Volunteer Advocate

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.

About the role

Do you have a desire to gain experience in supporting vulnerable adults? Or are you a retired professional who has experience of working with vulnerable groups and are looking for a rewarding way to fill your free time whilst utilising your existing skills?

We are looking for Volunteer Advocates to support our Camden and Islington Integrated Advocacy Service in the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington. You will be based at home and, ideally, you will be able to commit half a day per week to volunteering. 

You will provide a non-statutory advocacy service to service users across Camden and Islington with an emphasis on supporting people with learning disabilities and Autism.

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.

About the service

Our service works with vulnerable people across the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington to provide a one-to-one advocacy service.  You will raise the voice of the vulnerable to ensure that their views are taken into account in decisions being made about them and for them.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Advocate

Support service users across the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington to provide a non-statutory advocacy service to vulnerable service users Ensure that vulnerable people have a voice and are heard Promote the independence of the service and support service users to ensure that they are at the heart of the advocacy relationship Take part in meetings to raise the voice of service users Writing letters with, and on behalf of, service users Carry a caseload of 4-5 cases at any one time  

What will make you a great fit for this role?

Some experience of, or a desire to gain experience, supporting vulnerable groups Good communication and listening skills Ability to empathise with others Ability to ask sensitive questions to make sure you understand the issue fully Ability to question and challenge in an assertive but professional manner Experience or knowledge of mental health and social care issues Comfortable asking for help and support when needed Although not essential, you may also have:

Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and Autism Ability to use alternative forms of communication such as Makaton, Easy Read, Picture communications, Objects of reference.  

Camden and Islington are two diverse London Boroughs, and we seek volunteers who reflect the diversity of these communities.

Who are we?

We’re 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 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.