Activity Supporter

at Making Space

Role Description

Making Space is a values led charity working with people to put wellbeing at the heart of health and social care.
At Mill House, Making Space has a number of flats for people that are living with a severe and enduring mental illness who need extra support. People receive support that is personalised, to promote their recovery from a mental health illness, to build confidence and to support people with achieving their goals/aspirations.

Why should you volunteer?
This is a great opportunity to meet people, give something back and reduce social isolation. You will have the chance to learn from others and gain experience.

What will you be doing?
• To support with group activities such as games and the men’s group.
• To provide a listening ear and emotional support.
• To build a rapport with them and to discuss and support people with doing activities they wish to do e.g. walking, playing games, having a chat.
• To be aware of the organization’s Health and Safety Policy and act responsibly.
• To report any concerns to the person’s support worker and/or service manager.

What skills and experience will you need?
No qualifications are needed but some experience with supporting people with a mental illness is useful. You will have the chance to shadow staff to build up confidence and experience. We are looking for volunteers that are good listeners, positive, want to help others and are good with people.

Type of Activity: Suitable for individuals to apply, In person volunteering

Suitability: Suitable for 18 year olds and over

Time commitment

Once a week for 3 hours - for 6 months. There is flexibility to which weekday you would be volunteering.

Availability: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon
Is this role available at multiple locations? No
Role Location: Mill House, 14 Mill Road, Walmersley, Bury
At the service in communal space. There is free parking at the service.
By bus, you can get the 472 from Bury Interchange and get off at Walmersley Post Office. It is a 10 minute walk to the service.
Ward: Bury North (Ramsbottom, North Manor, Tottington)

Benefit to the volunteer

Opportunities to gain experience in health and social care
Meet people and to learn from others
Option to do employee e-learning

You will receive

Induction and training, Regular support supervision, Volunteer Handbook, Travel expenses, Volunteer policy

Inclusion Statement: In Bury we support people living with mental illness to build confidence. As a volunteer, you will be helping with running activities. These activities include games and a men's group where people can talk in a safe space.
At the group, you will be planning and running an activity and talking to people. You will be helping people to build confidence and make friends. The group would be once a week but we have not decided on which day yet.

Volunteers are asked to complete or provide: Application form, ID Check, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, Reference(s), Informal discussion (may include an interview)
Activities: Advice, Information and Support, Befriending, Buddying and Mentoring, Community Hub/work, Support Work
Skills: Managing People, Organising and Planning, Understanding of mental illness