What we do
The Forward Trust delivers substance use, mental health, criminal justice, and employment services in more than 80 prisons and community settings across England and Wales. This is further ...
Peer Mentors (Lived Experience Roles)
Contact person
Scan me or visit www.getinvolvednorfolk.org.uk/o/Forward-Trust/opportunities/Peer-Mentors-Lived-Experience-Roles/102466 to join
Summary
Use your lived experience to inspire change! Become a Peer Mentor supporting people on probation to build confidence and brighter futures.Detailed description
We’re Hiring: Peer Mentors (Lived Experience Roles)
Have you overcome challenges in life and want to use your experience to inspire others? We’re recruiting Peer Mentors with lived experience to support people on probation in the community or preparing for release from prison.
Your lived experience could include (but isn’t limited to):
- The Criminal Justice System (personally or through family)
- Mental health challenges
- Addiction or recovery journeys
- Supporting loved ones affected by these issues
As a Peer Mentor, you’ll:
✨ Walk alongside Service Users (SUs) to appointments and community activities
✨ Provide encouragement and advocacy to those at risk of disengaging
✨ Coach and mentor SUs to build confidence, motivation, and self-belief
✨ Support positive reintegration through tailored activities (e.g., gym sessions, volunteering, places of worship)
✨ Empower people to move away from negative influences and create brighter futures
💡 Why Join Us?
- Access to professional training & CPD opportunities
- Work towards a Level 2 Award in Mentoring
- Be part of a supportive, values-driven team where your story makes a difference
🧩 What We’re Looking For:
- No formal qualifications required
- Excellent listening skills & a non-judgmental approach
- Lived experience (e.g., criminal justice, mental health, addiction, or supporting family through these)
- A passion for helping others turn their lives around
If you’re ready to use your journey to empower others, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Apply now and be part of real change.
What we will provide to volunteers
💸 Reimbursement of costs🤝 Extra supportAbout Forward Trust
The Forward Trust delivers substance use, mental health, criminal justice, and employment services in more than 80 prisons and community settings across England and Wales. This is further enhanced by our unique range of recovery and belonging services.
We also campaign to change public attitudes and policy, so that more people feel able to ask for help in a society that believes in the power of second chances and long-term recovery.
Who we help – and why we do it
Whatever their history or circumstance, we believe that anyone, with the right support, can overcome their problems and fulfil their potential.
You can read more about our Vision, Mission and Values.
All too often, individuals who experience addiction or perpetrate crime are written-off as beyond hope, or a lost cause.
Our work and 35-year history prove otherwise, having supported thousands of individuals from all walks of life to achieve transformational change - and lasting recovery. We exist to give this life-changing opportunity to as many people as possible.
What’s more, we reach some of society’s most marginalised and disadvantaged groups to achieve this – the individuals we support are often homeless, out of work, and in poor mental or physical health; most have been traumatised by adverse childhood experiences.
Looking beyond these barriers, we give people the care and support, the knowledge and skills, and most importantly, the hope and motivation, to overcome adversity and move forward. Many go on to help others and to volunteer in their local communities, becoming beacons of hope and strong citizenship.