Peer Mentor Volunteer

Role Description: Peer Mentor – Complex Needs Service Responsible to: Triage and Volunteer Coordinator Time commitment: A minimum of two hours per week Location: Open to those across Hertfordshire. Location specifics to be discussed with Peer Mentor. Who we are: Turning Point is a leading health and social care organisation. We provide services for people with complex needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems and those with a learning disability. The Complex Needs Service, provided by Turning Point, offers community support to people recovering from mental health issues and additional complex needs, including substance misuse, housing issues and learning disabilities. We also provide practical support to promote personal independence and recovery. Role of a Peer Mentor: We are seeking Peer Mentors to provide one to one support to service users within the community assisting them in their recovery from mental health issues. Due to Covid-19 restrictions this support will be provided by phone until support in the community can resume. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to increase their understanding of mental health issues and assist those within their local community. Peer Mentor Process: Peer Mentors will be introduced to the service user alongside experienced staff members, who have assessed the service user’s needs and confirmed that the service user is at the right stage of their recovery whereby a Peer Mentor will be beneficial. During the meeting, staff will make sure both the Peer Mentor and service user feel comfortable and safe moving forward with the service. Peer Mentors will then provide emotional support and social opportunities to the service user, while working with them to achieve goals that they have set together. The Peer Mentor will provide one to one support in the form of weekly 1 hour sessions, for a maximum of 6 months. Peer Mentors will fill out weekly session reports and escalate any safeguarding concerns to the Triage and Volunteer Coordinator. Peer mentors will be fully supported by the Triage and Volunteer Coordinator throughout the process. Full training will be provided with Level 2 Open Award in Peer Mentoring Certificate