Co-production acknowledges that people with ‘lived experience’ of a particular condition, are often best placed to advise on what support and services will make a positive difference to their lives.

The Macmillan Mental Health Cancer Care project is looking for people interested in working alongside the Project Lead to produce recommendations to improve the experience of people living with a mental health condition and affected by cancer. This is an exciting new opportunity to help improve future experiences

The recommendations to be developed will be focussed on three areas:

• Referral processes - what information is shared at referral and what happens to it
• Training and development – what are the gaps in cancer and mental health services regarding cancer and mental health awareness. Identification of current training provision available
• Information – critically analyse written information offered to patients on diagnosis. Offer suggestions for improvements to make written information more accessible

Role Purpose:

To support the Macmillan Mental Health Cancer Care Project Lead to develop recommendations to improve the experience of people living with mental health conditions and affected by cancer.

For more details please download the volunteer role description below.

To find out more or to join us, ring Sarah Jane on 07802335570 or email: sarahjane.ashcroft@middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk.

You will be part of Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind’s primary care psychological therapies services and will provide time-limited counselling interventions for clients who present with common mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, for which counselling is demonstrated to be clinically effective.

You will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities.

You will be supported in your role by a mentor who will provide guidance specific to service delivery. You will receive regular line management support provided by a senior member of the Open Minds Therapies Team.

Responsibilities:

1. You will work with at least 2 clients per week. Days and hours of work and maximum number of clients will be agreed with your line manager.
2. You are expected to abide by Middlesbrough and Stockton Minds policies and procedures.
3. You will complete the record keeping, paperwork and administrative procedures as per standard practice to ensure the efficient running of the service.
4. You will contact your line manager or administration team as soon as possible if you are unable to attend, in order for clients to be contacted and appointments re-arranged.

Person specification:

• Working towards a foundation qualification, degree in counselling or eqivalent 
• Have a clinical supervisor
• A minimum of 50 hours supervised clinical practice OR demonstrable experience working one-to-one, face-to-face delivering therapeutic interventions in a mental health service 

Location: throughout Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland

Disclosure: This position is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check and subsequent re-checks.

If you are interested in applying for the placement, please download the role description and our application form below.