Job Description

Amazing, giving, and inspiring are a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.


Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Advocates to support our Advocacy Service in Hackney. You will be based at home, but this role could also involve some travel within the area.


Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 7 hours per week to volunteering. You will be able to confirm your availability on your application, and this will be discussed with you during your discussion with the volunteer manager.


You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering in the full advert on our website.

As a Volunteer Advocate, you'll:

Support clients to find information so they can make choices and sort out problems Understand the client's rights and make sure they are respected Listen to the client's views and build trust and a confidential relationship Identify the client's choices and decisions, but not make or influence them Act on the client's instructions

About the service

Our service supports individuals who are vulnerable and find themselves in a challenging situation in their lives.


We offer one-to-one support to a wide range of people with learning, physical, sensory disabilities and mental illness who are struggling to have their voice head when important decisions are being made or they are unhappy about a service they have received.


The community advocacy support is intended to be short term around a specific health or social care issue.


The citizen advocacy support we provide develops a longer-term relationship with an adult who has learning disabilities and/or autism. The service is for adults with no one outside of a paid service to support them.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

Good communication and listening skills Can empathise with others Can ask sensitive questions to make sure you understand the issue fully The ability to question and challenge in an assertive but professional manner Experience or knowledge of mental health and social care issues Feel comfortable asking for help and support when needed

Although it's not essential, you may also have:

Experience of working with people with mental health, learning disabilities, and Autism Ability to use alternative forms of communication such as Makaton, Easy Read, Picture communications, and Objects of reference.

How to apply

To apply, simply click the "apply now" button on the advert on our website and complete a short interest form.


If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch:


James Howlett (Acting Advocacy Contract Manager) - james.howlett@rethink.org

Who are we?

We're 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: "A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness."


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 - 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're 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 anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan 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.


The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.