Self-Harm Volunteering (live chat)

Penumbra Self-Harm Recovery Network Scotland
VO103174

The Self-Harm Network Volunteer will utilise their unique understanding gained from
managing their own mental health to assist staff in the smooth delivery of our Self-Harm support web chat.

Time Commitment: Flexible - (live chat operational hours are 6pm-10pm 7 days per week). Ideally commitment of one 4- hour shift per week.
Location: National – across Scotland (Home Based)
Closing: Sunday 15th June at 7pm
Training Dates:

Self-harm awareness – 16th July 6pm - 9pm

Text-based support – 26th July 9:10am – 5pm

Escalation and safeguarding – 30th July 6pm – 9pm
Interview: Tuesday 1st July & Thursday 3rd July 2025

Volunteering role:

Support our staff to deliver our online web-chat supporting people who self harm.

Contribute experience on the chat that will help to inform our approach, data, and the Scottish Government’s self-harm strategy development.

Commit to putting Penumbra’s values into practice.

Be aware of boundaries and confidentiality.

Uphold Penumbra’s Code of Practice.

Let us know of any changes in your circumstances that may affect your volunteering so we can find ways to best support you

We can offer you:

The latest information and thinking on Self-Harm.

Training on mental health approaches, tools

A robust induction with 1:1 shadowing opportunities to build confidence and support your role.

The opportunity to build and enhance your CV.

A reference for future career choices
And so much more!

Get in touch
If you think you require reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact us at recruitment@penumbra.org.uk.
If you’d like an informal chat about this role and volunteering for Penumbra Mental Health, please contact: Adriana Vivas Zurita (Senior Practitioner) at adriana.vivaszurita@penumbra.org.uk

To Apply:
Submit application form here: https://isw.changeworknow.co.uk/penumbra/vms/e/careers/positions/aqI5WnwXHm_4e0XIoW3NqB
Recruitment pack: https://penumbra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Self-Harm-Volunteer-Recruitment-Pack.pdf

Experience required

Essential:
Aged 18 or over.
Good communication and excellent listening skills
Open to supporting a diverse range of people with a non-judgemental approach.
A kind, caring and empathetic person with a positive and hopeful attitude.
Reliable and respectful
Ability to reflect and build on experience and ask for additional support of required.
Confidence in working as part of a team.

Desirable:
Knowledge and Experience - Experience of being in a supportive and enabling role
Working with Others - Builds good working relationships with team members.
Learn and Apply - Is aware of own strengths and development needs.
Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and accurately and ensures the message is understood.
Managing Self - Is open to change and continually improving practice.
Professionalism - Demonstrates a commitment to Penumbra’s values.
Supporting People - Supports individuals in line with organisational - values, policies and procedures.