Gathering feedback from under-served or minority communities

The SUN Network Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Feedback Volunteer Role Description

The SUN Network are recruiting volunteers who are part of our local underserved communities, cultural ethnicities, and beliefs (E.g. LGBTQAI+, Eastern European, BAME, etc) to gather feedback on the subjects of mental health and drug and alcohol services and whether people are able to get support, and whether that support is of a high quality and meets their needs.

We use this feedback to help Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS, Councils, and Charities/Small organisations who deliver mental health and drug and alcohol services to ensure that the voice of local people is shaping the service our communities receive.

Role Description

Main responsibilities:

·      Understand what The SUN Network does and the importance of our work

·      Gather feedback of people’s experiences of using or trying to get support for mental health and/or drug and alcohol challenges

·      Accurately reporting this data in an Excel spreadsheet in The SUN Network’s One Drive ensuring you report the words of the people you are listening to, not your own take on what you heard

·      Participate in any particular relevant areas of interest raised by The SUN Network. For example: We may ask you to ask specific questions such as ‘Do you know where to find mental health support?’ or ‘What would help your community look for help with drugs and alcohol challenges?’

·      Act only within the parameters of the role – this is not a support role

·      Signpost people to Keep Your Head website for mental health support information

·      Enquire as to whether people would like to be more involved in any of The SUN Network involvement opportunities

·      Remain professional at all times when representing The SUN Network

·      Attend any relevant training through The SUN Network

·      Participate in supervision to support you in the role

Attitude/Commitment

·      An awareness of mental health and drug and alcohol challenges and a commitment to the ethos of the SUN Network

·      An awareness of, and commitment to, equal opportunities

·      A commitment to being punctual and reliable

·      Awareness of the importance of confidentiality and GDPR together with adherence to professional and personal boundaries

Experience/Abilities/Skills

·      Excellent listening skills

·      Friendly, non-judgmental and emphatic manner

·      Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with a wide range of people particularly those suffering from substance misuse and mental health challenges

·      Use of IT that enables you to feedback to us online

·      Understanding of how to use an Excel spreadsheet

What SUN Network will offer you:

·      Working with the friendly team at the SUN Network

·      Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

·      An induction session in relation to The SUN Network together with relevant policies and procedures

·      Additional training so that you can perform the duties and responsibilities of this role as required

·      Supervision on an as needed basis

·      Experience and understanding in the fields of mental health and drug and alcohol

·      Once you have completed 50 volunteering hours, we can write a reference for any future employment

When and where:

This is a role that can be carried out mainly within your local community, however, some travel to The SUN Network office in Huntingdon will be required

Basic requirements for all volunteering roles:

·      Satisfactory DBS clearance at enhanced level

·      Two satisfactory references

Ability to travel to The SUN Network office in Huntingdon