Change Together Project
VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION: Change Champion
Responsible to:
Hours:
Volunteer Co-ordinator and Project Co-ordinator
Flexible, Part-time
About the Change Together Project
The Change Together project is funded by Time to Change, England’s biggest programme to
end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems. The
programme is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and funded by the Department of
Health, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund.
The one year project reflects the values of the Time to Change programme to challenge the
stigma and discrimination still associated with mental health and to work with local
communities to create a society where mental health problems are not hidden in shame
and secrecy; where nobody is afraid to speak out about their problems, or left wondering
where they can turn for help.
Conversations between volunteers with experience of mental health problems and
members of the public will take place at events across Hackney for the next year. The
Project creates and is part of engaging events at places like art exhibitions and community
gardens. We also run workshops for other organisations about mental ill health.
What are Project Champions?
All volunteers will be supported and trained to start these conversations and given key
messages to say, and will always be with others. They will never be expected to talk about
anything they do not want to, and will be given intensive training on how to deal with
difficult responses.
We are looking for people who are keen to have those conversations themselves and also to
support other volunteers to do so. Champions will help the team plan and prepare for
activities and events but most importantly, be part of our Steering Group who provide
advice and guidance on where the Project should go next, let us know if we can make any
improvements to what we do.
THE NEXT TRAINING IS IN EARLY AUGUST
What would I be doing?
· Help plan and prepare for activities and events
· Provide support to other volunteers at events or activities
· Help resolve any difficult conversations
· Encourage people to chat to each other at events
· Take part in conversations yourself
· Take an active part in Team Meetings
About us:
Peter Bedford Housing Association (PBHA) is an Industrial and Provident Society with
charitable status which works with socially excluded adults in North East London. A pioneer
of supported housing, we have been inspiring brighter futures for over forty years.
Volunteer Centre Hackney provides advice, information, training, recruitment and referral
services to volunteers and over 400 local organisations. We help people get involved in their
local community by matching them with the right volunteer role for them.
Areas of Interest: Mental Health
Types of Activity: Advice, Information and Support, Community Work, Local Events
Recruitment Method: Application Form, Informal Discussion, References
Skills and Qualifications:
We're looking for people
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With experience of mental health problems
With an ability to encourage and motivate others
With a pleasant, calm manner
Who are friendly and open
What you can expect from us
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Extensive training and ongoing support
Some great days out
A reference
Expenses - lunch up to a maximum £5.00 plus travel expenses
Change Together T-shirt
Directions:
DALSTON KINGSLAND
Buses: 56,277,242,38,30
Dalston Junction overground station
Additional/Specific Suitabilities
Age/Gender Restrictions: No
Disabled Access: Yes
Equal Opportunities Policy: Yes
Expenses: Yes
Hours required: Around 2 days per month
Training: Yes
Contact Information:
For further information or to apply please contact:
Katie Barton
Volunteer Centre Hackney
Unit 12-13 Springfield House
5 Tyssen St
Hackney
E8 2LY
Tel: 020 7241 4443
[email protected]
Bex Large
Peter Bedford Housing Association
Stamford Works
Gillett Square
N16 8JH
[email protected]
www.peterbedford.org.uk/changetogether
www.vchackney.org