Job Description

The Open Mental Alliance is growing from strength to strength and we are actively investing in our infrastructure and expanding our team. The VCFSE alliance was formed to develop a bold new community-based mental health support service for Somerset residents and Rethink Mental Illness is the lead accountable body for this alliance.

In 2019 Somerset received trailblazer funding to develop and implement new models of community based mental health care, that integrate clinical and voluntary sector provision, in line with the and the . That model of care is now known as Open Mental Health and is delivered by a partnership between the NHS, social care, and a VCFSE alliance. The award winning Open Mental Health has received national recognition and is cited in NHSE guidance as an exemplar.

The Open Mental Health (OMH) brand has been created for the Somerset Mental Health Alliance. An award winning programme, the Open Mental Health alliance of 16 core and associate organisations, with many more in the wider network, is providing holistic support to thousands of people in Somerset. This exciting role is for a media and copywriting professional to work within the Open Mental Health Marketing and Communications team to raise the profile of this ground breaking model by telling the stories that are at the centre of Open Mental Health, and ensuring those stories are amplified through print, digital and broadcast media. Under the direction of the Marketing and Communications manager, the post holder will be integral in the implementation of the Open Mental Health communications and marketing strategy and delivery plan and will be a champion of Open Mental Health.

What I do and achieve

• Working closely with the Communications and Marketing Manager, I am responsible for developing and delivering creative and impactful media plans and campaigns for Open Mental Health
• Alongside the Communications and Marketing Manager, I am a key contact for reactive media enquiries from national, local and trade media
• With support from the Communications and Marketing Manager, I pitch stories to local and national journalists.
• I draft engaging and accurate press releases, reactive statements, articles and blogs for publication.
• I build and develop positive relationships with journalists, maintaining and enhancing the Open Mental Health\xe2\x80\x99s reputation.
• I develop a network of media volunteers, with lived experience of mental illness and of using Open Mental Health Services, who are involved in promoting Open Mental Health, the alliance, and it\xe2\x80\x99s work.
• I ensure that spokespeople are fully briefed before any media appearance and are fully debriefed afterwards.
• I develop relationships and networks links across the Open Mental Health network in order to identify stories and case studies for use in media and campaigns.
• I help monitor, record, and evaluate media coverage and report on this as required.
• I support the Marketing and Communications Manager and the Brand and Design Officer to review existing & create new, engaging and inspiring copy for across the website, spotting creative opportunities to make pages more visually appealing
• I collaborate with colleagues across Open Mental Health to support the development of copy for use across all Open Mental Health digital, print and social media platforms.
• I keep up to date with trends in media coverage and the public relations activities of stakeholders in the sector.
• I update the news and media sections of website.

Who I am?

• Based in or near Somerset \xe2\x80\x93 home based with some travel
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Open Mental Health
• Knowledge of Somerset mental health systems
• Experience of partnership working
• Understanding and experience of working with people who use mental health services and delivering strong coproduced media and copywriting work.
• A minimum of two years\xe2\x80\x99 experience of PR or media relations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to decipher complex information and transform it into engaging content.
• Experience of copy writing for web.
• Creative flair for writing copy which engages a variety of people.
• An effective communicator in written English, with an ability to write in succinct, structured way, and able to communicate sensitive issues clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrable experience of helping deliver creative and impactful media plans and campaigns.
• Excellent people skills and a strong track record of building relationships with journalists and media professionals.
• Understanding of what makes a good story and can convey that to colleagues across Open Mental Health.
• Experience of supporting people with lived experience providing case studies and ensuring that their needs are met when dealing with the media.
• Ability to spot risks and act on them to protect the charity\xe2\x80\x99s and Open Mental Health\xe2\x80\x99s, reputation.
• Able to work proactively and collaboratively with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders to achieve outcomes and impact.

Appointments will be at the minimum of the band.

*London Allowance is paid for roles that are based within the Greater London area only.

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Please see further details on our

You can also follow us on / / and to find out more about the work we do!

Caring for our people.

We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include:

PULSE: our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards.

Wagestream: gives you instant access to up to 50% of your pay. Also provides a library of expert tools, tips and articles plus, helps you start building a rainy-day pot straight from your salary.

Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments.

Taking time for you: we work flexibly \xe2\x80\x93you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave.

Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme.

Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way.

\xc2\xa3300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to \xc2\xa3300 when you introduce a friend or family member.

Who are we?

We\xe2\x80\x99re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: \xe2\x80\x9cA better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.\xe2\x80\x9d

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy \xe2\x80\x93 delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we\xe2\x80\x99re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact -

Rethink Mental Illness