Hope Against Suicide is a non-profit organisation committed to providing crucial listening, signposting, and advocacy support to anyone grappling with mental health issues. We aim to be a lifeline for those at risk of taking devastating actions. Our three key aims are to get the community talking again, improve mental health, and prevent suicide. We strive for a healthier, more compassionate community where hope can be found, and a reduction in deaths by suicide, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

We are launching a new Listening Hub in Bristol’s busy shopping centre. This walk-in service will support individuals with mental health issues, their families, and local workers. It complements our Mental Health Responders, enhancing outreach and community support. To run this program, we are looking for a new team of dedicated volunteers that want to support the cause of suicide prevention and raising mental health awareness.

Key Responsibilities

In a Listening Hub setting, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer plays a crucial role in providing compassionate and professional support to individuals seeking assistance with mental health challenges. During your shifts, your tasks will be a combination of the following:

Providing support to those facing mental health challenges

Allowing any visitors to share their personal experiences and feel supported / listened to

Lead conversations with an emphasis on active listening and empathy

Supporting an open, non-judgmental space open to all

Optional: Facilitating regular community sessions that provide a relaxed and open space for meeting new people and sharing personal experiences. These can be based on any activity (e.g. crafts, sports).

You will be expected to donate around 3 hours of your time either per week or fortnightly and to attend a Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid training. Your shifts will be arranged to fit around your other commitments.

What you will gain from this role

Supporting your local community and contributing to the cause of suicide prevention

Qualifications in Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid (funded after a three-month probationary period)

Gaining experience in the charity and mental health sector

Improving skills in Active Listening, adaptability, communication, empathy and resilience

Becoming part of the friendly community of Hope Against Suicide volunteers

Required Personal Attributes

We do not require any specific skills or types of education. Anyone who is over 18 years old can volunteer, regardless of background or level of experience. You will be given all required training and supported throughout your volunteering journey. Still, we ask volunteers to identify with the following personal traits:

Empathetic and compassionate with a genuine desire to help others.

Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.

Open-minded and willing to learn

Culturally sensitive and inclusive in approach.

We especially encourage applications from those who have personal experiences with mental health challenges, although this is not a requirement.