Overview
Action East Devon is a values based, local charity working with young people and their families across East Devon, to create the services and support they need to live happier and healthier lives.
We run mental health and wellbeing support services, working with children, young people and their families. We work in communities in East Devon and have an experienced team of Wellbeing Workers.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Marketing, Outreach & Development Manager to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract. This role is perfect for an innovative professional who can develop and implement effective marketing strategies, build strong community relationships, and drive organisational growth through various development initiatives. The position will focus particularly on expanding our Headlight mental health support service for young people aged 11-25 in the Sidmouth and Honiton areas.
About Headlight
Headlight refers to peer support group sessions and the 1-2-1 support that goes alongside. Headlight's peer support groups enable young people to meet others experiencing similar issues in a welcoming, non-judgemental space, encouraging them to build healthy relationships with peers and establish a support network in their community. Young people have the opportunity to speak up, share, give and receive support.
Our sessions are delivered on themes such as learning social skills, self-esteem, building relationships, sleep, emotions, wellbeing and discovering self-awareness and address difficult subjects such as stress, depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts.
We also offer young people 1-2-1 support with a mental health support worker. Staff undertake comprehensive ongoing assessments of young people to identify activities that best meet individual needs. Each young person has an individualised action plan with goals around better managing their mental health, developing their skills and confidence and setting targets around education, volunteering and employment.
Job Purpose
This post is responsible for expanding Action East Devon's community presence, developing partnerships, and supporting fundraising initiatives with a specific focus on expanding Headlight services to two new locations in East Devon. Working collaboratively with Wellbeing Workers in established Headlight services, with the Charity manager and the Community Outreach Coordinator, this role will ensure the successful launch and integration into the community of 2 new Headlight groups in 2 new locations whilst maintaining safeguarding for children and young people and delivering a high standard of services for Action East Devon.
Main Duties
Growth and Development of Headlight Services
- Become familiar with current Headlight provision and operational framework by visiting active settings, engaging with staff and volunteers, and reviewing key organizational documents.
- Create and deliver a 12 month launch plan for 2 new peer support groups in East Devon.
- Explore and evaluate potential venues where AED could operate Headlight programs, documenting leads, contact details, availability, suitability, and costs.
- Attend strategic meetings where required with commissioners, providers, and potential funders to promote our Headlight services.
- Monitor the effectiveness of the expanded Headlight service against agreed outcomes and funding obligations.
- Travel to existing and new Headlight group locations as required.
Community Engagement & Outreach
- Develop multi-agency and partnership working approaches.
- Develop a referral network directory including schools, doctors' surgeries, and appropriate youth-focused organizations that could direct young people to Headlight services.
- Manage AED’s comprehensive directory of existing services for young people aged 11-25 in East Devon with relevant contact information.
- Nurture new and existing relationships with collaborative partners.
- Foster links with existing services in East Devon for young people aged 11-25 such as voluntary bodies, schools, youth groups, social services, children's services, youth groups clubs, GPs etc.
- Manage a comprehensive calendar of outreach activities to ensure Action East Devon are represented in the community, and seek out opportunities such as community events, workshops, appearances in collaboration with the Charity Manager and AED team.
- Attend, speak and represent Action East Devon at community events, fundraising opportunities, school assemblies and other engagement opportunities.
- Gather and analyse reports, social media content, and local news articles related to young people's mental health to supplement existing Action East Devon’s insights on the scale of need.
Marketing
- Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
- Create engaging content for digital platforms including website, social media, and email marketing.
- Manage the organisation's brand identity and ensure consistency across all communication channels.
- Plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote programs, services, and events.
- Monitor and report on marketing performance metrics and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Oversee the production of marketing materials including brochures, newsletters, and digital content.
Safeguarding
- Ensure all relevant policies and procedures (including, but not limited to, Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Whistleblowing, and Health and Safety) are followed during Headlight outreach activities.
- Work closely with the AED Designated Safeguarding Lead and follow procedures and policies as required.
General
- Keep up to date with local, regional, and national policy and initiatives relevant to youth services and mental wellbeing.
- Attend various events and meetings with partners and professionals; advocate on behalf of young people; promote AED's Headlight program; influence policy and practice.
- Attend team meetings; appraisal meetings; and 1:1 meetings with Manager as required.
- Work within all policies and procedures of the organisation.
- Participate in organization-wide events.
- Record work on data base and carry out other administrative tasks as required.
- Attend training to maintain good practice and as part of agreed personal development needs.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate to the level of responsibility of this role.