Talking Services

• 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.

• 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.

• Initial Enrollment: Upon joining, you will be welcomed as a Learner and enrolled in a training program designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective support.

• Training Structure: The training consists of five levels, culminating in a Practical Week where you will engage in practical learning experiences. This structured approach ensures a smooth transition into solo support work, allowing you to feel confident and prepared.

• Take Back Your Mind UK Volunteers receive free training in Understanding your Role, Communication, Risk Management, and more. The training is self-paced and conducted online, equipping you with skills to help people in distress and valuable life skills.

• Commitment: Complete all levels of training within ten weeks.

• Training Requirements: Access training using a computer and Google Chrome.

• Practice: Engage in activities, earning a pass grade before progressing.

• Our Volunteer Academy Support team is here to assist you, answer questions, and provide feedback throughout your training and volunteering journey. You’ll join a supportive community of volunteers and have access to essential resources for your role.

• While you train, we request you have a background check, which is mandatory before you can start helping others.

• As volunteers, you will be supporting individuals in distress, so it’s crucial to demonstrate the skills learned in training. While most trainees successfully complete the training, not everyone will pass. If this happens, there are still other ways to contribute to our mission.

We ask volunteers to contribute 2 to 4 hours a week.

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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

• Message Support: After training, you will respond to limited incoming messages from service users, utilising the skills and techniques acquired during your training to provide empathetic and effective support.

• Accurate Reporting: It is essential to document all interactions accurately using the INTACT and SERVACT systems to ensure clear communication and record-keeping.

• Supporting Peers: Assist fellow volunteers by helping manage their waitlists, ensuring timely and efficient support for service users.

• 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.

• Submit your availability through the Services Complex.

• Volunteer your time based on your availability.

• Volunteers are added to the service schedule once trained, solely dependent on their availability.

Something for you:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

• Flexible scheduling and remote work.

For case notes, case history, and scheduling availability and appointments.

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:

• Active Engagement: Participate fully in training and ongoing development opportunities.

• 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.

• Feedback and Growth: Be open to receiving feedback and actively seek opportunities to improve your skills and effectiveness in your role.

• 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.

By taking these responsibilities seriously, you will enhance your impact and help us create a supportive environment for everyone involved.