Volunteering

 

JOHN DENMARK UNIT

(Specialising in Mental Health & Deafness)

Role: Volunteer Activity Assistant

Service: Mental Health and Deafness

Location: John Denmark Unit, Prestwich Hospital Site                                              

Supervisor: TBA

 

The John Denmark Unit (JDU) is an 18 bed inpatient service specialising in mental health and deafness.

Who for?  Deaf adults use British Sign Language (BSL). Also can support other deaf, deafened and deaf/blind individuals get help to improve, help recover.

JDU important what?  Positive self-image, help see yourself in good way, improve feelings of self-worth (self-esteem). Feeling good about yourself helps people to stay well and to have good life in deaf community.

 

Role Summary /Purpose:

To work with the OT, nurse in charge and the nursing team to plan and deliver therapeutic activities, both group and individual, in line within agreed activity protocols, all of which will support our service user’s recovery needs.

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To plan and develop activities which are culturally and sensitively appropriate to the needs of the service users in a socially inclusive format
• To facilitate service users to access therapeutic and recreational groups as part of their individual recovery process, alongside health care professionals
• To motivate, encourage and support service users where appropriate
• To manage and evaluate activities with a responsive and flexible approach
• To work as part of the team

 

Requirements for the Role:

In order to fulfil the duties of this role we ask that you:

• Have good communication skills, including a minimum of BSL Level 1
• Display good Deaf Awareness skills and have an understanding of Deaf culture
• Knowledge of mental health or a willingness to learn
• Have a basic understanding of service users’ recovery process or a willingness to learn
• Understand the importance of motivating and encouraging service users
• Complete all mandatory training (within 4 weeks of starting role) and ensure you refresh your mandatory training when required.
• Complete local induction on ward and any training deemed necessary for your role
• Have a basic understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
• Have a basic understanding of confidentiality and information sharing
• Have a basic understanding of professional boundaries
• Have respect and compassion for others and their right to choose and to be treated with dignity
• Be willing to work as part of a team
• Have a basic understanding of equal opportunities

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the JDU please complete the application by clinking on the link below and forwarding to Lindsay Quar and Marie Ainsworth.

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n10672.docx&ver=13755

Lindsay Quar (Ward Manager)  Lindsay.quar@gmmh.nhs.uk

Marie Ainsworth (Engagement Support Worker)  Marie.ainsworth@gmmh.nhs.uk

 

Please note that we strongly recommend that you check with the Benefits Agency that your commitment to volunteering does not penalise you in any way and does not affect your benefits.  This role is unpaid, however, we will refund all travel expenses for training and volunteering in line with Trust Policy.

 

 

Service: Liaison & Diversion Community Peer Mentor Volunteers

Location: Greater Manchester

Supervisor: Liaison & Diversion - Involvement Lead

 

Role Summary/Purpose

The Liaison & Diversion’s Community Peer Mentor volunteers are there to support individuals who have entered Police Custody and Courts across Greater Manchester, to access health and social care in their community. We are looking for people with lived experience of the Criminal Justice system and/or community services to be a part of our diverse team. Sharing your own lived experience of what helped you and the knowledge you have built navigating those support services.

The aim of a Community Peer Mentor Volunteer is to promote hope and opportunity for change for those going through challenging situations.

Our service users tell us that they value support from others who have lived experience of the criminal justice system or of vulnerabilities such as housing issues, mental health challenges, substance misuse, to name a few. It is part of the national NHS Five Year Plan to integrate people with lived experience of such difficulties themselves, into the workforce. Our service users tell us that they would welcome support from someone who has experience of what they are going through, in order to help them in their recovery journey. We have feedback from many service users supported by our Volunteers, that tells us that creating this connection between peers offers hope, aspiration and motivation.

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Through sharing wisdom from your own experiences, you will inspire hope and belief that living well is possible for others.  You will:

• Support and promote living well as a user led concept.
• Emphasise hope and optimism, inspiring individuals to achieve their aspirations/goals.
• Value experiential learning alongside other people.
• Focus on strengths rather than deficits.
• Provide beneficial and meaningful support
• Support attending appointments.
• Collaboration between those who need support and those who support them.
• Enable and promote autonomy and self-management.
• Navigate service users to the correct services.
• Support service user engagement.

 

Support our service users in the community by:

 

• Being available for at least half a day per week (hours are negotiable as this is a volunteer role but for continuity, we would ask for a weekly commitment)
• Using your own lived experience to enrich your relationship with service users and offer mentorship in the community
• Attending and completing our in-house Level 2 Award in Peer Mentorship
• Respecting an individual’s rights to choose the community interventions that will help and support them in their own recovery journey
• Supporting people to access and engage with health and social care services including GP’s, Mental Health and Substance Misuse services, education, training, employment, and leisure activities
• Complying with all Trust policies and procedures but in particular in relation to safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and managing personal information
• Working as part of Liaison and Diversion wider team; receiving and sharing information within that team in order support people to work towards their goals

 

Requirements for the Role:

In order to fulfil the duties of this role we ask that you:

• Have your own lived experience of either the Criminal Justice system and/or support services
• Can commit to at least half a day per week as a volunteer
• Can commit to the Level 2 Award in Peer Mentorship
• Have respect and compassion for others and their right to choose and to be treated with dignity
• Be prepared to draw on your own lived experience to support others
• Have good communication skills
• Be willing to work as part of a team
• Be proactive
• Be willing to complete pre volunteer checks and training necessary to work with potentially vulnerable people

If you are interested in becoming a Community Peer Mentor Volunteer, please complete the application as follows and email to Natalie Dawson.  

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n10672.docx&ver=13755

 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on either of the contacts below:

Mobile Number: 07385428057

Email:   Natalie.dawson@gmmh.nhs.uk

 

T his role descriptor reflects the role at the present time and may need to be adapted in the future.

We strongly recommend that if you receive benefits you check with the Benefits Agency that your commitment to volunteering does not penalise you in any way and does not affect your benefits.

This role is unpaid; however, we will refund all travel expenses for training and volunteering in line with GMMH Trust Policy.

 

Service:                                       Achieve Bury/Achieve Bolton

Speciality:                                    Drug and Alcohol Recovery

Minimum Working Hours:          4 Hours per week                            

Maximum Working Hours:         16 Hours (8 sessions available)                                     

                                                         

ROLE PURPOSE

To facilitate and / or co facilitate a wide range of group work for service users within the substance misuse setting; to be delivered at various sites across Salford at the direction of PSI & Group Work Lead.

 

KEY TASKS

• To offer individuals the opportunity to develop their recovery skills in a structured, focused group setting; to communicate and engage with members and help them to participate more confidently in activities offered.

• To co facilitate structured group work interventions alongside PSI colleagues.

• To assist with, the planning and organising activities for groups. To encourage and discuss suggestions for activities and to support clients in putting their ideas in to practice

• To assist and encourage service users to access other community based resources as appropriate

• Welcome new group members and encourage existing members to do the same

• Tailor support to enable more vulnerable group members to make the most of attending the group

• Support Group coordinator to publicise group-work opportunities; liaise with front line staff regarding access criteria

• Support delivery of PSI information sessions as required

• To encourage and support service users to adopt safer practices and healthier lifestyles.

• To actively promote service user and carer involvement in the planning and delivery of services.

• Provide information about other services offered by Achieve, support the staff conducting Service User Feedback Surveys, taking Fire Safety Survey referrals and others as required.

• Provide information about other agencies operating within the area, including providing information and referral to carer’s services. To offer support, reassurance and information to carers/family members who attend with service users.

• Actively work as part of a team in order to create working conditions conducive to providing better and fairer services to substance users, their families and the wider community. Elicit client views to enable continual service development.

• Regularly attend team meetings.

• Value, promote, and manage diversity, and to actively encourage equality of opportunity in all areas of one’s work.

• Ensure a safe environment for service users, colleagues and visitors in accordance with the Trust Health & Safety Policy.

• Adhere to Trust policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines at all times, in particular Trust Confidentiality and Information Sharing Policy.

• Work within agreed professional boundaries at all times.

• Maintain quality standards in every area of ones work in accordance with quality assurance protocols for working within the substance misuse field.

• Make use of regular supervision and support; and to take responsibility for updating personal knowledge and skills in order to meet the objectives of the post.

• To actively promote service user and carer involvement in the planning and delivery of services.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Willingness to/or completed the SSN training programme for volunteers.

Willingness to/or completed Group work facilitation training.

Some experience of providing support to vulnerable/socially excluded individuals/groups.

Motivated to work towards creating a safe, open & trusting environment.

Commitment to one’s own professional development.

Effective communication skills.

Basic knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities in practice.

An awareness of policies & procedures in relation to confidentiality, information sharing, and child protection.

Understand the benefits of working as a team.

Knowledge and understanding of professional boundaries in the workplace.

Prepared to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and service user, If required following consultation.

 

If you would like to apply for the role please complete the application form below:

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n10672.docx&ver=13755

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Team Manager:

Angela Boast on 0161 271 0020

angela.boast@gmmh.nhs.uk

 

 

Role:              Meet & Greet Volunteer                                                        

Service:        Achieve Bury

Location:      Humphrey House

Supervisor:  tbc

 

Role Summary/Purpose:

To offer information, advocacy and support to substance users accessing or seeking to access the service; to support a safe and recovery focused environment and act as a link between service users and practitioners. The role will include providing support at the information sessions; ‘meet and greet’ and supporting people before and after their appointments. You will also help manage the resource materials available and encourage the participation in groups and activities. To support staff ensure that safety procedures are adhered to.  

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To support the work of the recovery teams

• To provide practical support, where required, to people attending for assessment who may require support to complete related documents

• Support the reception staff by providing a welcoming environment and ensuring the safety of service users and other visitors. Support the service by observing the health and safety requirements of the building, and reporting any concerns

• Offer support to the Assessment Team, especially enabling new referees to feel comfortable when they attend for their assessments.

• Meet and greet service users and visitors, liaise between reception and service users/carers. Direct service users to available and appropriate information, groups and activities.

• Offer a supportive environment to new and existing service users, explaining processes and changes. Be available for support in communal areas.

• Support reception/and staff as required. Ensure that service users are supported to raise any concerns with appropriate staff.

• Ensure calls are directed as appropriate or messages taken and forwarded in a timely manner. Support service users to use the telephone to contact case managers and other appropriate agencies.

• Support the ‘internet café’ area, ensuring the facilities provided are used appropriately for recovery focused activities.

• Provide information about other services offered by Achieve. Support the staff conducting Service User Feedback Surveys, taking Fire Safety Survey referrals and others as required. Be responsible for collating and updating a resource file for education/training/employment and diversionary activities available in the community.

• Provide information about other agencies operating within the area, including providing information and referral to carers’ services. To offer support, reassurance and information to carers/family members who attend with service users.

• Actively work as part of a team in order to create working conditions conducive to providing better and fairer services to substance users, their families and the wider community. Elicit client views to enable continual service development.

• Regularly attend volunteer group meetings.

• Value, promote, and manage diversity, and to actively encourage equality of opportunity in all areas of one’s work.

 

Requirements for the Role:

In order to fulfil the duties of this role we ask that you:

• Have basic IT skills and the ability to use email and online platforms
• Have knowledge of the effects of substance misuse
• Have a basic understanding of service users’ recovery process
• Understand the importance of motivating and encouraging service users
• Complete all mandatory training (within 4 weeks of starting role)
• Complete local induction and any training deemed necessary for your role
• Have a basic understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
• Have a basic understanding of confidentiality and information sharing
• Have a basic understanding of professional boundaries
• Have respect and compassion for others and their right to choose and to be treated with dignity
• Have  written and verbal communication skills
• Be willing to work as part of a team
• Have a basic understanding of equal opportunities
• Have completed or are willing to work towards Level 2 Peer Mentor or Management of Substance Use qualification/s
• Have completed or are willing to attend the Practically Volunteering Course
• Have experience of supporting vulnerable or marginalised groups of people

 

Please complete the application below and email tot: Anita McWilliam & Jason Ratovic

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n10672.docx&ver=13755 

Anita.McWilliam@gmmh.nhs.uk

Jason.Ratkovic@gmmh.nhs.uk

Please note that we strongly recommend that you check with the Benefits Agency that your commitment to volunteering does not penalise you in any way and does not affect your benefits. 

Please ask to speak to the Disability Employment Advisor or your Work Coach

This role is unpaid, however, we will refund all travel expenses for training and volunteering in line with Trust Policy

Role:            Needle Exchange Volunteer                                               

Service:       Achieve Bury

Location:      Humphrey House

Supervisor: TBC within the Clinical Team

 

Role Summary/Purpose:

To offer harm reduction interventions, support and advocacy to substance users accessing the Needle and Syringe Exchange. To encourage those not already accessing, to engage with structured treatment and recovery options. To work under the direction of the Lead Nurse.  

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To work as part of the Achieve Bury clinical team

• Minimise risk by encouraging and supporting service users to adopt safer practices and healthier lifestyles.

• To staff the needle exchange in Bury as required, ensuring that sufficient stock is in place and identifying when further supply orders are required

• To offer harm reduction interventions, support, and advocacy to substance users accessing or seeking to access substance misuse services

• To monitor and report (both verbally and in writing) exchange activity, and make recommendations for the improvement of service provision to your Line Manager/Team Manager

• To make appropriate referrals to primary and secondary care in relation to ongoing treatment for identified blood borne viruses, drug related and general health problems

• Provide information about other services offered by Achieve, support the staff conducting Service User Feedback Surveys, taking Fire Safe and Well visit referrals and others as required.

• Provide information about other agencies operating within the area, including providing information and referral to carers’ services. To offer support, reassurance and information to carers/family members who may attend with service users.

• Actively work as part of a team in order to create working conditions conducive to providing better and fairer services to substance users, their families and the wider community. Elicit service views to enable continual service development.

• Regularly attend volunteer group meetings/supervision.

• Value, promote and manage diversity, and to actively encourage equality of opportunity in all areas.

• Ensure a safe environment for service users, colleagues and visitors in accordance with the Trust Health & Safety Policy.

• Adhere to Trust policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines at all times, in particular Trust Confidentiality and Information Sharing Policy.

• Work within agreed professional boundaries at all times.

• Maintain quality standards in every area of ones work in accordance with quality assurance protocols for working within the substance misuse field.

• Make use of regular supervision and support, and to take responsibility for updating personal knowledge and skills in order to meet the objectives of the volunteer role.

• To actively promote service user and carer involvement in the planning and delivery of services.

 

Requirements for the Role:

In order to fulfil the duties of this role we ask that you:

• Have knowledge of the effects of substance misuse
• Have a workable knowledge of basic IT with the ability to use email and online platforms
• Have a basic understanding of service users’ recovery process
• Understand the importance of motivating and encouraging service users
• Complete all mandatory training (within 4 weeks of starting role)
• Complete local induction and any training deemed necessary for your role
• Have a basic understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
• Have a basic understanding of confidentiality and information sharing
• Have a basic understanding of professional boundaries
• Have respect and compassion for others and their right to choose and to be treated with dignity
• Have good communication skills
• Be willing to work as part of a team
• Have a basic understanding of equal opportunities
• Have completed or willingness to complete Practically Volunteering training
• Have completed or be willing to complete harm reduction training
• Be able to complete basic monitoring systems
• Ability to update training and knowledge to respond to changing substance use trends

 

Please complete the application below and email tot: Anita McWilliam & Jason Ratovic.

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n10672.docx&ver=13755 

Anita.McWilliam@gmmh.nhs.uk

Jason.Ratkovic@gmmh.nhs.uk

 

Please note that we strongly recommend that you check with the Benefits Agency that your commitment to volunteering does not penalise you in any way and does not affect your benefits.  This role is unpaid, however, we will refund all travel expenses for training and volunteering in line with Trust Policy

 

Role:            Meet & Greet Volunteer                                                         

Service:       Achieve Bury, Bolton, Salford & Trafford

Location:     The Orchard, Chester Road, Beacon House or Humphrey House

Supervisor: tbc

 

Role Summary/Purpose:

To offer information, advocacy and support to substance users accessing or seeking to access the service; to support a safe and recovery focused environment and act as a link between service users and practitioners. The role will include providing support at the information sessions; ‘meet and greet’ and supporting people before and after their appointments. You will also help manage the resource materials available and encourage the participation in groups and activities. To support staff ensure that safety procedures are adhered to.  

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To support the work of the recovery teams
• To provide practical support, where required, to people attending for assessment who may require support to complete related documents
• Support the reception staff by providing a welcoming environment and ensuring the safety of service users and other visitors. Support the service by observing the health and safety requirements of the building, and reporting any concerns
• Offer support to the Assessment Team, especially enabling new referees to feel comfortable when they attend for their assessments.
• Meet and greet service users and visitors, liaise between reception and service users/carers. Direct service users to available and appropriate information, groups and activities.
• Offer a supportive environment to new and existing service users, explaining processes and changes. Be available for support in communal areas.
• Support reception/and staff as required. Ensure that service users are supported to raise any concerns with appropriate staff.
• Ensure calls are directed as appropriate or messages taken and forwarded in a timely manner. Support service users to use the telephone to contact case managers and other appropriate agencies.
• Support the ‘internet café’ area, ensuring the facilities provided are used appropriately for recovery focused activities.
• Provide information about other services offered by Achieve BST. Support the staff conducting Service User Feedback Surveys, taking Fire Safety Survey referrals and others as required. Be responsible for collating and updating a resource file for education/training/employment and diversionary activities available in the community.
• Provide information about other agencies operating within the area, including providing information and referral to carers’ services. To offer support, reassurance and information to carers/family members who attend with service users.
• Actively work as part of a team in order to create working conditions conducive to providing better and fairer services to substance users, their families and the wider community. Elicit client views to enable continual service development.
• Regularly attend volunteer group meetings.
• Value, promote, and manage diversity, and to actively encourage equality of opportunity in all areas of one’s work.

 

Requirements for the Role:

In order to fulfil the duties of this role we ask that you:

• Have basic IT skills and the ability to use email and online platforms
• Have knowledge of the effects of substance misuse
• Have a basic understanding of service users’ recovery process
• Understand the importance of motivating and encouraging service users
• Complete all mandatory training (within 4 weeks of starting role)
• Complete local induction and any training deemed necessary for your role
• Have a basic understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
• Have a basic understanding of confidentiality and information sharing
• Have a basic understanding of professional boundaries
• Have respect and compassion for others and their right to choose and to be treated with dignity
• Have  written and verbal communication skills
• Be willing to work as part of a team
• Have a basic understanding of equal opportunities
• Have completed or are willing to work towards Level 2 Peer Mentor or Management of Substance Use qualification/s
• Have completed or are willing to attend the Practically Volunteering Course
• Have experience of supporting vulnerable or marginalised groups of people

 

Please complete the application below and email to:

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n10672.docx&ver=13755 

 

Meet and Greet Bolton – Chrissie Davies, chrissie.davies@gmmh.nhs.uk

Meet and Greet Bury – Anita McWilliam, anita.mcwilliam@gmmh.nhs.uk

Meet and Greet - Salford and Trafford, elsie.rushowrth@gmmh.nhs.uk

 

 

 

Please note that we strongly recommend that you check with the Benefits Agency that your commitment to volunteering does not penalise you in any way and does not affect your benefits. 

Please ask to speak to the Disability Employment Advisor or your Work Coach

This role is unpaid, however, we will refund all travel expenses for training and volunteering in line with Trust Policy

 

Role:            Needle Exchange Volunteer                                               

Service:       Achieve Bury, Bolton, Salford & Trafford.

Location:     Humphrey House, Beacon House, The Orchard, Chester Road.

Supervisor: tbc within the Clinical Team

 

Role Summary/Purpose:

To offer harm reduction interventions, support and advocacy to substance users accessing the Needle and Syringe Exchange. To encourage those not already accessing, to engage with structured treatment and recovery options. To work under the direction of the Lead Nurse.  

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To work as part of the Achieve Bolton clinical team

• Minimise risk by encouraging and supporting service users to adopt safer practices and healthier lifestyles.

• To staff the needle exchange in King Street as required, ensuring that sufficient stock is in place and identifying when further supply orders are required

• To offer harm reduction interventions, support, and advocacy to substance users accessing or seeking to access substance misuse services

• To monitor and report (both verbally and in writing) exchange activity, and make recommendations for the improvement of service provision to your Line Manager/Team Manager

• To make appropriate referrals to primary and secondary care in relation to ongoing treatment for identified blood borne viruses, drug related and general health problems

• Provide information about other services offered by Achieve, support the staff conducting Service User Feedback Surveys, taking Fire Safe and Well visit referrals and others as required.

• Provide information about other agencies operating within the area, including providing information and referral to carers’ services. To offer support, reassurance and information to carers/family members who may attend with service users.

• Actively work as part of a team in order to create working conditions conducive to providing better and fairer services to substance users, their families and the wider community. Elicit service views to enable continual service development.

• Regularly attend volunteer group meetings/supervision.

• Value, promote and manage diversity, and to actively encourage equality of opportunity in all areas.

• Ensure a safe environment for service users, colleagues and visitors in accordance with the Trust Health & Safety Policy.

• Adhere to Trust policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines at all times, in particular Trust Confidentiality and Information Sharing Policy.

• Work within agreed professional boundaries at all times.

• Maintain quality standards in every area of ones work in accordance with quality assurance protocols for working within the substance misuse field.

• Make use of regular supervision and support, and to take responsibility for updating personal knowledge and skills in order to meet the objectives of the volunteer role.

• To actively promote service user and carer involvement in the planning and delivery of services.

 

Requirements for the Role:

In order to fulfil the duties of this role we ask that you:

• Have knowledge of the effects of substance misuse
• Have a workable knowledge of basic IT with the ability to use email and online platforms
• Have a basic understanding of service users’ recovery process
• Understand the importance of motivating and encouraging service users
• Complete all mandatory training (within 4 weeks of starting role)
• Complete local induction and any training deemed necessary for your role
• Have a basic understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
• Have a basic understanding of confidentiality and information sharing
• Have a basic understanding of professional boundaries
• Have respect and compassion for others and their right to choose and to be treated with dignity
• Have good communication skills
• Be willing to work as part of a team
• Have a basic understanding of equal opportunities
• Have completed or willingness to complete Practically Volunteering training
• Have completed or be willing to complete harm reduction training
• Be able to complete basic monitoring systems
• Ability to update training and knowledge to respond to changing substance use trends

 

Please complete the application below and email to:

Gianni Esposito: Gianni.esposito@gmmh.nhs.uk

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n10672.docx&ver=13755 

 

 

Please note that we strongly recommend that you check with the Benefits Agency that your commitment to volunteering does not penalise you in any way and does not affect your benefits.  This role is unpaid, however, we will refund all travel expenses for training and volunteering in line with Trust Policy

We are looking for someone with lived experience of mental health or addiction difficulties,  to help us co-facilitate a Trust Recovery Academy course. The course, Node Link Mapping and Behavioural Activation aims to explore:

• Node-link mapping and explore how this approach may be used for different mental health and/or substance misuse problems.
• Become more familiar with Behavioural Activation and its effectiveness for supporting people experiencing anxiety and depression.
• Develop skills and confidence in node link mapping and behavioural activation

We are looking for expressions of interest from people who have personally experienced mental health or addiction issues to join our existing trainer in developing and delivering this course.

You will be paid for your time, and we will cover any travel expenses.

The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 16^th June 2023.

Please contact Helen Chapman via email on:  Helen.Chapman@gmmh.nhs.uk to express your interest.

Role: Volunteer Digital Navigator

Service: GMMH NHS Foundation Trust, GM.Digital Research Unit

Location: Remote (Virtual) or across all Trust sites.

Supervisor: Dr Pauline Whelan & PPIE Co-ordinator (TBC)

 

Acronym Buster

GMMH NHS Foundation Trust: Greater Manchester Mental Health National Health Service Foundation Trust

ORCHA: work with organisations to empower people to actively use & embrace digital health

 

Role Purpose

GMMH’s Research and Innovation service and the GM.Digital Research Unit recognise the need to support staff, service users, families and friends in the adoption and on-going use of digital health technology. It is widely recognised that people need time to work out their requirements, to consider the implications of using digital technologies, and have a safe space to learn. Several barriers to digital adoption have been identified, such as: living in social housing, being on lower incomes, being unemployed, experiencing disability, rural populations, no recourse to public funds or not in education, employment or training. Keys to improving the use of digital technologies include: connectivity i.e. providing access to technology and capability i.e. having or developing appropriate skills and content which generates motivation.

To add elements of ‘human touch’ and enhance digital adoption, the role of Volunteer Digital Navigator has been developed. Research has suggested Digital Navigators may add value to the clinical team by supporting the choice of apps to use, troubleshooting technical challenges, training in the use of technologies and supporting clinicians. As the role of Volunteer Digital Navigator is a development position, the benefits of undertaking the position are yet to be fully realised or documented. However, parallels can be drawn from the work with Digital Champions, which found that benefits include: self-improvement through gaining additional learning, acquisition of coaching skills, greater self-confidence and increased employability.

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To be available for at least half a day per week (hours are negotiable as this is a volunteer role but for continuity, we would ask for a weekly commitment) for a minimum period of 3 months after training is completed.
• To work with GMMH colleagues to evaluate digital health technologies and relevant approval processes (e.g. ORCHA).
• To respect individual’s rights to choose approved technological interventions that will help and support them in their own recovery journey.
• To support people in their engagement with health tech interventions, by troubleshooting problems, enabling self-directed learning, and using relational skills to enable users to overcome internal barriers to adoption.
• To work as part of clinical teams and receive and share information within those teams in order to safeguard individuals and support them to achieve their goals.

 

Requirements for the Role

In order to fulfil the duties of this role we ask that you:

• Have a digital mindset of curiosity, creativity and cooperation.
• Are inspiring, supportive and able to promote confidence.
• Can be patient, a good communicator and able to work collaboratively.
• Have a basic understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Have a basic understanding of confidentiality and information sharing legislation.
• Have a basic understanding of professional boundaries.
• Be willing to work on your own or as part of a team and engage in ongoing training.
• Be willing to join regular video-conferences with R&I, GM.Digital and clinical teams.

 

Please send completed applications to Heidi Tranter at heidi.tranter@gmmh.nhs.uk.

 

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n10672.docx&ver=13755

 

Please note that we strongly recommend that you check with the Benefits Agency (if you are in receipt of benefits) that your commitment to volunteering does not penalise you in any way and doesn’t affect your benefits. This role is unpaid, however, we will refund all travel expenses for training and volunteering in line with the Trust’s Volunteer Policy.

GMMH’s Inpatient and Community Mental Health Teams are here to support people experiencing mental health difficulties.  Each team has a range of roles to support service users and their families, including nurses, social workers, support workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and Occupational Therapists.  An exciting opportunity has arisen to embed Volunteer Peer Mentors into these diverse teams. 

If you are in recovery from your own mental health difficulties, have had experience of using mental health services, and would now like to help other people, then we want to hear from you!

To apply, you will need to complete an application form and set out how you meet the requirements as set out in the role description.

Please note there are multiple roles across inpatient, community and crisis services in North Manchester. Please review all role descriptions and highlight which role/roles you are applying for.  You must complete the application form below:

Volunteer Application Form - Template.docx [docx] 2MB

If you have any queries about the volunteer roles available, please contact Janette Bamber on 07785310053.

Please return completed forms to:

Volunteer Coordinator, SSHU, Park House, NMGH, Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, Manchester, M8 5RB

Or email your form to:  Janette.Bamber@gmmh.nhs.uk

Role Summary / Purpose

The peer mentor will support individuals leaving prison setting to enhance their health, wellbeing and quality of life, assisting them to connect with and access health services, voluntary sector services and community-based activities and emotional support.

The Peer mentor is an important and valued role within GMMH. Peer mentor knowledge and skills can make a huge difference for our service users, careers and staff. In return we will help you develop new skill, gain experience and help with employment opportunities when the time is right for you.

We are currently wanting the peer mentor volunteer to support service users over the phone with emotional support and meet in community when needed to. We are looking for the peer mentor to check in and chat with service users to make sure they are okay and working towards their support plan.

• Promote safe practices
• Value the aims of service users
• Work in partnership and offer meaningful choice
• Be optimistic about the possibilities of meaningful change
• Value social inclusion

Responsibilities:

Lived experience of being in prison setting and or mental health illness.

Be available for at least a day per week (hours are negotiable as this is a volunteer role but for continuity we would ask for a weekly commitment).

Use your own lived experience of prison experience and mental health difficulties.

To respect individual’s rights to choose the interventions that will help and support them in their own journey.

To comply with all Trust policies and procedures but in particular in relation to safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, and information sharing.

To work as part of the Reconnect Team and receive and share information within that team in order to safeguard individuals and support them to work towards their goals

To encourage and support staff member in interviews or when deliver training.

Good empathic communication skills.

Ability to build relationship with staff.

Respectful of confidentiality, but report safeguarding issues to staff member.

Patience.

Understanding to the needs of the service users and their families.

Reliable.

Be committed to Greater Manchester Mental health Trust Values.

Be committed to at least one day a week.

Knowledge, understanding of confidentiality and maintaining boundaries.

• Have your own lived experience of mental health difficulties
• Can commit to at least half a day per week as a volunteer
• Can commit to the Level 2 Award in Peer Mentorship
• Have a basic understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
• Have a basic understanding of confidentiality and information sharing legislation
• Have a basic understanding of professional boundaries
• Have respect and compassion for others and their right to choose and to be treated with dignity
• Have good communication skills
• Be willing to work as part of a team

This role description is not exhaustive but is intended to give an overall picture of the role.  Other duties within the general scope of the role may be required from time to time.  The duties of the role and role description can be reviewed through the agreed process.

All Trust sites have been designated a no smoking area.  The post holder is therefore advised smoking is not permitted within the hospital premises or grounds or whilst representing the Trust in the course of their duty.  While the Trust will not discriminate against employing smokers, all prospective employees should be aware of this policy.

For further information please contact:

Kim Turton

Tele: 07795 121317

Kim.Turton@gmmh.nhs.uk

 

GMMH162 Reconnect Volunteering flyer A5.pdf