Job Description

Job Title: Volunteer Trustee Board Member - Mental Health Lead

Organisation: Afghan Association Paiwand

Location: London (Hybrid - occasional in-person meetings)

Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)

Application Email: fahima.zaheen@paiwand.com

About Us

Afghan Association Paiwand is a registered charity and limited company founded in 2002. We support Afghan and wider refugee and migrant communities in the UK by reducing poverty, advancing education, and providing relief through a range of services including advocacy, housing, education projects, youth work, and mental health support.

Our dedicated mental health counselling services help individuals, particularly those affected by displacement, trauma, and social isolation improve their emotional wellbeing and resilience.

We currently assist over 1,800 beneficiaries annually across Northwest London.

To learn more about our impact, please visit our website.

The Role

We are seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable individual to join our Board of Trustees as the Mental Health Lead. This is a unique opportunity for someone with a background in mental health or psychosocial support to shape Paiwand's mental health strategy and improve access to culturally sensitive services for refugees and migrants.

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in upholding our values, strengthening governance, and championing mental wellbeing across our organisation and community.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic development of Paiwand's Mental Health Support Services. Provide professional insight on mental health issues affecting refugee and migrant communities. Support the integration of mental health awareness across all Paiwand services. Offer guidance on safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and culturally competent care. Help build partnerships with mental health agencies and support fundraising efforts for service expansion. Promote Paiwand's work externally and support public awareness around mental health stigma. Attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to strategic and governance decisions. Participate in annual strategy away days and key charity events.
Who We're Looking For?

Essential: A strong commitment to mental health, social justice, and the overall wellbeing of vulnerable and underrepresented communities. A clear understanding of the emotional, social, and systemic challenges faced by refugee, migrant, and marginalised individuals. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to contribute meaningfully to strategic discussions. A proactive approach and willingness to engage in charity governance, bringing insight, empathy, and accountability to the board. Desirable: Professional or voluntary experience in mental health, counselling, psychology, social work, or related areas. Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and cultural or linguistic barriers to accessing care. Experience working with ethnically diverse, multilingual, or recently resettled communities. A particular interest in youth mental health, women's emotional wellbeing, or community-based mental health advocacy and outreach.
Time Commitment

Attendance at quarterly board meetings (held virtually or in person). Occasional, flexible contributions throughout the year, such as reviewing mental health projects, advising on wellbeing initiatives, or supporting specific service developments. Participation in the charity's annual strategy away day and occasional events such as mental health awareness campaigns or community forums
Why Join Us?

This role offers a meaningful opportunity for someone with experience in mental health or community wellbeing who is ready to influence change at a strategic level. As a Mental Health Trustee, you will help shape Paiwand's vision for inclusive, trauma-informed support, and play a vital role in expanding culturally sensitive services for refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable groups. Your leadership will directly contribute to building safe, compassionate spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive, regardless of their background or barriers.

To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter to:

fahima.zaheen@paiwand.com

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

Company pension Free or subsidised travel On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London, HA8 7EE

Reference ID: 6000