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PEER MENTORS

How can you help? Would you like to support other people living with HIV? Would you like learn new skills and enhance existing ones? Do want to make a difference to people’s lives?

How can you help? Would you like to support other people living with HIV? Would you like learn new skills and enhance existing ones? Do want to make a difference to people’s lives?.Peer mentoring is an exciting opportunity for you to use your own life experience to help others to face the challenges of living with HIV. Peer mentors support people to manage all aspects of living well with HIV from diagnosis and starting treatment to talking to others about our status.

How does it work?

Peer mentors share their knowledge and experience to help people improve their own understanding of HIV and treatment, take greater care of their health and build confidence in living with and talking about HIV.
Peer mentoring can take place in one-to-one meetings, groups, online or on the phone. Meetings between a peer mentor and mentee can take place at a local clinic or in a community setting.
Following a short assessment, people who want support are matched with a compatible peer mentor, who has been trained and accredited. Depending on their individual’s needs, people can have a one-off meeting or arrange to see a peer mentor over a number of sessions.
Peer mentors complete a core training programme and are encouraged to complete the Open College Network Level Two qualification in peer mentoring. We expect peer mentors to gain and develop knowledge to be able to provide support on the range of issues faced by people living with HIV. Through professional development, peer mentors can specialise in specific areas such as treatment advocacy, benefits advice, substance misuse and immigration.

Become a peer mentor

Everyone has their own reason for wanting to become a peer mentor – and that’s how we’ll always see you, as an individual. Even if you can only give a couple of hours a week we promise to offer you a quality volunteering experience working with a diverse range of people in a variety of ways.

By joining Project 100 as a peer mentor you will:

  • Develop your skills and build your confidence:
  • Gain a Level Two Open College Network qualification in peer mentoring
  • Enhance your CV and increase employment opportunities
  • Be part of an inspiring and supportive team
  • Be part of a national network of peer mentors
  • Develop and share your knowledge of HIV

In return we ask for your passion, your commitment and a shared desire with us to support people living with HIV to fulfil their potential, free from stigma and discrimination, so that they might lead full and healthy lives.

Support and Supervision

We believe that it is important that you receive supervision and support to develop your peer mentoring role. All peer mentors are expected to attend a regular supervision group, where you will receive support from a volunteer manager, peer mentor coordinators and other peer mentors.

One-to-one support is also available with the peer mentor coordinator or a senior peer mentor if required, whether you are volunteering at Positively UK or one of our partner organisations.

Training

If you decide to volunteer you will be invited to attend an interview so we can find out more about you, your skills and experience and give you the opportunity to find out more about our work and the peer mentoring role.

Personal and professional development

As with paid members of staff, peer mentors are offered the opportunity for professional and personal development. This may be through a range of in-house training courses or with partner organisations. Peer mentors can also apply for other volunteering roles within the charity to expand their knowledge and skills or apply for paid positions as and when they become vacant.

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