Community Connectors

We have an exciting volunteer opportunity for individuals to become ‘COMMUNITY CONNECTORS’ . These roles are for those who are passionate in connecting their community to become healthier whilst supporting their mental health.

This exciting volunteer opportunity allows you to gain experience of health and social care whilst making a change to lives! Think of it as a 'Hand holding' support service for those wanting help or motivation to stop smoking, lose weight and improving their mental wellbeing. The Community Connectors will help support those referred into the Peer Recovery Worker, here at Violet Project , who will support you within the role. 

For some people stopping smoking or losing weight may be a really tough thing to do – and that’s where you come in!

Think of this role as a supportive friend ‘handhold’ support role. The role would be to support individuals who wish to become healthier and want a little support to accessing services to stop smoking or to lose weight.

This would be through various options that suit you both through phone support, attending meetings.

The aims of the service and role are:

·       Build relationships and trust with referred community members seeking support for weight management or smoking reduction/cessation.

·       Offer regular check-ins and encouragement to individuals working towards their health goals. (Phone/email or in person.)

·       Attend meetings with the client if requested/appropriate (expenses covered)

·       Share positive reinforcement and celebrate small milestones to keep individuals motivated.

·       Encourage individuals to take charge of their health by setting realistic goals and tracking their progress, fostering accountability and personal responsibility.

·       Provide feedback and updates to the Peer Recovery Worker.

·       Share resources and support services suitable to their needs.

Essential Experience, Skills and Qualities:

·       Good communication skills including active listening.

·       Friendly, enthusiastic and personable.

·       Well organised.

·       Understand the importance of confidentiality.

·       Non-judgemental.

·       Motivating.

·       General understanding of healthy weight practices and the challenges associated with smoking. (Training can be given)

Please note that Community Connectors do not provide medical advice.

Benefits of Volunteering:

·       Experience within Health and Social Care Sector for future study, employment, or volunteer roles.

·       Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by supporting their health goals.

·       Development of your skills through access to key training and learning opportunities.

·       Experience in community engagement, health education, and volunteer services.

·       Skill development in communication, empathy, and motivational support.

·       Networking with other health and wellness advocates and at events.

·       References for ongoing study, employment, or volunteer roles.

Training will include:

·       Safeguarding.

·       Confidentiality and GDPR.

·       Role Induction.

·       Optional Mental Health and Wellbeing training.