteers.
Volunteer Guidance: Offer guidance, resources, and support to volunteers throughout their role, helping them manage challenging interactions and build their skills.
Service Improvement: Collaborate with the team to assess and improve service protocols, ensuring that our support remains effective, responsive, and user-centred.
Accurate Reporting: It is essential to document all interactions accurately using the INTACT and SERVACT systems to ensure clear communication and record-keeping.
Signposting and Referrals: When necessary, guide service users to additional resources and support services.
Follow established internal referral processes for other TBYM services.
Policy Adherence: Stay informed of and adhere to all organisational policies, guidelines, and best practices to maintain a safe and effective support environment.
Volunteer Engagement:
Promote a volunteer culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Volunteer your time based on your availability.
Volunteers are added to the service schedule, solely dependent on their availability.
Something for you:
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Flexible scheduling and remote work.
Volunteers' Hub
Ensuring volunteers have easy access to resources to effectively contribute means having a place where it all lives. Ease of access means more efficiency and volunteers have the freedom to get tasks done without barriers.
So, you've decided you want to get started, huh? Awesome.
Generally, after onboarding, your role is self-led, under the supervision of the department manager or one of the organisation directors.
Support service volunteers are required to provide evidence of a valid standard or enhanced DBS, otherwise the organisation will apply for a certificate. TBYM does not cover the cost, therefore, our DBS partner will issue a charge of £13.20 to the volunteer
Unpaid Volunteer Standard Disclosure (Online) £13.20
Unpaid Volunteer Enhanced Disclosure (Online) £13.20
Yes, even volunteers have these.
Although we guide and support volunteers, it's important for each individual to take ownership of their volunteering and ensure:
Commitment to Availability: Adhere to your agreed-upon volunteering schedule and communicate any changes promptly.
Professionalism: Maintain a respectful and supportive demeanor when interacting with service users and fellow volunteers.
Confidentiality: Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality regarding sensitive information shared by individuals in distress.
Self-Care: Prioritise your mental health and well-being, recognising when to take breaks or seek support for yourself.
Community Involvement: Contribute positively to the volunteer community, sharing experiences and supporting fellow volunteers.
You have an opportunity to enhance your impact and help us create a supportive environment for everyone involved.