Liaison and Diversion Peer Support Volunteer

Liaison and Diversion Peer Support Volunteer

Volunteer

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. 

About the Role

Our Liaison and Diversion service supports individuals within the criminal justice system who may be experiencing challenges such as mental health needs, substance misuse, learning disabilities, social isolation, or other complex life circumstances.

As a Peer Support Volunteer, you will use your lived experience to provide low-level, strengths-based support to people transitioning from our Community Link service. You’ll help individuals build confidence, stay connected with services, engage in their communities, and improve their overall wellbeing through supportive 1:1 engagement.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference by helping others move forward positively and reduce the risk of disengagement from support services.

Key Duties

• Provide 1:1 peer support to individuals accessing the service
• Encourage and support engagement with community activities and social networks
• Assist individuals in attending appointments where appropriate
• Promote wellbeing, independence, and positive coping strategies
• Build supportive, professional relationships based on empathy and understanding
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and follow service guidance and procedures
• Work alongside the wider Liaison and Diversion team to support positive outcomes

About You

We are looking for people who have lived experience of the criminal justice system and a passion for supporting others. You will be compassionate, approachable, and able to encourage individuals in a positive and non-judgemental way.

You will also have:

• Good communication and listening skills
• The ability to build trust and rapport with others
• An understanding of the challenges people may face when accessing support services
• Reliability and a willingness to learn
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, and confidentiality

No formal qualifications are required — full training and ongoing support will be provided.

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: 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. 

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: