We are looking for Carer Support Volunteer to support our Carers Service in Bristol. You will be based in central Bristol and, ideally, you will be able to commit 1-3 hours per week to volunteering.
Your role will involve interacting and building relationships with carers that are supported by the Rethink Mental Illness Carers Service. You will attend the monthly carers group and engage with the people who attend, making them feel welcome and comfortable. Attendees may ask questions that require you to research to help find a solution - for example, finding charities that can help fund training, supplying equipment, or companies that assist with PIP forms. You may also help to find information about upcoming events in and around the Bristol area that would be suitable for mental health carers that we can include in our fortnightly e-bulletin. You may also be asked to help with occasional events which would involve setting up, registering attendees and making sure people are welcomed and comfortable.
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 supports adult family members, partners and friends of adults with mental health conditions in Bristol. This includes individual support and group support, via phonecalls, online and in person. We run monthly in person support groups, education sessions and social events and walks. The Cares Service is run by a service coordinator and a hospital liaison worker who work within the wider Rethink Bristol Community team.
What you will be doing as a Carer Support Volunteer
Co-facilitating monthly drop-in sessions
Helping to create a welcoming and safe space for carers
Occasionally attending events that support carers
Researching solutions and events to help with the drop-in sessions and the e-bulletin
What will make you a great fit for this role?
Being empathetic and non judgemental
Understanding the importance of confidentiality
·Being flexible, punctual and reliable

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."
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy - delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we're working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.

Rethink Mental Illness