Speak Out Peer Mentor

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

 We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website – www.voiceability.org.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Connections Volunteers help our volunteers and employees who have lived experience of a learning disability and/or autism to use their local services. They support them in a variety of ways which might include some of the following:

• Promoting VA services – presentations, attending events sharing information
• 1:1 support for clients – preparing for and attending meetings, with travel, basic admin
• Community contact point – drop ins, outreach sessions and site visits
• First contact point for new clients – gather info, explain our processes
• Sign-posting clients to the right services within or outside our organisation
• Supporting clients with a variety of needs to access services (Learning Disabilities, mental health issues)

 All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

 VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

 ED&I Statement

 VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

 VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

Please note volunteers must be able to travel to one of the following areas Eastleigh, Petersfield, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Aldershot, Havant, New Forest and Fareham in order to volunteer.

Skills

We are looking for people who have any of the list below:

• Good communication skills

• Empathy and patience

• An interest in Advocacy

• Ability to work independently

• A commitment to support the ethos of VoiceAbility

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening. You must be able to travel to one of the following areas Eastleigh, Petersfield, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Aldershot, Havant, New Forest and Fareham in order to volunteer.