Mental Health Buddy

We are looking for mental health buddies to provide a professional, supportive relationship to people being referred to the new Suicide Prevention Service and will meet their client on a weekly basis for a time-limited period. During this time, the Buddy will support their individual to develop independence and resilience using self-help techniques. By providing a person-focussed approach, the individual will be matched to the most appropriate Buddy who will help them to achieve goals set out in their safety/needs plan. This will also include supporting access to wider organisations and other local resources.

Each match-up will last on average 6-8 weeks before moving to a new person (some flexibility may be required). Being a Mental Health Buddy means giving some of your time to someone who will be in a difficult place; listening, being reliable, offering hope and ultimately supporting them to develop self-help skills and engage in activities with the aim to better manage their mental health.

Main tasks:

·        To support people to progress, through active listening and other interventions such as CBT to support individuals to achieve their goals

·        To support people to be more resilient through development of self-help skills to manage their mental health

·        To motivate and encourage individuals to participate in community activities and make use of local resources

·        To support people to attend peer support groups, either with MiMH or other external community support groups/services

·        Commitment to attend all the training required, and regular de-briefing and supervision with the Project Officer managing this service

We are looking for volunteers who have the following attributes:

·      Friendly, open manner

·        Self-motivation

·        Excellent communication skills

·        Honest, reliable and punctual

·        Sensitive towards people/their difficulties

·        Confidentiality

·        Empathy, is understanding and non-judgemental

·        Able to work independently

·        Has an appreciation/understanding of mental health concerns

·        Enthusiastic with a positive attitude

·        Willing to travel within Hertfordshire

This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference and give back to the local community.