Volunteer: Crisis Support Drop-In service (Swadlincote)

Are you welcoming, non-judgemental, and a great listener?

• Do you live in or near Swadlincote?
• Are you interested in volunteering with a really supportive organisation such as Derbyshire Mind?
• Are you available on Friday evenings, Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons?

Derbyshire Mind’s successful Crisis Support Drop-In Service is coming to both Swadlincote and Ripley in December 2023. Just like at Buxton, these two new local services provide support to adults who are experiencing or nearing a mental health crisis in a safe and welcoming non-clinical environment.

We are looking for reliable and supportive volunteers who feel passionate about helping people in need to help us. If that sounds like you then we would really love to hear from you!

The Role

Role: Volunteer – Crisis Support Drop-In Service

Hours – A minimum of one shift per week, or two shifts per fortnight.

Reimbursement – Expenses paid in line with our volunteer policy. Including reasonable travel expenses (up to maximum £15 per day) and meal expenses when working a shift of 6 hours (up to maximum £4.50)

Location – Town Centre

About Derbyshire Mind’s Crisis Support Drop-In services:

Derbyshire Mind’s Crisis Support Drop-In services are friendly & supportive non-clinical crisis services for adults who self-define as needing immediate help with their mental health or emotional wellbeing. Located in Buxton, Ripley and Swadlincote, the services offer out-of-hours mental health help, support and signposting in a relaxed and comfortable community environment.

Purpose of the Volunteering Role:

The purpose of this volunteer role is to facilitate the smooth running of Derbyshire Mind’s Crisis Support Drop-In service by presenting a warm and friendly and non-judgemental presence, welcoming and supporting attendees, assisting the Support Workers, and offering support to help attendees engage with various calming activities.

For more details, including a description of the typical tasks involved with this volunteer role, please read the Role Description document below.

Volunteer Shifts Available:

Shifts will always include 30 minutes at the start and end of the service for setting up, tidying away, and wellbeing check-ins.

The Volunteer shifts available will therefore be:

• Friday nights: 5.30-11.30pm (6 hours)
• Saturday nights: 5.30-11.30pm (6 hours)
• Sunday afternoons: 2.00-6.00pm (4 hours)

Volunteers will also be required to attend team wide meetings, and also one-to-one meetings with their supervisor, once every 6 weeks.

We are looking for volunteers that can provide support for at least one shift per week, or two shifts every other week/fortnight.

Training:

All volunteers will receive comprehensive training before they start supporting the service. This will include teaching you skills that will help you support someone experiencing emotional distress.

Access to a Car

A driving license and access to a car is necessary for this volunteering role as the service operates at night times and weekends when public transport doesn’t run or is less reliable, and we want for you to get home safely! Alternatively you may have another secure and safe method of travel.