Volunteer Peer Supporter (Mental Health)
Make a Real Difference Through Your Lived Experience
Norwich, Norfolk
Flexible Volunteering Hours
Voluntary Role – Reasonable Expenses Reimbursed (including travel)
Your Experience Could Change Someone's Life
Have you experienced mental health challenges and found your own path towards recovery? Would you like to use that experience to inspire hope, understanding and connection for others?
At the Norfolk Integrated Housing & Community Support Service (NIHCSS), we believe that people who have "been there" can offer support that is truly unique. We're looking for compassionate and empathetic volunteers to join our Norwich teams and help people build confidence, independence and meaningful lives within their communities.
We're especially excited to welcome new volunteers following the success of three of our volunteers who have recently progressed into paid roles within our organisation.
About NIHCSS
NIHCSS supports adults with mental health needs across Norfolk through supported living services in Norwich, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth, alongside flexible community-based support.
Our approach is recovery focused, person centred and built on dignity, respect and choice. We work alongside people, not for them, helping individuals identify their strengths, achieve their goals and create a life that feels meaningful to them.
What You'll Do
As a Volunteer Peer Supporter, your lived experience will be at the heart of everything you do.
You will:
✔ Offer understanding, hope and encouragement through shared experience
✔ Provide compassionate, non-judgemental peer support
✔ Share coping strategies and recovery insights when appropriate
✔ Help people reconnect with community activities and opportunities
✔ Accompany individuals to local leisure, wellbeing or social activities when agreed
✔ Encourage confidence, independence and self-belief
You won't be expected to have all the answers or "fix" people's problems. You'll receive extensive support, guidance and supervision throughout your volunteering journey with us.
Who We're Looking For
We'd love to hear from you if you:
- Have personal lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery
- Are a good listener and can communicate with empathy and respect
- Believe in empowering people to make their own choices
- Want to use your experience to support others on their recovery journey
- Are reliable, compassionate and willing to learn
No qualifications or professional experience are required.
We value authenticity, kindness and a genuine desire to help others more than any formal background.
Why Volunteer With NIHCSS?
When you volunteer with us, you're not just giving your time, you're becoming part of a supportive team that truly values your contribution.
We Offer:
Comprehensive training and ongoing support from a dedicated Peer Support Co-ordinator
Opportunities for personal growth, learning and reflection
Access to a range of health and wellbeing benefits and incentives
Reimbursement of reasonable expenses, including travel costs
Flexible volunteering that works around your life
A welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment
Potential progression into paid Recovery Worker and Bank roles within NIHCSS
Inclusive and Accessible Volunteering
We are committed to creating a volunteering experience where everyone feels welcome and valued.
We'll work with you to ensure any wellbeing, mental health or accessibility needs are supported. We understand that circumstances and availability can change and offer flexibility wherever possible.
What People Say About Volunteering With Us
"Volunteers are an invaluable part of our team, offering a wealth of lived experience and understanding."
"Thank you for your time and patience – we love our volunteers!"
"A job done for love, not pay, is special."
Ready to Make a Difference?
Your experience matters. Your story has value. By sharing your journey, you could help someone else take the next step on theirs.
Apply today and join a team where lived experience creates hope, recovery and real change.
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: £0.01 per year
Application question(s):
- How many hours would you be able to commit to volunteering each week?
- Please confirm that you have your own lived experience of mental health distress and accessing mental health services. By lived experience, we mean your own, personal experience and not experience from caring for someone with mental health distress
- Please confirm the postcode area of where you live
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road
