Outreach and Community Engagement

• Deliver outreach activities across community venues in Merton, particularly in East Merton and Mitcham
• Support participants to access activities at Deen City Farm, South Mitcham Community Centre and community sports venues
• Develop positive relationships with local residents, referral partners and community organisations
• Promote programme activities and engage individuals who may be socially isolated or reluctant to access support services
• Support transport planning and practical arrangements to improve accessibility

Group Facilitation and Activity Delivery

• Assist in the planning, organisation and delivery of weekly activities, including:
  • Wellbeing workshops
  • Arts and crafts sessions
  • Lego Café sessions
  • Social and peer support activities
  • Community lunches
  • Farm-based sessions involving gardening and animal care
  • Non-contact boxing sessions delivered by specialist instructors
• Co-facilitate groups in a safe, welcoming and inclusive manner.
• Encourage peer support and meaningful social interaction among participants.

Neurodiversity and Inclusion

• Ensure all activities are delivered in a neurodiversity-friendly and trauma-informed way.
• Support reasonable adjustments for individuals with sensory, communication or processing differences.
• Promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity and mental health challenges.
• Contribute to creating environments that reduce stigma and celebrate individual strengths.

Peer Mentor Development

• Support the recruitment, training and supervision of peer mentors.
• Encourage participants in recovery to become involved in volunteering and peer support opportunities.
• Help facilitate buddy systems for new participants.

Partnership Working

• Collaborate effectively with partner organisations including:
  • Deen City Farm
  • South Mitcham Community Centre
  • Community Sports Venues
  • Statutory and voluntary sector partners
• Represent CDARS positively within the community.

Monitoring and Administration

• Maintain accurate records, attendance registers and case notes.
• Collect participant feedback and outcome data.
• Contribute to monitoring reports for funders.
• Ensure safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection procedures are followed.

Safeguarding and Health & Safety

• Follow CDARS safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Report concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Contribute to safe delivery of activities across all community venues.
• Undertake risk assessments relevant to programme delivery.

General Responsibilities

• Work flexibly, including occasional evenings where required.
• Attend team meetings, training and supervision.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

• Qualification in or working towards a recognised accredited counselling qualification
• At least 2 years of proven experience of working in the field of mental health, health and well-being, substance misuse or a related field
• Strong IT skills, with experience in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel), database management, and report writing
• Significant proven knowledge and understanding of mental health issues
• Reasonable knowledge and understanding of current Mental Health legislation, national strategies and good practice guidance
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Ability to deal appropriately and professionally with crisis when these occur
• Experience of delivering or supporting community-based group activities.
• Experience of providing one-to-one support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges
• Experience of outreach, community engagement or supporting hard-to-reach groups.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment
• Clear and concise spoken and written skills.
• Commitment to the practical implementation of our Equality and Diversity policy and standards and a clear understanding of its content
• Commitment and ability to work within CDARS Confidentiality policy and all other policies of the organisation
• Knowledge of safeguarding adults and safeguarding children procedures
• Ability and commitment to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Commitment to recovery-focused, trauma-informed and person-centred practice
• Commitment to working with and supporting volunteers
• Commitment to supporting the wider organisation and contributing to activities beyond the scope of this role, as required.

Desirable criteria

• Experience supporting neurodivergent individuals or willingness to undergo training on working effectively with neurodivergent groups
• Experience working with peer mentors and volunteers
• Understanding of recovery-focused and strengths-based approaches
• Experience facilitating arts, wellbeing, gardening, physical activity or creative groups
• Experience providing Welfare benefits advice and guidance

If you would like to be considered for this position, please submit an up-to-date CV to viviana.ricciardi@cdars.org.uk by Friday 9 October 2026.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: 9 October 2026
• Interviews Commencing: 20 October 2026

Please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification.

Note: Appointments to relevant roles are subject to a robust safer recruitment process, including satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and identity, and any appropriate pre-employment and safeguarding checks required for the position. Employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of these checks.