To act as an ‘Appropriate Adult’ for people with mild to moderate mental health needs and/or learning difficulties who are being interviewed by police officers in custody. Volunteers will work closely with Mind staff, ensuring that service-users are treated fairly and in accordance with PACE guidelines.

Please note this volunteering opportunity would require flexibility from Monday - Sunday: 5pm - 4am. Days and times can be agreed with the volunteer co-ordinator on a weekly basis.  

This opportunity will assist you in gaining the following skills:

• Communication Skills
• Advice and Guidance
• Problem Solving/Creativity

Training will be provided for this position.

We are appealing for volunteers who have direct personal experience of mental distress either as a user of services, through personal self-management or as a carer to take part in our exciting anti stigma project.

People with mental health problems can experience prejudice and discrimination, many state that the stigma of mental ill health is more disabling than the illness itself. Therefore we want to work with you to challenge attitudes towards mental health discrimination and assist in achieving a recognisable shift in local public attitudes.

You don’t need to have experience of working on a project only an interest to take part and work with other liked minded people to help develop a range of activities that will help break down barriers in relation to mental health. We want to encourage people to talk openly about the subject and you will be part of this change. You will be a valued member of the steering group, helping to develop and design the programme to be delivered in locations across Middlesbrough. Your involvement can be as large or as small as you wish.

Activities include filming, local radio and assisting Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind with local campaigning such as World Mental Health Day. 

If this something you would like to be involved in, please email bethany.dean@middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk with your completed application form.  

As part of the lunch club team, you will plan menus and organise themed eating events, prepare the meal area and serve hot food. The lunch club is volunteer led, with the aim to support a safe, social club specifically for vulnerable adults and older people. As a member of the team, you will be vital to the smooth running of a fun, safe and welcoming social group.

This will be at our Middlesbrough Office Community Hall, 90-92 Lothian Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 2Q, every Thursday 10:30-13:30.

Role Description

• Planning weekly menus, theme days, general schedule of lunch club in collaboration with the team
• Preparing meals through supporting the cooking and serving of hot food
• Maintaining a clean and safe kitchen area
• Informing members of staff promptly about any concerns raised within the lunch club.
• Work in accordance with the services policies and procedures
• Attend volunteer support meetings when needed / as required

Person Specification

• Willingness to undertake a Food Hygiene Qualification
• Skills and knowledge relating to the preparation and cooking of food
• Non-judgemental approach
• Calmness
• Friendly, supportive and understanding manner
• Flexibility and responsible
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to refer to a staff member, those in crisis
• Willingness to seek, use and engage in support and supervision
• Ability to work within the organisations aims, policies and practices

For more details, please contact: 01642 257073.