Volunteering with Happy Mums

Wonderful volunteer Laura in a Happy Mums Yellow polo shirt standing behand a table covered in yellow items and Happy Mums information

Volunteers play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all members.

We seeking women with lived experience of mental health problems in pregnancy or motherhood to help deliver peer support groups for mothers and pregnant women across Cumbria and online.

Some groups are already running, while others will start once we have enough volunteers. If you think your area needs a group, we encourage you to apply!

From helping us to spread the word about the vital work we do to entertaining the kids or facilitating support groups, there are many ways you can help Happy Mums.

 

Volunteer Roles

Questions about Volunteering

Meet our Volunteers

Apply Now

Volunteer Recruitment Process

Volunteer Policy

Volunteer Roles:

Group Facilitator

What will the role involve?

  • Group facilitation
  • Arrive 15 minutes early to set up the space with co-facilitators.
  • Introduce yourself and Happy Mums to new members.
  • Guide the group through the agreed-upon ground rules (Our Group Agreement) at the beginning of each session, adapting them as needed based on member suggestions.
  • Facilitate discussions by asking open-ended questions, encouraging participation, and sharing your own experiences when appropriate.
  • Signpost members to additional support services when relevant.
  • Be available for individual conversations after each group session.
  • Debrief with co-facilitators after each session and complete a debriefing form.
  • Ensure the room is clean and tidy for the next group.

Additional responsibilities:

  • Promote the groups to women in your local area.
  • Assist with collecting data such as member feedback, demographics, and attendance records.
  • Participate in regular supervision and feedback sessions.
  • Attend a volunteer induction day and relevant training.
  • When appropriate, discuss safeguarding concerns with the designated Happy Mums lead and potentially share information with the safeguarding team or other professionals.

      What are we looking for in candidates?

      Essential:

      • Lived experience of mental health problems around pregnancy and early motherhood.
      • Awareness of confidentiality and privacy requirements, and when safeguarding overrides them.
      • Ability to listen with empathy and without judgment, and share your own experiences when relevant.
      • Ability to put others at ease.
      • Willingness to complete a volunteer induction day.
      • Commitment to our values: empowering, safe, peer-led, inclusive, and sustainable.
      • Reliability and availability to run regular group sessions.
      • Ability to collaborate effectively.
      • Willingness to undergo a DBS check.
      • Respectful and inclusive attitude towards people from diverse backgrounds.
      • Ability to engage in constructive feedback and supervision sessions.

      Desirable:

      • Experience facilitating groups.
      • Previous involvement with peer support groups.
      • Safeguarding training.
      • First aid training.
      • Peer support training or qualification.
      • Knowledge of mental health problems, services, and where to get help.
      • Ability and willingness to talk to the media or on social media about your experiences and Happy Mums.

      What support will Happy Mums provide?

      • Volunteer induction training
      • Personal wellbeing and development plan
      • Role-specific training
      • Ongoing support
      • CPD events
      • Access to external learning and development opportunities
      • Reimbursement of travel expenses
      Group Helper

      What will the role involve?

      • Welcoming and supporting attendees
      • Meet and greet group members, arriving 15 minutes early to help set up the room.
      • Ensure the space is ready for the group, including making sure necessary facilities are available.
      • Assist new members in settling in and familiarizing themselves with the space.
      • Help with refreshments like making tea and coffee and cleaning up afterwards.
      • Support mothers with young children by playing with them or engaging them in activities, as agreed upon case-by-case.
      • Debrief with the facilitator after the group, including any relevant safeguarding concerns.

      What are we looking for in candidates?

      Essential:

      • Warm, welcoming personality that puts others at ease.
      • Non-judgmental and empathetic nature.
      • Awareness of mental health issues.
      • Willingness to complete a volunteer induction day.
      • Commitment to our values: empowering, safe, peer-led, inclusive, and sustainable.
      • Understanding of confidentiality and privacy, including its importance and when safeguarding overrides it.
      • Reliability and ability to work effectively with others.
      • Willingness to undergo a DBS check.
      • Respectful and inclusive towards individuals from diverse backgrounds.
      • Ability to participate in feedback and supervision sessions.
      • Comfortable and confident around young children.

      Desirable:

      • Personal experience of maternal mental health issues, either yourself or someone close to you.
      • Safeguarding training.
      • First aid training.
      • Childcare experience.

      What support will Happy Mums provide?

      • Volunteer induction training
      • Personal wellbeing and development plan
      • Role-specific training
      • Ongoing support
      • CPD events
      • Access to external learning and development opportunities
      • Reimbursement of travel expenses

       

      Group Welcomer

      What will the role involve?

      • Understanding that walking in to a group for the first time can be can be extremely anxiety inducing.
      • Being available to meet a new member in a nearby, impartial location 
      • Help to set thier mind at ease  
      • Greet new and existing members with a friendly smile and introduce them to the facilitator and other members (if appropriate).
      • Briefly explain the format and answer any questions newcomers may have.
      • Offer refreshments like tea, coffee, and water.
      • Assist members in finding comfortable seating and connecting with others.
      • Be present throughout the group, offering quiet support and a listening ear if needed (without providing professional advice).
      • Help with setting up and clearing away any materials used during the group.
      • See how the new member found the group before they leave.

      What are we looking for in candidates?

      Essential:

      • Warm, welcoming, and friendly personality.
      • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
      • Non-judgmental and empathetic nature.
      • Ability to put others at ease and create a safe and comfortable space.
      • Discretion and respect for confidentiality and privacy.
      • Reliability and punctuality.
      • Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people.
      • Commitment to our values: empowering, safe, peer-led, inclusive, and sustainable.

      Desirable:

      • Experience or understanding of maternal mental health issues.
      • Safeguarding training.
      • First aid training.
      • Previous experience volunteering in a support group setting.

      What support will Happy Mums provide?

      • Volunteer induction training
      • Personal wellbeing and development plan
      • Role-specific training
      • Ongoing support
      • CPD events
      • Access to external learning and development opportunities
      • Travel expenses will be reimbursed
      Inclusion Champion

      About this Role:

      This is a relatively new role to build a network of “Inclusion Champions” who act as bridges between Happy Mums and specific communities. While you won’t solely represent your entire community, you’ll play a vital role in:

      • Raising awareness:
        • Sharing information about our peer support groups within your community.
        • Providing feedback on any accessibility issues with our services.
      • Providing valuable insights:
        • Offering perspectives on the needs of women in your community.
        • Suggesting improvements to our services to better serve your community’s needs.
      • Collaboration and Support:
        • Partnering with Happy Mums on various initiatives.
        • Assisting with recruitment of staff and volunteers who reflect the demographics we serve.
        • Participating in focus groups and advisory panels.
        • Contributing to our ongoing development through constructive feedback.

      What are we looking for in candidates?

      Essential:

      • Lived experience of maternal mental health issues, either personally or through others.
      • Understanding of mental health and safeguarding policies.
      • Excellent communication skills (speaking and listening).
      • Non-judgmental and empathetic nature.
      • Ability to build connections and work collaboratively.
      • Commitment to our values: empowering, safe, peer-led, inclusive, and sustainable.

      Desirable:

      • Public speaking experience.
      • Insight into the specific needs of pregnant women and mothers within your community.
      • Critical thinking skills and the ability to provide constructive challenges.

      What support will Happy Mums provide?

      • Volunteer induction training
      • Personal wellbeing and development plan
      • Role-specific training
      • Ongoing support
      • Opportunities for professional development (CPD events and access to external learning)
      • Reimbursement of travel expenses
          Ambassador

          What is this role?

          • Raising awareness:
            • Spreading the word about Happy Mums through word-of-mouth or distributing promotional materials.
            • Sharing their stories in the media, on our website, or on social media.
          • Providing feedback and contributing to improvement:
            • Participating in focus groups to evaluate our services and methods.
            • Reviewing Happy Mums activities.
            • Suggesting ideas for the future of Happy Mums.
            • Completing surveys and questionnaires.
          • Supporting the organization:
            • Assisting group facilitators.
            • Identifying barriers to participation.

          What are we looking for in candidates?

          Essential:

          • Experience attending Happy Mums support groups.
          • Excellent communication skills (speaking and listening).
          • Non-judgmental and empathetic nature.
          • Ability to build connections and work collaboratively.
          • Commitment to our values: empowering, safe, peer-led, inclusive, and sustainable.

          Desirable:

          • Knowledge of mental health conditions.
          • Understanding of safeguarding policies.
          • Public speaking experience.
          • Willingness to share their story in the media or on our website/social media.

          What support will Happy Mums provide?

          • Volunteer induction training
          • Personal wellbeing & development plan
          • Role-specific training
          • Ongoing support
          • CPD events
          • Access to external learning and development
          • Travel expenses will be reimbursed
            A flow chart showing the development steps for staff and volunteers

            Apply now!

            Volunteering FAQs

            How do I find out about volunteering with Happy Mums?

            You can have a look on our website www.happymums.org.uk/volunteering where you can read about the different roles available and the application process. It also explains the induction, training and ongoing support available.

            How do I apply to become a volunteer?

             Once you’ve read the descriptions of each role, complete the application form embedded (or here: https://tinyurl.com/VolunteerHappyMums)   tell us how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

            How do I get a copy of the application form or other documents in a different format?

            We are happy to provide documents in different formats and languages on request. Just contact us on info@happymums.org.uk or 01228 592301.

            How do Happy Mums ensure that the recruitment process is inclusive?

            We are very keen to make Happy Mums more representative. As part of our recruitment policy, if you are from a disadvantaged, marginalised or minoritized group or community you will be guaranteed an interview. Please tell us on your application form.

            Do I need to provide references?

            Yes please. We will request the name and email address of two referees on the application form. They can be professional or personal, but must not be related to you.

            What is the Inclusion Form for?

            The Inclusion Form is part of our recruitment process, and asks you to tell us about your age, ethnicity, gender, disability and other protected characteristics under the Equalities Act 2010. This is not used to select candidates for interview, but is kept separate and only used to assess the inclusiveness of our processes. 

            Is there an interview?

            We invite you to interview if your application has been successfully shortlisted. The interview will take place either in person or via Zoom. If there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you in this process please let us know.

            How long does the recruitment process take?

            From the point at which you submit your application form, if you are successful it will usually take around six months before you begin volunteering independently. In that time you will receive induction and role-specific training, as well as online safeguarding training, observations and mentoring.

            What do you mean by “lived-experience”?

            We are looking for women who have experienced maternal mental health problems, either themselves or through caring for a close friend or family member. There is no requirement for you (or the person you cared for) to have had a formal diagnosis, and there is no limit on the type of illness or condition (for example – postnatal depression, postpartum psychosis or anxiety). If you have any questions about whether you are eligible to apply, please get in touch.

            I have only recently experienced mental health problems – can I still volunteer?

            Our priority is everyone’s safety and wellbeing, but recent experience can be very powerful in peer support. We don’t have a set timescale, as we believe “recovery” means different things to different people. However, we approach this issue on a case-by-case basis and we will discuss it openly with you at interview.  

            Once appointed, what happens next?

            When we write to you to let you know you have been successful at interview we will also send some forms to be completed (eg. DBS check) and details of the online safeguarding training to be completed. We will then offer you a series of dates for your induction training, and you will be asked to select ones which are convenient for you. After your induction training, you will receive role-specific training which may be online or face-to-face depending on the role. Group Facilitators go on to observe support groups along side an experienced Facilitator until we all feel they are ready to run their own group

            What is the Happy Mums Volunteering Agreement?

            It sets out what you can expect from us and what we can expect from you. Examples include volunteering in a safe environment and respecting confidentiality. You will be asked to read and sign the agreement before you start volunteering.

            What training will I receive?

            We offer induction training which will be delivered in person or online. There are two sessions lasting three hours. This training covers: Happy Mum’s values, the organisation, principles of peer support, inclusion, common maternal mental health conditions, framework of support and development for volunteers, communications, how to share your experiences safely, safeguarding, risk assessment, your wellbeing, data and reporting. 

            Following induction you will also receive role-specific training which will be online or in-person depending on your role.

            You will also have opportunities to access external training when it is available.

            Is there a uniform?

            You will be given a Happy Mums volunteer t-shirt to wear when you are volunteering with us. You will also be issued with an ID badge to help mums to identify you as part of the team. 

            How much time will I be expected to commit?

            We ask everyone to commit at least 20 hours per year although it does depend on which roles you choose:

            • Ambassadors and Inclusion Champions can choose to dip in and out when they have the time.
            • Group Facilitators and Group Helpers are asked to commit to one group per week. Working in teams of two or three means that there is some flexibility for holidays, time away etc.

            A group will usually take around 2 hours, including the actual 1-hour session, travel time and setting up/clearing up the room, plus completing the debriefing forms and signposting any women who need further support.

            Further time will be required to attend 6-weekly supervision sessions, Team Days and any other training which is required.

            I work full-time during the week, can I still volunteer?

            Our Ambassadors and Inclusion Champions have more flexibility in terms of the time they are able to give to volunteering. However, we are always looking for Group Facilitators and Group Helpers who would be willing to run groups during evenings or weekends as well.

            Who will I be volunteering with?

            You may already have reached out to friends locally who also wish to volunteer. If this is the case, we can match you up to be part of the same local team. If not, we will coordinate our volunteers according to their location and availability. We will discuss this with you after your training has been completed.

            What is “Supervision”?

            “Supervision” is a term which is often used in clinical or social care settings to describe a process of reflection and/or case management. At Happy Mums we commission an independent Supervisor who is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) who hosts two-monthly group supervision sessions (usually online) where all our Group Facilitators come together to share their experiences of running support groups. It’s a place to celebrate and to work through challenges.

            Who is my key point of contact at Happy Mums?

            Our operations manager, Katie Bruce, is the person to speak to if you have any questions or issues related to your volunteering at Happy Mums. She coordinates our volunteer network across Cumbria. She will contact you regularly to check-in on how things are going.

            How far will I need to travel?

              For Group Facilitators and Group Helpers we aim to match you to a group in your community, so we hope travel will be minimal. We also try to ensure that our face-to-face groups are held in venues which are easily accessible by walking or public transport.

              Ambassadors and Inclusion Champions will be asked to volunteer mainly within their own community or location.

              We have a mileage reclaim limit of 15miles each way when volunteering for a group, this is to help us manage our cashflow and maintain sustainability. 

              We try to hold training in locations convinient to the majority of trainees, we re-emburse full travel expenses for training.

              Will I be expected to share my own experiences?

              Peer support is based on mutual sharing of experiences so we do expect that our volunteers will feel able to do this. However, we know this can be challenging at first so you will receive training and support to navigate this safely and in a way that you find comfortable.

              Do you pay expenses?

              Yes we will reimburse all travel expenses incurred while volunteering. This includes money for fuel if you drive to and from venues (up to 15miles each way), or for public transport on buses and trains. We are not able to pay for taxis except in exceptional circumstances.

              Can I bring my child(ren) with me when I volunteer?

              Yes of course. However, please be aware that you retain responsibility for your child(ren) if you bring them with you while you volunteer. Group Facilitators should consider whether they will be able to maintain concentration while facilitating the group, but this will depend on the age and development stage of your child and what you feel is right for you and them.

              Can I take a break from volunteering if I need to?

              Of course – our priority is everyone’s wellbeing so if you need to step-back either temporarily or permanently we will support you to do this.