Community Transition Activity Volunteer
South London and Maudsley NHS Trust
We are looking for volunteers who would like to support mental health service users in their transition back into the Croydon community.
The Community Transition Volunteer Programme at South London and Maudsley NHS Trust is designed to support SLaM service users who are transitioning from mental health inpatient care to community activities in the Croydon area. We are looking for volunteers who would like to support service users in their transition back into the community. You will meet with each service user for a period of roughly 6-8 weeks, spending the first few weeks meeting with the service user and staff on the ward to set some goals for when they are discharged. You will then meet the service user in the community for up to four sessions across the next month and help them to participate in their chosen activity. Once this is completed, you will return to the ward to support a new service user and repeat. This role therefore combines volunteering within the inpatient services and in the community. It involves supporting people to set goals and help them stick to them after discharge. Practical support might involve helping them to sign up to a group activity, supporting them to visit a new place, or supporting them with travelling to the activity and planning the journey. The activity could be anything, not limited to but including adult learning courses, arts and crafts groups, sports and exercise, gardening, and digital support groups. Volunteers will be supported by SLaM staff both within the inpatient ward and in the community, who will also be supporting the service user. This is a brilliant opportunity to make a real, positive difference in several peoples' lives.
Community work,Support work
Organising & Planning, Initiative/Self Motivation, Time Management, Verbal Communication
There are no specific skills or experiences required for this role. We are looking for people who are friendly and approachable, and who are willing to commit to support people over a period of at least 6 months. An example of interpersonal skills we are looking for: - Verbal Communication - Empathy and Patience - Organisation and Time Management - Confidence working alone - Initiative and Motivation - Commitment and Reliability - An awareness of mental health conditions or a willingness to learn The only essential requirement is that you are a resident of (or nearby to) the London Borough of Croydon and have good knowledge of the area. This is so that you can help the service user to engage in an activity once they are discharged
- Opportunity to volunteering within London's largest mental health NHS Trust - Improved sense of connection to the Croydon community - In-depth training on safeguarding and mental health awareness - Professional references after 6 months of volunteering
2 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months. Working in 6-8 week blocks with each service user.
BR33BX
Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, BR3 3BX and the Croydon area.
By rail: The nearest stations are Eden Park (Zone 5) and West Wickham (Zone 5). From Waterloo East, London Bridge, Cannon Street and Charing Cross - take the Hayes train. From Eden Park station: turn left along Links Way at the junction with Monks Orchard Road/South Eden Park Road walk down Monks Orchard Road; the hospital is on the right hand side at the of the road. Or bus 356 outside the station. From Victoria station: go to East Croydon and take either the 119 or 194 bus to Monks Orchard Road. By tram: An interchange with London trams is provided at Elmers End station, one stop by train from Eden Park. By bus: Routes 194, 356, 358, 119 (24 hrs), 494, 198 and SL5 service the hospital.
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