Volunteer Studio Facilitators + Lead Facilitator Roles at Mental Health Art Charity at Artspace Brighton

What does the opportunity involve doing?

We are looking to expand our volunteer facilitators team to run our art studio. We run a space for members who have an interest in exploring their creativity or developing their art practice, while helping to boost their confidence, connect with others, and to feel generally more empowered. Volunteers encourage our members to be creative in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Some members join in order to continue their established art practice, whilst others have little art experience, and join in order to learn artistic skills. Others join to avoid feeling isolated. As such we are flexible to members needs.

The Studio is located behind the Royal Sussex Hospital on the Bristol Estate. It is easily accessible by bus or car.

We are currently open for 2 days - Tuesday and Thursday. We are looking to also open up on a Wednesday so that we can serve more people. On each day there are 2 sessions running from 10am to 12.30 and then from 2pm to 5pm. You are only required to volunteer for one of these sessions, and there are usually two volunteers in the studio at the same time including one lead facilitator

We are looking for one facilitator for Wednesday morning, and two facilitators for Wednesday afternoon (including one lead facilitator).

These roles would suite people primarily who can empathise, listen and respond to our members. Knowledge of art materials/ practices, and being able to provide guidance or skills on art and craft techniques would also be of benefit.

What induction, training and support is offered?

A full induction, and introduction to the organisation, would be given. We offer 1:1 support, plus also have regular volunteers meetings where you can also raise any issues.

What skills or qualities are needed?

• A commitment to the organisation's aims, objectives, mission and values.
• Experience of volunteering or working in a role that required you to support people with respect, patience, and empathy. Some knowledge or personal experience of mental health recovery.
• The ability to actively listen to people and respond sensitively and appropriately.
• Being trustworthy, and an awareness of the importance of keeping client confidentiality and appropriate role boundaries.
• An interest in the arts and / or crafts
• Excellent reflective skills, and the ability to work as part of a team including supporting and respecting the contribution of other volunteers and people using Artspace services.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to share knowledge, skills and experience with studio members and volunteers
• Those applying for the Lead facilitator role will also need:
1. Prior experience or training in supporting adults with mental health issues
2. Experience of facilitating workshops or teaching classes
3. Understanding of the policies and procedures relevant to a mental health project: Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Boundaries, etc. An understanding of the issues facing people with experience of mental health problems
4. A recognised qualification and/or substantial relevant experience in mental health (art therapy/social work/counselling etc).
5. Once the trial period is over, the confidence to lead sessions without the presence of the lead facilitator is expected