MHAP is one of the longest-running independent advocacy organisations in Scotland, and we are now recruiting a new team member to help expand our individual and collective advocacy services for people experiencing mental health challenges and/or addiction issues.

We provide advocacy support to adults aged 18–65 who live in West Lothian or are receiving treatment here. Our work takes place in a range of settings, including St John’s Hospital, HMP Addiewell, and various community locations, as well as home visits when required.

Individual advocacy involves working alongside people on a one-to-one basis to ensure their voices are heard and respected. We support individuals to understand their rights, make informed decisions, and have meaningful influence over matters that affect their lives.

Collective advocacy involves working with groups of people with lived experience to explore shared concerns, identify common themes, and influence service development, policy, and decision-making at a wider level.

This is a varied and rewarding role that can make a real difference in the lives of people who may otherwise be marginalised.

If you believe your skills, experience, and values reflect the criteria outlined in the person specification, we welcome your application.

About Us

Change Mental Health is a leading national mental health charity providing non-clinical, person-centred support to people in communities across Scotland. With over 50 years’ experience, we are fighting for a future where no one faces mental illness alone. We are changing society by changing attitudes, fighting stigma and influencing government to ensure a better of quality of life for those affected by poor mental health and mental illness. As a charity supporting over 10,000 people year, we believe everyone should have access to the support they need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them.

About the Role

As a Counselling Lead, you will manage the Counselling Support team and the service alongside the Head of Services. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the services whilst being responsible for managing all stakeholders involved.

You will also report on outcomes achieved and help promote and develop the services in your region. A skilled practitioner, you will have a good understanding and knowledge of counselling services and an understanding of the health and social care landscape. An empathic and motivating manager, you will be able to bring out the best in others by developing, guiding and supporting your team and enabling them to provide high-quality, person-centred counselling and support services.

The Counselling Lead will be responsible for line-managing and supervising staff and consultants who deliver specialist counselling support people affected by mental health issues, as well as their own caseload. This role includes developing and implementing an induction programme for counsellor roles, carrying out safe recruitment and providing high quality therapeutic support. The post-holder will take a trauma-informed approach and build a supportive and reflective culture, in line with Change Mental Health values. The Counselling Lead will work alongside both the local and national management team to contribute to the operational and strategic leadership of the local service, and of the overarching counselling programme that Change Mental Health are committed to developing.

Reports To: Head of Edinburgh Services

Disclosure & Barring Check: This post will be subject to a PVG check for working with vulnerable adults.

Who we are

Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s national dementia charity. Our aim is to make sure nobody faces dementia alone. We provide support and information to people with dementia, their carers and families, we campaign for the rights of people with dementia and fund vital dementia research.

What you’ll do

Our Community Activities Organisers are vital in providing front line support. This includes:

• Supporting individuals to stay connected to their local communities, engage in their interests and hobbies, and access peer support.
• Developing ideas and leading the way towards exciting and new activities to promote brain health.

Our groups are community based and the Community Activities Organiser is responsible for the planning and delivery of all activities, ensuring reflective practice through our activity evaluations and feedback from the people we support.

What you’ll have

Successful applicants will have a positive approach to dementia and brain health, with a passion to make a difference. You will have good communication and computer skills, a caring attitude and most of all enthusiasm for the role. You will be confident in planning activities in advance and leading any volunteers supporting at your group.

Applicants must have a full and valid driving license and vehicle to be able to travel for this role (mileage and expenses are paid).

For a full job description and person specification please see the attachments section of this advert.

The successful candidate for this post will be required to provide proof of right to work in the UK and will also be subject to a PVG check through Disclosure Scotland.

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our Midlothian Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. This post is funded by Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Midlothian Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Team as a Development Worker.

Midlothian Access Point is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of individuals aged 18 to 65 who are registered with a GP in Midlothian. We provide a range of services including information, advice, referrals, and support to help our clients access the resources they need.

Within this role, you will be responsible for delivering individual assessments for the Midlothian Access Point. You will be required to deliver a set amount of individual assessments each week either in person, telephone or online.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for facilitating, developing, and delivering Guided Self Help sessions. Guided Self-Help is a one-to-one support service that guides people to access self-help materials. Sessions are delivered in person, online or over the phone. The service is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Counselling (IPC) and is for anyone aged 18 and over experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression, stress or sleep problems.

They will work collaboratively with communities to provide tailored support, connect individuals to appropriate resources, and maintain a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to meet the needs of vulnerable groups.

If you have experience in these areas and are passionate about supporting people to fulfil their potential, we’d love to hear from you!