Volunteering FAQs

We offer a full induction programme for volunteers as well as online learning opportunities. You will have support and supervision form a member of the admin team on a regular basis. Any training requirements identified can be addressed, and we aim to further your existing knowledge and skills.  

All applications for the various roles available need to be completed online. Click on the role that you’re interested in and then click the ‘apply’ button

• Application (apply with the link on the advert)
• Interview (usually completed on the phone or via zoom)
• HR Process (references, DBS and paperwork)
• Training (3 days of training with the team)
• Compliance Sign Off (your HR bits are completed so we can get you started)
• Induction Plan Meeting (check what is left to do and get you linked in with your team)
• Get Started

A member from the Community Development Team will make contact with you after your application has been received and discuss and queries you may have. We will send you a general information pack and start the DBS process before training commences.  

From application to start it can take up to 12 weeks, however this does include the 3 week training course. This is mainly due to us not being able to get you started until you references are back, DBS has been processed and we have all your forms signed and returned. We will communicate with you as often as possible to make this move smoothly.

We welcome people with all backgrounds, confidence and skill levels. We will require you to be able to carry out the role you have applied for but are more than happy to provide training and support to get you started. Please note that all voluntary roles do require some level on on-line learning so basic computer skills are required. If this poses a barrier for you please do get in touch and we can sign-post to support and training options for you.

We actively encourage people with lived experience of addiction and recovery to apply but please note, this means no illicit substance use and that you feel stable in recovery to be successful. If you are unsure about anything please get in touch.

As part of the any voluntary role we feel that providing multiple training opportunities is essential to increasing confidence, capability and progression opportunities to all of those who support our service. Some of the courses we provide are mandatory to ensure that everyone has a minimum level of knowledge, however, many others are optional to those who are interesting in upskilling their abilities. All the courses that we provide are free of charge.

Please see a sample below of the courses we offer:
eLearning Courses:

• Health and Safety
• Information Governance, including Data Protection
• Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 Accredited training

Class Room Training:

• Induction: This includes local service overview, Safeguarding and Boundaries.
• Make Every Contact Count: Accredited training which is run by One Small Step 
• Unconscious Bias
• Substance Awareness
• Level 3 Recovery Coach – this is open to existing Volunteers with lived experience who wish to progress in role and gain a qualification

Combined on-line and in-person:

• Needle Exchange
• Naloxone
• Group Work Skills

We can also support you to access a range of Level 1 and 2 courses by external providers on subjects including Substance Misuse Awareness, Mental Health Awareness, Digital Skills, Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care and many more.

Once your training and HR checks are all complete you will complete an Induction Plan that will be reviewed at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. You will be buddied with a member of the team relevant for your role who will be able to support you day to day. This will ensure that you start off on the right foot and feel supported as you get settled in your role.
You will be provided with a minimum of monthly group or individual supervision which includes:

• Wellbeing/check-in

• Taskload Discussions

• Reflections and discussion of Challenges and Successes

• Professional Development, Training and Support needs

• Actions to take forward (goals)

For the Recovery Coach Role specifically, you will also be offered a debrief at the end of your volunteering day. This will provide time for reflection, support and professional development.

We welcome people of all backgrounds and love to see people who have experienced their own challenges be in a stable place where they can now give back and transfer their challenges to their strengths. We create a supportive environment with open conversations to ensure that your personal recovery is the priority at all times and we are not putting you at risk within your volunteering role with us. This would be through well-being plans, supervisions, induction planning and peer support. We have a lapse and relapse policy which you would be encouraged to read that balances support with the service user needs and allows time and space for someone to be able to focus on themselves should a lapse happen whist volunteering with an open opportunity to return to their role when they are ready to do so.

Yes, we really value what you are offering to the service and therefore want to ensure that you are not out of pocket at any point. We will ensure that all reasonable travel expenses are covered, please note on occasion these may be capped but we will discuss this without before the travel takes place.

We have a variety of Volunteering roles across EDP that all have their own role description attached to them. These include opportunities for supporting our Recovery Workers, Outreach Teams, Admin teams, Social Media Team, Flourish in Nature Activities and Flourish Cafes. Each role description will specify if it suitable for Peer Mentors* or Volunteers**. We suggest keeping an eye on our Volunteer Vacancies page to see what is currently available.

If you are looking for something specific please contact our Co-Production and Volunteer Manager on 07860918220 to find out what opportunities are on the horizon.

*Peer Mentors: Are people who have direct lived experience and who are in relatively early recovery. They may still be receiving support from one of our services or be recently closed to services (within 6 months). Individuals will be meeting their recovery goals and not using any illicit substances. At least one reference will be from their allocated Recovery Worker or Navigator.

** Volunteers: Are people who may or may not have personal lived experience of recovery from substance misuse. If an individual identifies as being in recovery themselves, they will be at last 6 months closed to treatment and not be using any illicit substances.

There are many volunteering roles available at EDP so encourage anyone to keep an eye out for a new opportunity, we will do our best to direct you to any other roles we have available or look at alternative options in our location communities that will provide you with other skills and experiences.