Activity Volunteer – Bluebell Ward (Specialist Ward for Deaf Adults)

Job overview

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges? Join us as an Activity Volunteer on Bluebell Ward, a specialist ward for deaf adults with mental health needs. You’ll support service users in engaging with meaningful activities that promote recovery, resilience, and hope in a culturally and linguistically inclusive environment. You’ll be part of a team that includes deaf and hearing staff who are fluent in British Sign Language.

Career Progression pathways and development opportunities

We’re committed to supporting volunteers in achieving their career goals. This role offers a pathway into Bank positions and includes access to ongoing training in key areas such as Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Equality and Diversity. Volunteering with us provides valuable experience that can support progression into paid employment, and we’re happy to provide references for volunteers who complete their volunteering.

Main duties of the job

As an Activity Volunteer, you’ll build relationships with service users using British Sign Language (BSL), encourage participation in group and individual activities, and support staff in setting up and running sessions. You’ll help service users explore meaningful hobbies, provide positive feedback, and when confident, co-facilitate a group with support from the Occupational Therapy team. This role requires empathy, resilience, and a commitment to personal development.

Flexible working

This role is flexible and will be scheduled based on your availability. Volunteers must undergo reference and ID checks and complete mandatory training before starting the role which can take several months.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• As an Activity Volunteer on Bluebell Ward, you’ll support deaf adults with mental health needs by helping them engage in meaningful activities.
• You’ll build relationships using British Sign Language, encourage participation in group sessions, and assist staff with setting up and running activities.
• You’ll also help service users explore hobbies and interests that support their recovery.
• Volunteers work closely with the Occupational Therapy team and contribute to a culturally inclusive environment.

All public facing roles require a proportionate level of English language proficiency for written and verbal communication and the Trust is required to verify results of certain English language competency tests relied upon. When the fluency duty is met by the provision of a sign language interpreter, the interpreter should be registered with the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD).