Volunteer: Mental Health Responder – Weekday & Weekend Shifts Available

About Us:

Hope Against Suicide is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing crucial listening, signposting, and advocacy support to anyone struggling with mental health issues. Our mission is to be a lifeline for those at risk of taking devastating actions. Our three core aims are to get the community talking, improve mental health, and prevent suicide. We strive to create a healthier, more compassionate community where hope can be found, and where deaths by suicide, a leading cause of death worldwide, can be reduced.

Role Overview

As a Mental Health Responder, you will provide emotional support to individuals in and around Bristol’s shopping centre, listening with empathy and giving space for people to express their thoughts and feelings. You will be part of a friendly, diverse team of volunteers committed to building a zero-suicide society.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Volunteer on Tuesdays, 10:15–13:30, or Saturday’s, 10:30-13:30, committing to a minimum of two shifts per month.
  • Provide active listening, empathy, and non-judgemental support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
  • Commit to the role for a minimum of one year.
  • Attend training sessions and complete all necessary training for the role.

Skills & Qualities

  • Mental health qualifications are not required.
  • Some lived experience of mental health, personally or in supporting others, is valuable.
  • A natural ability to listen, empathy, and patience are essential.
  • Friendly, approachable, and confident speaking with vulnerable individuals from all walks of life.
  • No prior professional experience is needed; full training will be provided.
  • Opportunities exist to progress within the team and take on more responsibilities.

Additional Information

We welcome volunteers of all ages, genders, ethnicities, sexualities, religions, and backgrounds. You should feel comfortable talking to new people and engaging with a diverse community. Please note that all volunteering roles are subject to a DBS check, which we will organise for you.

If you are passionate about making a difference and supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email info@hopeagainstsuicide.org.uk with the following:

  • What interests you about this role?
  • Do you have any experiences or skills that will be useful for this role (personal or professional)?
  • How often and for how many hours per week or month would you be able to volunteer?