The Telephone Support Service at Mind in Harrogate District is for adults who may be struggling with their mental health, they may be lonely or isolated and struggling to make social connections. By volunteering as a Telephone Support volunteer, you will provide emotional support on the phone to 1 – 4 service users at the same time each week for 6 months and give them the chance to chat freely about how they're feeling. You will actively listen and discuss feelings and emotions around the person's situation. You may also direct them to sources of information and support.

Main responsibilities:
1. To provide a weekly telephone support call to 1 – 4 service users (depending on your time commitment) during which you will provide emotional support and social interaction on the telephone.
2. To actively listen and provide the service user with information and signposting if relevant for other sources of support or Mind in Harrogate District services.
3. To take brief notes of the discussion to update on the Mind in Harrogate District client database.
4. To comply with Mind in Harrogate District’s Health and Safety Policy, Data Protection Policy and to protect your own and others’ health, safety and welfare.
5. To ensure you have an understanding of, and comply with Mind in Harrogate District’s procedures for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults and children.
6. To report all concerns and incidents to the Head of Services.
7. To adhere to confidentiality at all times - if a client confides in you, tell them that you will be sharing information with the Head of Services.
8. To comply with Mind in Harrogate District’s Equality and Inclusion Policy in every aspect of your work and positively promote the principles of these policies amongst clients, volunteer colleagues and other members of the community.
9. To uphold the values of the organisation and work as an effective part of the Mind in Harrogate District team.
10. To attend Mental Health Awareness training at the Acorn Centre; and other relevant training for volunteers at Mind in Harrogate District.
11. Attend quarterly Volunteer Forum and Supervision sessions as appropriate.
12. To report any unavailability (e.g. sickness or holiday or other absences) to the Head of Services as soon as possible.
13. To represent Mind in Harrogate District in a professional manner.

If this sounds like the volunteer role for you, please contact us at office@mindinharrogate.org.uk or on 01423 503335.