Voluntary Mentor

We’re thrilled to receive our first National Lottery Community Fund grant to launch a new Mentorship Programme, offering one-to-one support to people experiencing homelessness with housing, healthcare, benefits, and employment.

What difference will you make?

As a Mentor, you will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Your support will empower clients to take practical steps toward independence by accessing accommodation, securing financial support, improving health and wellbeing, and developing essential life and employability skills.

By guiding individuals through complex systems—such as housing applications, benefit claims, and healthcare access—you will help remove barriers that often prevent people from moving forward. Through consistent, person-centred support, you will build trusting relationships that promote confidence, resilience, and self-worth.

Your work will also play a vital role in helping clients gain key documents like ID and National Insurance numbers, which are essential for accessing services, employment, and stable housing. Additionally, you will contribute to community outreach, raising awareness around homelessness and encouraging public engagement.

Working alongside partners such as SIFA Fireside, Tabor House, and Street Link, your mentoring will help provide holistic, wraparound care. Your accurate record-keeping and commitment to confidentiality will ensure individuals are supported with dignity and respect.

Ultimately, your role as a Mentor will be instrumental in helping people regain control of their lives and build a more secure and hopeful future.

What are we looking for?

Essential

Experience

Previous experience in mentoring, support work, or advisory roles—particularly with vulnerable individuals or those experiencing homelessness.

Communication

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.

Empathy

A genuine commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness and a strong understanding of the complex challenges they face.

Organisational Skills

Ability to manage time effectively, maintain accurate records, and coordinate appointments and tasks within flexible volunteer hours.

Collaboration

A team player who can work well with colleagues and external organisations to provide joined-up, holistic support.

Resilience

Patience, emotional intelligence, and a solutions-focused mindset when faced with challenging or emotionally sensitive situations.

Desirable

Knowledge of Local Support Systems

Familiarity with local homelessness services in Birmingham, such as SIFA Fireside, Tabor House, and other community-based organisations.

Experience With Benefits And Housing Systems

Understanding of how to navigate the DWP benefits system, including Universal Credit, as well as basic knowledge of housing processes and services.

Voluntary Or Outreach Experience

Previous experience volunteering or working with vulnerable populations, including those affected by homelessness, addiction, or mental health issues.

Multilingual Abilities

Proficiency in other languages is a plus, particularly those commonly spoken within the Birmingham community.

What will you be doing?

Principle Duties

Accommodation Support

• Helping individuals access housing opportunities through Room Match and referring to organisations like Tabor House with support from SIFA Fireside.
• Offering guidance throughout the accommodation application process.
  
  

Health & Wellbeing Support

• Assisting individuals with signing up for GP services and accessing other essential healthcare (mental health, addiction support, etc.).
• Referring to Adult Social Care if necessary for additional health and social support.
  
  

Benefits & Financial Support

• Helping individuals navigate the DWP benefits system, including applying for Universal Credit and other financial assistance.
• Supporting clients with form completion and appointments related to benefits.
  
  

Employment & Skills Development

• Providing guidance on CV writing, job applications, and interview techniques.
• Connecting individuals to local businesses for work experience and volunteer opportunities.
  
  

Personal Identification Support

• Assisting individuals in obtaining necessary ID documents (e.g., birth certificates, National Insurance numbers) for housing, employment, and accessing public services.
  
  

Community Outreach & Awareness

• Engaging with our community workshops to raise awareness about homelessness.
• Encouraging public involvement in addressing homelessness and community support.
  
  

Networking & Collaboration

• Building strong relationships with external partners, such as SIFA Fireside, Tabor House, and Street Link, to ensure holistic support for individuals.
• Maintaining accurate records of mentoring activities, ensuring confidentiality and respect for privacy.