Online Support Volunteer

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. 

How you can help

Working closely with our member of staff / facilitator, this role will complement and support the service delivery of our daily Online Coffee Morning group.  This is a gentle but prized role for someone seeking a regular opportunity , with good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others (especially for those who are finding things rather difficult).  This service is hugely valued by those who attend it and the group is fairly mixed.  Due to the nature of our work, this role would suit someone wanting a more medium to long term involvement.  Occasionally, the volunteer role may include some debrief time afterwards if something particular has surfaced during the session.  Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.

Key Points

• Weekly involvement

• Day/s to be agreed with the volunteer (10:30am to 11:30 service)

• Online

• Medium to long term involvement (9-12 months plus)

What we ask of you

• Follow the lead each session, set by the facilitator 

• Help attendees to feel relaxed and included

• Encourage conversation and group involvement

• Support and assist the staff / facilitator with 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)

What skills do I need?

Qualities that make a successful Online Support Volunteer 

- Good interpersonal skills 

- Reliable, friendly, flexible

- Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

- Ability to ask for help (if you don’t understand)

- Ability to work as part of a small team

- Passionate about supporting other people