Turkish/Kurdish Speaking
Mental Health Liaison Volunteer
Project/Service: Complex Needs Team
Location: Hackney
Supervised by: Mental Health Liaison Worker (Turkish & Kurdish)
When: Half day per week during office hours (Mon-Thur)
What will I be doing?
The role would be to support the Mental Health Liaison Worker in Hackney to provide a Drop In Service to clients from the Turkish/ Kurdish community with mental health issues. The Drop in service will focus mainly on Advocacy; supporting and enabling people to express their views and concerns, access information and services, defend and promote their rights and responsibilities, explore choices and options. As English is not our clients first language, the volunteer will also support individuals with translation of letters and to make phone calls on their behalf in relation to benefits, housing and all other appointments related to their health and well being.
What skills and qualities do I need?
· Are able to speak, write and read English and Turkish and/or Kurdish sufficiently enough to be able to translate between both languages
· Are able to communicate effectively and sensitively with external professionals and clients
· An awareness of those with mental health needs - we particularly welcome applications from people living locally or working within the local community
· Commitment, patience and reliability
· Have compassion and understanding for vulnerable people at a difficult time in their lives
· Good planning and time management
What commitment do I need to make?
· Ideally we would like you to commit to volunteering with us for 6 months
· Half a day a week during office hours (Mon- Fri)
What support will I receive?
· Induction training to prepare you to volunteer and access to additional training
· Regular support from your volunteer supervisor
· There is a dedicated Volunteer Services team to support your volunteering
· Volunteer travel expenses are reimbursed
· Lunch allowance of £4.00 per day if you volunteer for more than four hours in one day
I would like to help:
Complete the online application which is available on our website. If you need support with filling out the online application please get in touch. Contact details are below:
Email: Post:
St Mungo’s Broadway, Volunteer Services,
Brook House, 4th Floor South Wing, 229-243
Telephone: 0203 5408558 Shepherds Bush Road, London W6 7AN