MindSpace Walk Leader - Chesterfield

Derbyshire Minds MindSpace walks are informal community walk and talksin local parks. They are designed to provide a supportive and empatheticlistening group to those that may need it, while benefiting from getting out ofthe house and into nature for some fresh air.

MindSpace is a non-judgemental safe space for attendees to talk abouttheir mental wellbeing struggles or experiences with our caring and empatheticvolunteers.

The main purpose of this Walk Leader role is tohelp all attendees feel welcome within the group, lead a gentle walk around thepark, and to provide a safe space for attendees to talk about their feelingsand experiences with you and the wider group.

Main duties of the job

• Co-leadingmindful, relaxed walk in a local park every 4 weeks (walks currently runfortnightly but you'll be part of a rota and will always volunteer in pairs)
• Supporting thewellbeing of the group while enjoying the walk together.
• Creating afriendly, non-judgemental atmosphere where everyone feels welcome
• Askingattendees how they are feeling and holding space for conversation that may besensitive or emotional at times.
• Listening toparticipants with compassion and sensitivity without trying to fix or advise.
• Keeping intouch with our Wellbeing team for any support or questions
• Being a friendlyperson to chat with, and a positive ambassador for Derbyshire Mind.

About us

Derbyshire Mind is your local independent mental health charity. We provide a range of community mental health and wellbeing services designed to support people with mental health problems, improve mental health and wellbeing and to help promote better mental health and wellbeing for all throughout the population of Derby and Derbyshire.

Job responsibilities

• Facilitating afriendly, welcoming, and inclusive environment within the MindSpace group
• Beingresponsive to the groups abilities and needs when initiating the walk aroundthe park
• Supportingnew attendees to register their details with Derbyshire Mind via QR code orregistration form online
• Talking with and listening to attendees who mayrequire someone to listen to them and asking each attendee how they are doing
• Treating all attendeeswith kindness, empathy, understanding and respect
• Providinginformation about local Derbyshire Mind services and other community groupsas necessary
• Working with andalongside other MindSpace volunteers within the group
• Adhering to Derbyshire Mind policies andprocedures and the Volunteer Code of Conduct, including our Health and Safetypolicy and Risk Assessments for the MindSpace groups
• Feeding back about the group regularly to the MentalWellbeing Services Coordinator via WhatsApp group or email. This includesoverall verbal feedback from the group about the session, any concerns, andattendance.
• Attend volunteer induction training (online),familiarise oneself with Derbyshire Mind policies and procedures andundertake necessary and appropriate training / elearningfor the role.
• Being enthusiastic and taking pride in the MindSpaceservice, and being ready and willing to suggest ways to improve the service furtherand so on

Person Specification Qualifications

• N/A

Experience

• Possibly has a personal experience of a mild to moderate mental health condition

Skills, Qualities, and Experience

• This role is best suited for someone that:
• Is local and has use of a car
• Is available on Thursday mornings
• Is reliable and punctual
• Can build a rapport with a wide range of people
• Is open minded and able to see things from different perspectives including diverse values and beliefs
• Can listen to others in a supportive and non-judgmental way, and without feeling the need to fix or give advice
• Can communicate clearly to others with a friendly and supportive tone
• Can remain calm and professional in sometimes potentially challenging situations
• Can undertake/perform basic first aid
• Understands the importance of boundaries and confidentiality in a role like this
• Has a personal interest in nature and the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors in nature
• Has an interest in helping to support the wellbeing of their local community by creating a friendly and welcoming group
• Is over 18 years old

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£1 a yearVoluntary role - expenses paid only