Peer Support Volunteer - Women & Families Centre

Who we are:

Jigsaw Homes Group is one of the largest housing groups in England with more than 35,000 homes across the North West and East Midlands.

We provide quality; low-cost housing and play a wider role in making sure our residents thrive in their homes and benefit from living in healthy, sustainable communities.

About the department:

At Jigsaw Support our focus is on helping people to live happy, healthy lives in a safe home and supporting our most vulnerable individuals is our top priority.

Volunteering within Jigsaw Support you will be part of an innovative, forward thinking team that encourages success.

We are passionate about improving the quality of lives of our customers by supporting them to achieve their goals and independence.

In addition to delivering our existing support services, we are always seeking new innovative partnerships, solutions and funding opportunities, responding to need and working with communities in which we can make a difference.

This position is within our Women & Families Centre which provides a safe space for women and their families to find support, friendships and rehabilitation in Tameside.

The overall aim of the service is to develop better health and wellbeing for women and their families, but it also contributes to reducing re-offending and ensuring offenders complete their community orders and licences.

Role Information:

Due to the nature of this role, we are only advertising for female volunteers over the age of 18.

If you are looking for a rewarding role that enables you to make a difference to people’s lives, then this role is for you.

The role of Peer Support Volunteer at Tameside Women & Families Centre is perfect for someone who wants a varied role and the opportunity to progress.

You will carry out a number of different duties to help meet the aims of the service, supporting both staff and service users at the centre.

You will assist with the day to day running and organisation of the Women and Families Centre, including general duties such as making tea and coffee for service users and preparing rooms for group sessions. You may also be asked to support or carry out some activities or help to prepare sessions. These focus on topics such as self-esteem, confidence building, healthy relationships, mental health and parenting. There is also the chance to facilitate groups with training and experience.

You will assist staff in supporting women with complex needs such as domestic abuse, substance and alcohol misuse, mental health, offending and housing and financial issues. You will also provide welfare checks to service users by the phone, and communicate these updates to staff.

You will be required to attend monthly supervision and team meetings, and you are required to attend training as and when required. This will provide you with excellent personal development opportunities and transferrable skills and experience.

Previous experience in a supporting role could be beneficial, but it is not essential as training will be provided.

You will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS for this role and work within the organisations policies and procedures, remaining professional at all times.

Jigsaw Benefits:

By volunteering with Jigsaw Support, you will be rewarded not only by knowing that you have helped changed people’s lives, but also with great personal development and opportunities.

Volunteering can be beneficial in many ways. You will:

• Develop your skills, knowledge and experience
• Enhance your CV and employment opportunities
• Build your self confidence and personal development
• Gain a sense of pride and achievement
• Meet new people and develop communities
• Receive training and development opportunities

Application Instructions:

Please apply through the Jigsaw website to express your interest.

We will then send an application form over to you for completion.