Volunteering Roles
Barnsley Recovery & Wellbeing College in Barnsley works with volunteers co-productively in designing and delivering bespoke health promotion, condition management and personal development courses. We have an established tradition of recruiting, training and equipping volunteers with skills and experience that provide a platform from which build on when they progress and move on to employment, further education or community engagement.
Our volunteers engage in Co-facilitation, Co-production, Gym & Community Physical Activity, Gardening and Editorial Panel volunteers.
The College recognises that people volunteer for a variety of reasons, so whether you are interested in improving your employability skills, staying well or giving back to your community, then volunteering may be for you.
Co-production – Our co-producers are responsible for the design/production of our workshops and courses in a format that best suits them (alongside at least one other volunteer, member of NHS staff or partner organisation staff). Our co-producers will have experience of the topic that they are designing a course or workshop around, such as experience themselves of a specific health condition or experience as a carer (we call this lived experience or being an expert by experience). Alternatively, they may have professional experience or be particularly experienced in a skill or hobby.
Co-Facilitator – Our co-facilitators (also referred to as our tutors) are responsible for the delivery of our courses and workshops, working alongside at least one other volunteer, member of NHS staff or partner organisation staff. Our co-facilitators will usually have experience (either lived experience or professional experience) of the topic that they are teaching and must be willing to speak in front of groups, answer questions, share experiences and be adaptable to changing or unexpected circumstances.
Gym & Community Activities – These roles are for people who are interested in the benefit exercise has on mental health and wellbeing. You will start your volunteer journey as a gym assistant buddying up with individuals enabling them to meet their training goals. Community co-delivery of sporting activities within local venues. You will receive the opportunity to develop your organisational and group experience skills, participating in a large range of activities including walking, cycling, football and netball etc. This role sits under the management of the Physical Activity lead for SWYPFT. Training and mentorship is also available in this role.
Editorial Panel Member – This role offers the volunteer an opportunity to engage in reviewing and developing courses prior to delivery at the Recovery College. This important role is part of our commitment to quality assurance ensuring that all our courses meet a high standard and incorporate the values of co-production and recovery. You may be interested in this role if you have a background in education, business or health along with lived experience of your own health and wellbeing.
Gardening – This role gives the volunteer an opportunity to work outside and getting involved with the routine maintenance of the garden. This may involve working as part of a team. You do not have to have specific knowledge in this area as you will work under direction from a staff member and provided with protective clothing and the appropriate use of tools.
