The role:

This role focuses on engaging people experiencing rough sleeping in a person-centred, recovery-focused way. The volunteer will meet people where they are, act as a positive role model for recovery, and contribute to the delivery of holistic, trauma-informed support. This includes assisting with individual support plans, outreach work, harm reduction, and collaboration with partner agencies to meet complex needs.

Tasks may include:

• Meeting people where they are and act as a positive role model for recovery
• Supporting elements of individual support plans, including accompanying people to appointments and spending time with those requiring additional support
• Provide harm reduction information and advice
• Supporting staff to deliver holistic and outreach support, including liaising with partner agencies such as housing, mental health services and pharmacies
• Assisting with outreach visits as required
• Supporting team with outreach checks/counting and responding to changes that may impact street-based populations e.g. cold weather provision
• Supporting drug testing, clinical interventions, needle exchange, and blood-borne virus testing (training provided)
• Carrying out key harm reduction strategies such as running of the Needle Exchange and distribution of Naloxone, after completion of appropriate training or demonstration of relevant experience.

Skills we would like you to bring to the role:

• Good understanding of drug and alcohol issues
• Be professional in your approach and conduct
• Be willing to learn new skills from the Team
• Be able to work within, and as part of the various teams (as directed by the team)- using own initiative while also following direction
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Confident IT skills- aside from any IT skills required for the role, some of our mandatory training is done online through eLearning modules
• Non-judgemental and patient towards people with lived experience
• Have confidence in approaching and talking to people (individually and as a group)
• Be able to handle potential difficult situations and disclosures
• To be able to follow the delivery model
• Have an understanding of the wider support available
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website, and you can call a specific project to make enquiries.
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission, vision and promise of Waythrough
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

Please note:

This role works with individuals who are leading street-based lives and who are actively using substances.

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. 

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. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: [email protected] 

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. 

Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.

Closing date: