Lived Experience Recovery Volunteer

About The Role

Waythrough Northumberland Adult Recovery Service, is a public health commissioned service, supporting adults in creating behaviour change regarding substance misuse and lifestyles linked to substance use.

Are you looking for a volunteer role where you can share your knowledge of recovery to help others?

Can you commit to a regular weekly attendance to support our academy groups? (between 3 and 15 hours per to be agreed based on volunteer availability).

Lived Experience Recovery Volunteers will supplement treatment system delivery through (but not limited to):

• Helping on our reception & welcome desk.
• Supporting existing service users in their recovery journey.
• Offering peer support to clients.
• Supporting the engagement of hard-to-reach groups.
• Raising awareness of the Service and other support services.
• Co-facilitating and supporting Open Access Recovery Groups
• Co-production of new recovery groups
• Supporting and co-production of EDI and Wellbeing activities.
• To act as role models for recovery
• To promote the benefits of treatment and recovery to new and potential service users
• Engage clients into the recovery hubs and the Recovery Academies (RAD)
• Inform clients of the recovery community
• To assist workers client appointments where appropriate.
• To co, facilitate group work where appropriate.
• Develop resources e.g. posters, advertising activities.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with clients.
• Refer and signpost to specialist agencies when required by workers
• Share own skills/experience.

Essential Criteria

• Professional
• Honest and committed
• Good time keeping, and able to commit to regular scheduled attendance.
• Able to attend supervision and training.
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction.
• An understanding of Way Through – information is available on our website and you can call a specific project to make enquires
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Way Through
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Way Through policies, engage in supervision and complete relevant training

Desirable Criteria

• Calm natured
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Non judgemental
• Understanding and knowledge of harms of substance use

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team:

How to apply

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application.

Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.

Closing date:

2026-05-21