Mind in Harrow is currently recruiting for Volunteers to work on our Mental Health Information Helpline.
We are looking for volunteers who are good at listening, empathic, problem solving abilities who have experience and knowledge of supporting people with mental health issues. Candidates are required to live within the London Borough of Harrow or be within a 30 mins commutable distance.
The role requires a minimum of a moderate level of IT skills in order to engage with clients and staff via zoom, whatsapp, Phone, email and text message. You will be expected to record your work using databases, microsoft word, as well as researching on the internet.
As a SWiSH Helpline Volunteer, you will be allocated a shift of 4 hours a week (during weekdays 9-5) and will be answering the information helpline providing wellbeing guidance and information to callers in Harrow as well as providing specialist Mental Health Information. Other tasks involve admin tasks, updating factsheets and our information leaflets. You will need to be able to commit for 4 hours a week for a period of a year. The Helpline Shifts are Morning Shift (9-1) and Afternoon Shift (1-5), which would be agreed jointly for the same day each week.
There is also the potential, after a period volunteering on the SWISH Information Helpline of developing the role to become a peer advocate and support service users with more complex issues through casework support. Regular supervision is provided for both roles.
During Covid we have been operating our helpline remotely, meaning that volunteers who would have previously worked alongside us in the office are now taking calls from home and all of our staff members are now working from home. This is likely to be for the foreseeable future, so the role will be home based.
The application process will involve an interview over zoom to screen if you are suitable for the role and attendance at our 4 half day, combined Helpline and Casework support Training which will be held via zoom. Please note that the Helpline positions are usually very oversubscribed so it is important that you return application forms as soon as possible and before the deadline of Friday 13th November at 5pm. In order to be considered you will be required to attend the agreed interview date as well as all of the Training dates, listed below, in order to be considered for the role. Please note, we cannot consider an application unless it has been submitted via our Volunteer application form, which will be emailed to you once you enquire.
The training dates are: Wednesday 2nd Dec 10am -2pm
Friday 4th Dec 10am-2pm
Wednesday 9th Dec 10am-2pm
Friday 11th Dec 10am-2pm
The offer of a voluntary position is also reliant on receiving two satisfactory references and DBS check clearance.
If you are suitable for this Volunteering role, contact us below for further information and an application form;
Ann Holmes
020 8426 0929