This group currently provides a safe and calm space for service users to engage in a series of pattern and colouring projects set by the facilitator. These include either providing already designed stencilled or outlined images that are then to be coloured however the service user feels fits.
The projects have a simple premise that Service Users can make as easy or as complex as their ability allows. The group's purpose is to use creativity to quieten the mind and distract from worries in a calm and mindful space. Connections can be made with fellow Service Users, as they discuss ideas and designs together. The role of the volunteer is to guide Service Users through the project and be on hand to help as needed.
This role is to support and encourage regular attendance. To listen to the conversations, actively acknowledge good coping strategies, developing a proactive curiosity about their own mental health. To maintain the safety of the group by ensuring that the Group Agreement guidelines are adhered to and if they are breached that the appropriate action is taken. To support Service Users to take ownership of their mental health and empower independence.
What's involved:
Volunteering for 2 hours a week to facilitate the group at 11-12.30pm every Monday at our community hub in Durrington, Worthing
Key Tasks:
- Support people who use our service to take part in the group, connecting and conversing, where able.
- Set projects for each week or a series of weeks for the service users to concentrate on
- Create a welcoming atmosphere for Service Users, ensuring refreshments are available
- Implement the Group Agreement and challenging Service Users if there are breaches
- To have an understanding of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and how this can support Service Users to take ownership of their mental health and empower independence (Training provided)
- Celebrate the skills of the group and help us to signpost attendees to local clubs to improve their confidence in social skills
- Keep a register of attendance
- Raise any issues or safeguarding concerns with relevant WS Mind Staff in line with our Confidentiality Agreement
What we ask for:
- That you are practical, considerate of others, empathetic and patient
- That you are a confident communicator with good listening and facilitating skills
- Have an enthusiasm for working with people
- Understanding or lived experience of mental health needs desirable, this is not essential for the role
How we help our volunteers and benefits
- Welcome you to West Sussex Mind with a package of training and information needed to carry out the role
- You will meet new people, have the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in regular in-house training
- We will reimburse pre-agreed expenses in line with West Sussex Mind’s policy
- We will check-in regularly to ensure you are enjoying your volunteering role
- You will get to see Service Users develop skills which will positively impact on their lives, improving their self-esteem and developing independence.
Our Values
- We are equitable
- We are open
- We work together
- We are curious
- We are unstoppable
- We strive for excellence
Volunteer Recruitment Process
For selected applicants there will be an interview with the Service/Project Managers
If successful, 2 references will be requested as part of the recruitment checks and essential 6 e-learning modules will be required to be completed before starting in the volunteer role.
Because the role involves working closely with vulnerable people, we need to take up two references and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Support will be available for any technical, language or literary support required.
For more information, please email socialactivities@westsussexmind.org or volunteering@westussexmind.org
If you are ready to apply, please complete our application form here: https://forms.office.com/e/zfRhvx1rgj
