Therapeutic Community Worker

• ROKPA TRUST

• VO96389

We believe that mental distress is not just a problem to be addressed by professional experts but is a human problem that can be alleviated with a human response. Co-workers play a key role at Lothlorien in working towards creating a home-like, conflict-free and non-authoritarian environment. The notion of community is reinforced because co-workers are choosing to make Lothlorien their home, rather than being paid to ‘look after’ residents. As community members, co-workers have an acknowledged right to have their individual needs and limitations taken into account rather than being continuously expected to be in the caring role. Although distinctions between co-workers and residents are minimised, the co-workers have a key role to play by helping to provide support and encouragement to sustain the daily routines. They aim to take an approach of ‘doing with’ rather than ‘doing for’ so that everyone is encouraged to participate to the best of their ability. In this way, unnecessary dependency is avoided, and residents can develop their sense of autonomy and independence. Forming and sustaining meaningful social and personal relationships is a major part of recovery. The co-worker's role is, as much as anything else, a befriending one, which eases the residents' transition into the social world from which many people with mental health problems are excluded. Therefore, co-workers are encouraged to relate to residents in a open, tolerant and non-judgemental manner, based on informality and mutual respect. Activities include cooking, gardening, games, arts and crafts, driving in local area and to various events.

Experience required

Friendly, approachable, good team-working skills

• About
• Location
• Notes

Support

Training details

Adult Support and Protection Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. Marshal B. Rosenberg Mental Health First Aid Fire Safety/ Fire Marshall First Aid Infection Control

Restrictions

Minimum age: 21
UK driving licence required

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Frequency & commitment

Volunteer commitment hours vary. This is a live-in position however co-workers are expected to take breaks away from the community in-between their volunteer schedule.

Volunteers (aged 21-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more

This volunteering opportunity is also advertised across Dumfries & Galloway.

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