Response Manager - Hope Against Suicide

Details of Role:

At Hope Against Suicide, we're excited to introduce a unique volunteer opportunity for a Response Manager to help steer our charity towards our mission. We're seeking an individual who is eager to gain management experience, enhance their CV, or utilise their existing skills to create a meaningful impact in suicide prevention.
Our organisation is entirely volunteer-driven, founded on an idea that has grown into a truly life-changing initiative. We have the potential to reach far more people in Bristol who need our service, making an even greater impact in our community but, we need someone dedicated and capable to support us in achieving this.
We are looking for a compassionate and professional individual who is eager to learn new skills and develop existing ones in the new and exciting role of Response Manager for Hope Against Suicide (H.A.S).

The ideal candidate is passionate about working towards a zero-suicide society and understands that, while suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide and demands urgent prevention efforts, it is also the most preventable of deaths. With the right support, even simple human connection can significantly change someone's life.
In this role, you will be part of a committed team, of a mix of volunteers with lived experiences and others from various fields, all recognising the severity of suicide and wanting to make a difference.
You will gain valuable experience, grow in confidence, and help many people, all the while enhancing your CV, and having the opportunity to progress within the team as much as you’d like.

As a Response Manager, you will oversee our efforts to provide early intervention and crisis intervention in Bristol’s bustling Broadmead shopping area during the day and in vibrant nightlife spots in the evening. Our approach is simple yet impactful: serving as a direct connection for individuals in distress, offering immediate support, and preventing crises from escalating.

Overall Responsibilities:

Get to Know Our Mental Health Response service and other services we offer: Take the time to understand how our Mental Health Response service works, including the processes, protocols, and goals. This will involve- joining mandatory training sessions and learning from experienced team members to fully grasp how we operate- attending shadowing shifts, providing compassionate and effective support to individuals in need and familiarising yourself fully with the service and our service users.
Ensure Reliable Shifts: Help us maintain a consistent and reliable service by working with the team of volunteers to manage a shift rota already in place. Coordinate any scheduling gaps and help implement strategies to keep our service running smoothly and contribute to stakeholder engagement to ensure we deliver a consistent, reliable presence in the community.

Team Support:
• Be the Go-To Person: Provide guidance and support to our dedicated volunteers by being a first point of contact for any questions or concerns. In this role, you will line-manage our passionate team of Mental Health Response Team Leads and ensure all volunteers within the Response Service feel supported, valued, and connected. You’ll work closely with the Director of Operations and Learning, who will also offer support and line management to you. This is a flexible part-time volunteer role, requiring a commitment of 4-6 hours per week. It includes active participation as a Team Lead in the community (training provided) and attending at least one shift per week at a time that suits you.

• Be an excellent trouble shooter and problem solver: During and between shifts, your role will be to help identify areas for improvement and address any issues that come up. Gather and analyse feedback from volunteers and service users to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Work with the leadership team to make changes that will enhance the quality and effectiveness of our services.

• Play a key role in recruiting new volunteers: Help attract new volunteers. Conduct interviews and select candidates who are passionate about our cause and will fit well with our team. Ensuring we have a strong and satisfied team.

Community Partnerships:
• Build Strong Relationships: Actively engage with local retailers, businesses, and organisations to understand their needs and challenges, offering support where appropriate. This role requires a confident, approachable presence, someone who feels comfortable visiting local establishments during patrols, representing the charity as a familiar and trusted face. A strong passion for community collaboration is essential, as you'll also be identifying and building upon opportunities for partnerships that align with our mission.

• Coordinate with the Listening Hub: Work closely with the Listening Hub Manager to ensure smooth integration between our mobile and stationary mental health services. While both services operate independently, strong collaboration is essential to ensure they complement one another and run seamlessly. Share insights, updates, and strategies to enhance service delivery and ensure cohesive support across the charity.

• Operational Awareness and Team Care: You’ll need to be practical and confident in leading a team, while always staying calm and aware of your surroundings. As you walk on shift, you’ll be keeping an eye out for anyone who seems upset, distressed, or who just gives you a gut feeling that something might be wrong. Making sure your team is visible, friendly, and ready to step in if someone needs support. Always following the safety guidelines and risk assessments in place- your safety, your team’s, and the safety of anyone you meet is the top priority.


• Report to the CEO and Operations Manager:
Keep Us Informed: Provide regular updates on service operations, volunteer management, and community engagement. Address any concerns and work with the Operations Manager and CEO to resolve issues effectively.

Key requirements and skills needed for the role:
• Commitment of 4-6 hours per week
• Strong communication skills and responsiveness.
• Passion for mental health and dedication to the cause.
• Ability to manage and support volunteers effectively.
• Confidence in reaching out to partnerships and stakeholders to advance our mission.
• HR skills such as interviewing and data capturing (or a willingness to learn)
• Ability to work collaboratively with our Listening Hub Manager and integrate both services effectively.
• Willingness to report to the Leadership team and remaining accountable.

What you will gain from this role:
• Supporting your local community and contributing to the cause of suicide prevention
• Qualifications in Suicide First Aid (funded after a three-month probationary period) and other specialist training.
• Gaining experience in the charity and mental health sector
• Improving skills in Active Listening, adaptability, communication, empathy, and resilience
• Becoming part of the friendly community of Hope Against Suicide volunteers
• Improving your CV while making a life changing difference
No prior mental health qualifications are needed as we provide all necessary training and uniforms. We are seeking an individual who is an attentive listener, enjoys working in a close-knit team, and shows compassionate leadership.
You’ll be available to support anyone in need, including your colleagues, in central Bristol.

If you have a passion for mental health and a commitment to preventing suicide, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in our mission to reduce suicide rates by providing immediate, face-to-face support to those facing mental health difficulties.