Manchester Communities

Aim of the role:

As a Peer Mentor, you will be part of our team helping those experiencing multiple disadvantages to achieve better outcomes, by supporting individuals to access the support they need.

We believe that tackling complex and systemic problems requires collaboration and empowering approaches. We are looking for someone who is passionate about using their own experiences to help make change for people experiencing bad housing and homelessness.

Suggested time commitment:

Flexible – this volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday: 9-5

Location:

Manchester, community based and at our Hub on Swan Street

Supervised by:

Susanne Jones, Early Help Adults [AP1] Peer Coordinator

Main Tasks:

This is a varied role, and you could do some or all the following activities:

• Arranging and committing to a regular time each week to support clients or attending one off appointments.
• Acting as an advocate for the client, preparing for and supporting with appointments, forms, letters and helping them to speak up for themselves.
• Updating your supervisor about visits and reporting any information/ advice/ guidance that has been requested.
• Reporting any concerns about safety
• Providing feedback to help improve and develop the service

Skills and experience:

• People with lived experience of multiple disadvantage such as personal experience of mental health challenges, the criminal justice system, domestic violence, addiction, or you may have experienced barriers as neurodivergent person.  
• Friendly with good listening skills

• Able to listen and respond to information provided.
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Good timekeeping and reliability

• The ability to communicate clear information.

Induction, Learning & Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures
• Provide training: Including peer mentor training, Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Safeguarding.
• Provide access to our internal training programmes and other appropriate Shelter training
• Provide on the job induction
• Regular group catch ups with other peer volunteers for peer support and to share views and ideas.
• Equipment, such as a phone to help you in your role.
• Pay out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

What you will gain:

• Experience in providing engagement and advocacy support to people experiencing multiple disadvantages with a leading national charity.
• The opportunity to use your lived experience of multiple disadvantages to help develop trusting relationships with other people experiencing barriers.
• Access to progression support and wellbeing
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a team.
• References provided if required to potential employers if you are looking for work.
• Regular catchups with your supervisor and opportunity to reflect on your input and role

Next steps:

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will hold an informal recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us at volunteering@shelter.org.uk if you require more information.

If you would like any more information on the role or advice on how to apply, please contact Susanne on Susanne_jones@shelter.org.uk (07393792210)

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.