Tea n Talk Volunteer

Role Outline

Volunteer Role: Tea ‘n’ Talk Volunteer: Relief only to cover sickness, holidays and unforeseen circumstances- we can’t guarantee regular sessions, at present.

We do welcome volunteers to use initiative, passion & motivation to approach suitable locations to ask if they would like a free tea n Talk session setting up. You can set up your own session with our full support. This is dependent on need and location.

Training: Provided at BDC Mind, Kenburgh House, 28 Manor Row, BD1 4QU

Service Description

Our Tea ‘n’ Talk groups are drop-in sessions for adults aged 18+ who are feeling lonely, isolated, or just wanting to enjoy some friendly company and conversation with others. They take place in community venues and cafes across Bradford District and Craven, either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Our friendly drop-ins offer a space to connect with others and aim to reduce social isolation.

You can find out more about the groups on our website as well as the current timetable. https://www.bdcmind.org.uk/support-for-you/adult-services/tea-n-talk-groups/

We are always looking to expand our groups into new areas and locations where there is demand. We welcome support from our volunteers to help us set up new groups based in communities.

Role Description

As a Tea ‘n’ Talk Volunteer, you will provide a warm and friendly welcome to everyone who attends our Tea ‘n’ Talk drop‑in sessions. These relaxed and informal spaces offer people the chance to enjoy some company, conversation, and a supportive environment.

You will help facilitate the sessions by:

• Arriving in good time and setting up the space
• Displaying signposting and information resources
• Welcoming attendees and helping them feel comfortable
• Supporting friendly conversation and group interactions
• Logging attendance at each session
• Collecting feedback and suggestions from the group and sharing it with the Service Manager

Benefits

• Gain valuable work experience in the mental health sector
• Get support through our assistance programme Wisdom
• Access free mental health training on Mental Health Awareness, Resilience and Stress
• Receive rewards throughout your time volunteering with us, including Citizen Coin points
• Meet other volunteers at regular social events, volunteer drop-ins and workforce engagement days
• Claim expenses like travel and parking or food and drink depending on the length of your volunteer shift
• Volunteer at events in the community like Ilkley Food and Drink Festival and the Great Yorkshire Abseil

Making an application

· Complete the Volunteer Application Form and select ‘Tea ‘n’ Talk Volunteer’

· If you have any questions before you make an application, you can contact us by emailing: volunteering@mindinbradford.org.uk

Skills

Volunteer Role Profile

This role will suit you if you are good with people and enjoy chatting and helping people feel included. You don’t need any specialist experience, just a friendly approach and a willingness to engage with people.

Person Specification

BDC Mind is committed to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving the quality of life for people with mental health challenges. We value diversity, inclusion and lived experiences when recruiting our staff and volunteers.

Ability

• The ability to offer a warm welcome and build a positive and friendly rapport, with people from different backgrounds
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening skills
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work independently in the community

Attitude and Personal Attributes

• A positive, professional and flexible attitude
• Approachable, empathetic and non-judgmental
• Motivated to make a different to socially isolated adults and supportive of the goals of BDC Mind
• Willing to travel to community locations across the district