Talking Space is a safe, welcoming place, available outside of normal working hours, for those feeling emotionally distressed or in a mental health crisis (instead of using A&E and other urgent services).

Delivered in partnership with Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Talking Space offers evening face-to-face crisis intervention sessions for those needing access to mental health support.

The service currently operates seven evenings a week in Erdington, four evenings in St Pauls Square and three evenings in Selly Oak.

The service is for adults (18+) living in Birmingham or Solihull, whether they are known to mental health services or not.

We are seeking volunteers to support individuals accessing our Talking Space venues.

You will volunteer alongside the staff team to offer emotional support, based on the needs of the person.

You will support the Crisis Intervention Worker during the intervention. The volunteer will participate in face-to-face sessions, observe, actively listen, help to assess risk and support the Crisis Intervention Worker.

The volunteer will record notes on a secure database for approval by the Crisis Intervention Worker and send referrals for services or escalate safeguarding.

Previous experience is not necessary as you will receive training and support and you will be volunteering alongside an experienced staff team.

Tasks:

• To offer emotional support to individuals experiencing distress
• Attend Crisis Interventions, with staff members.
• Make notes during the session and upload session notes to the database.

• A positive attitude towards mental health
• Reasonable level of written and spoken English
• Ability to empathise with individuals experiencing difficulties in their mental health
• A moderate level of IT with willingness to learn
• Ability to listen to themes of suicide, self-harm and trauma
• A calm, patient, and friendly demeanour
• A non-judgemental approach
• Reliable
• An awareness of safeguarding is desirable

Birmingham Mind Volunteer Induction Training:

• Health and Safety
• Equality Diversity and Inclusion
• Data Protection
• Safeguarding
• Confidentiality
• Birmingham Mind Introduction
• In role training from staff
• Access to other Birmingham Mind training (online and face to face)

• Regular ongoing support 
• Supervision – known as Progress Chats
• Volunteer Events/ Meetings (Optional)

• Travel (bus, train and metro) fares reimbursed
• Car mileage reimbursed
• Lunch or Meal expenses reimbursed if you volunteer over 4 hours (up to £4 max)

• Grounded Selly Oak: Wheelchair access and accessible toilet.
• Grounded St. Pauls: Wheelchair ramp access and accessible toilet.
• Beechcroft Erdington: Wheelchair access and accessible toilet.

• Application Form
• Volunteer Information Session
• 2 References
• Informal Interview
• Enhanced DBS Check (Provided by Birmingham Mind)
• Induction