Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just 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 Services across County Durham. You will be based at home and, ideally, you will be able to commit 7 hours per week to volunteering.

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

About the service

Our service works with vulnerable people across County Durham to provide a one-to-one advocacy service. We support individuals to have their voice heard in situations in their life that matter.

Our service operates Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Advocate

Support to facilitate self advocacy groups Ensure that vulnerable people have a voice and are heard Promote the independence of the service and support service users to ensure that they are at the heart of the advocacy relationship Take part in meetings to raise the voice of service users Write letters with, and on behalf of, service users What will make you a great fit for this role?

Some experience of, or a desire to gain experience, supporting vulnerable groups Good communication and listening skills Ability to empathise with others Ability to ask sensitive questions to make sure you understand the issue fully Ability to question and challenge in an assertive but professional manner Experience or knowledge of mental health and social care issues Comfortable asking for help and support when needed The Volunteer Manager recruiting is Jake Miller. If you have any questions about the opportunity, please contact Jake at

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."

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.