At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.
About the role
As an Advice and Information Volunteer, you will support our Advice and Information Service by providing guidance and information to people affected by mental illness. You will respond to client queries via webchat, helping them to understand their rights, access support, and feel empowered to move forward with their situation.
You will also research relevant information, log client details accurately, and liaise with the Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead and wider team to ensure clients receive clear, reliable, and compassionate support.
Ideally, you will be able to make a minimum commitment of 4 hours per week for a minimum of 9 months.
Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.
This role requires a basic DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness.
As an Advice and Information Volunteer, you will:
Use our webchat function to directly respond to client queries
Research suitable information to empower clients to move forwards with their situation
Volunteer alongside the Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead and wider team to support clients
Log client information onto our database system
About the service
Our Advice and Information Service provides practical advice and information to people affected by mental illness. We respond to queries by phone, email, webchat, and post from individuals, families, carers, employers, and professionals.
Our team is also responsible for creating and updating the advice pages on the Rethink Mental Illness website, ensuring that people across the UK can access clear, up-to-date information about mental health conditions, rights, and support.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
Access to your own computer and the internet
Ability to use the internet to search for specific information
Ability to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams
Ability to type quickly and competently
Ability to communicate with people from different backgrounds
Ability to empathise and respond sensitively to others
Passion for supporting people with mental illness and those affected
Commitment, honesty, and reliability
It's not essential, but you may also bring:
Experience of supporting mental health issues, either your own or someone else’s
Knowledge of laws affecting people with mental illness (e.g. the Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Equality Act)
Experience providing advice and information
Experience writing in plain English
Experience entering information into a database
How to apply
To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.
A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager:
Nicola Henderson – nic.henderson@rethink.org
Who are we?
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.”
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