Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a difference? Waythrough are about giving people fair chances to succeed in life.

Who are Waythrough....
Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support.

We have almost 200 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 125,000 people.

Volunteer Buddy

Location: London

Volunteer

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

Details of the role:

Offering peer support through being ‘buddied’ with one or two people at any one time. For example by:
Providing one-to-one support for people facing multiple disadvantage, to better understand own needs and the community support services available to them.
Supporting to re-integrate into the community, for example by helping to research and access activities
Accompanying to appointments or activities (following relevant policies and procedures)
Speaking with people via the telephone check-in service
Generally speaking positively about recovery with service users and supporting them
Signposting to other activity / support the service and partners offer
Liaising with staff and service users to gain feedback about the service which helps inform decisions and support
Complying with Waythrough policies and procedures, including service and local Safeguarding Procedures, General Data Protection Requirements and Health & Safety

We would love you to bring to this role:

Lived experience of disadvantage which may include both personal and/or as family and/or careers
Knowledge and/or experience of using support services, including recovery support, support for family and carers
Good self-awareness in relation to own recovery and emotional and psychological wellbeing
Experience of providing one-to-one or peer support to people, either paid or voluntary
Ability to work well with others, building relationships and listening to different points of view
Good interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to empathise
Willingness to learn new skills, knowledge, and practices.
Basic IT skills – we can help you to build on these
Willingness to attend and complete relevant training
To take part in supervisions and reflective practice with supervisor

What volunteers can expect from us:

Full training in line with the role description
Regular supervision and support
Induction and access to online and face to face training
To feel part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation
Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey
Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough's work in the region

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

Discounts from various schemes
Training and personal development
A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
Free induction and role-specific training
Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk

How to apply

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application.

Waythrough is an equal opportunities employer...
We value unique perspectives and experiences that everyone can bring, and fully understand the strength in diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. If you have a genuine passion for working for us, we want to hear for you. We also welcome applications from people with lived experience with substance use. If you require support with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at people.recruitment@waythrough.org.uk