Linkwork Vacancies
Croydon’s Mental Health Service User Group
Linkworkers play a vital role in supporting people to talk about their mental health journey and their experiences of services. Because we’ve all had our own experiences of mental health, service users often find it easier to give us frank and honest feedback about the service. For example, we’ve recently heard issues about service users being concerned over benefits and entitlements, suggesting that services must be more proactive in signposting people to welfare and benefits support. As we’re able to give feedback on these issues to the service managers, the idea is that the service gradually improves for everyone using it.
We are not actively recruiting Linkworkers at the moment as we do not currently have the capacity. However, you may be able to start the process of joining the SLaM Involvement Register (see below) (SLaM = South London and Maudsley NHS Mental Health Trust)
Here is some more information for you about the process:
All Hear Us Linkworkers need to first be on the SLaM Involvement Register. Being on the Involvement Register means you will be rewarded for your time, for any SLaM involvement activities you take part in. This includes Linkworking. The current rate is £15 per hour of involvement. To enrol on the SLaM Involvement Register you need to be a current, or previous service user or carer, and have accessed SLaM services within the last five years. The process can take a while so if you meet the criteria you can apply.
In addition to being active members of the Involvement Register (which covers four SLaM boroughs—Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, and Croydon), Linkworkers are required to undergo some training to prepare for the role. As we are only operating in Croydon at the moment, having some experience or knowledge of Croydon services is also advantageous but not compulsory.
Claire Hawkes
Deputy CEO
Hear Us
Orchard House
15a Purley Road
South Croydon
Surrey
CR2 6EZ
Tel: 020 8681 6888
Email: linkworking@hear-us.org
Webpage: www.hear-us.org/peer-support/