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.

A Peer Support Facilitator is vital to the growth and sustainability of support groups in the community. The local Teesside-By-Side network, consists of 20 groups that operate independently in the community, to provide non-clinical support to locals through the sharing of mutual experiences and interests.

The groups vary in what they focus on; some are activity based such as walking, running and art, others focus on sharing experiences in relation to mental health or physical conditions.

As a facilitator, you will attend a range of support groups in the community, to:

• Support new group leads to set up their group
• Facilitate groups when a lead is unavailable
• Provide ongoing assistance through occasional drop in sessions

As a facilitator, you will ensure the groups run smoothly, that rules and guidelines are implemented and followed as set out by each group and ensure participants feel safe in the meetings.