Volunteer Mental Health Advocate

You could be part of a team that: ∑ Delivers drop-ins on mental health wards to inform patients of advocacy services and their rights ∑ Encourages self-advocacy and provides self-help toolkits; service literature and resources to patients ∑ Takes advocacy referrals from patients and ward staff ∑ Signposts individuals to other services where we are unable to provide support ∑ Supports patients to address issues with ward staff. Who are we looking for? We are looking for reliable; compassionate; caring; respectful and understanding people who are good communicators to join our volunteer team. You don't need to be a mental health expert; empathy matters more than academic qualifications or experience and we are keen to hear from people of all ages and walks of life

What skills do I need?

All we ask is that you are keen and able to: ∑ Complete and submit the relevant paperwork and forms ∑ Keep up to date with relevant legislation ∑ Be computer literate and have access to emails and Microsoft Teams on a device ∑ Attend quarterly supervisions and volunteer meetings with our volunteer management team ∑ Attend necessary internal and external training ∑ Adhere to our volunteer policies and procedures ∑ Maintain strict confidentiality ∑ Travel to one of the hospitals situated in Chorley; Trafford; Lancaster or Ormskirk ∑ To commit to 3 or 4 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months ∑ Travel using public transport or your own vehicle for which you should have a full UK driving licence ∑ Be vaccinated against Covid 19 in line with government guidance.

When do I need to be available?