Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
If you are looking to be part of an innovative and dynamic new venture, look no further than Devon, Torbay, and Langdon Advocacy Services.
About the role and the service
We are in the process of creating some exciting opportunities to integrate volunteers into our local teams in Devon, Torbay and Langdon. We are looking for volunteers who would like to support our Advocacy Services in these areas. Our services operate Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm.
We have an office in Dawlish where you will be based but there is plenty of opportunity for volunteering across the county depending on where you live. Ideally, you will be able to commit to at least one 7 hour day per week, but this can be flexible depending on your circumstances.
Our advocates empower a wide range of people including adults with mental illnesses, learning disabilities, autism, long term conditions and physical disabilities. Many of our clients have care and support needs including those who can access our IMHA (independent mental health advocacy) service for people subject to restrictions under the mental health act. In addition to providing IMHA across Devon we have an office in Langdon Secure Hospital, Dawlish where we provide a specialist IMHA service for men detained in the hospital.
We are funded to provide statutory advocacy services which include NHS Complaints Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), and Independent Care Act Advocacy.
The advocacy role is person centred, helping people to express their views, wishes and beliefs on issues that matter to them most. Our contracted advocates do a great job of providing statutory advocacy; however, the strict criteria set out in the legislation means that they often meet people who need help with issues outside their remit. Volunteers can help with this and with delivering advocacy awareness training in various settings.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.
Volunteer Open Day - July 2023
Successful applicants will be invited to attend our volunteer open day which we are planning to hold in July. This will be a relaxed and informal day where you will find out more about the service.
We will start with explaining advocacy and what kind of services we offer and there will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about volunteering with us.
We will do some exercises to help us to get a better idea of the skills and knowledge that you are bringing to the team and will end with a one to one informal interview.
What you will be doing as a Volunteer Advocate
- You will volunteer alongside our contracted advocates providing general advocacy support for people with a wide range of issues.
- You will help run advocacy awareness sessions, self-advocacy groups and/or sessions tailored towards specialist areas such as NHS Complaints.
- You will help people raise concerns with health and social care providers including assisting with official complaints.
- You may also help people to speak up on issues that affect them such as child protection proceedings, housing, finance and debt, welfare benefits, and health care.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Good communication and listening skills
- Ability to ask relevant and sensitive questions to make sure you understand issues fully
- Ability to question and challenge in an assertive but professional manner
- Ability to empathise with others
- Knowledge or personal experience of mental health issues
- Comfortable to ask for help and support
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Advocacy, part of Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
We welcome applications from all everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.