Online Creative Writing Support Volunteer (CSVA)

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust is a Surrey-based charity supporting people with mental health and emotional wellbeing. We offer a variety of services to adults (16+) including wellbeing courses and advice, a range of activities and interest groups, peer support, self-help groups, individual support and volunteering opportunities. We engage volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help us by assisting the staff team to deliver our work to clients that seek our support, across Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Banstead and Elmbridge.

How you can help

Working closely with our group facilitator, this role will complement and support the delivery of our weekly online Creative Writing group, by signing in participants, assisting them where necessary and being available to support the facilitator should one of the group need extra support. This is a welcoming group that encourages participants to express themselves through writing using prompts and exercises, supporting creativity, confidence and wellbeing

This will be a relaxed, gentle role for someone seeking a regular opportunity. It will suit someone with an interest in words, writing, creativity and group work, with good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others, whilst seeking a more medium to long term involvement. The volunteer role also includes a small amount of time either side of the session to brief and debrief with the facilitator. Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.

What skills do I need?

What we ask of you

· Welcome attendees helping them feel relaxed and included

· Assist and take part in the  session

· In conjunction with the facilitator, manage any difficulty that may arise

· Treat all client information as confidential

· Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients

· Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

Benefits you will receive

· Being part of a friendly, caring and supportive service

· Ability to share an activity with others

· Making a difference to the lives of other people

· Gain practical experience of working alongside people with mental health

Qualities that make a successful Creative Writing support volunteer

· Regular involvement in your community

· Training relevant to the role

· Ability to guide and support others

· Happy to speak in a group setting

· Good interpersonal skills, reliable, friendly, flexible

· Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

· Ability to ask for help if necessary

· Ability to work as part of a small team

· Passionate about supporting other people