Peer Support Worker (Crawley, West Sussex)

Peer Support Worker

Location: Crawley

Hours: 23 hours per week

Salary: £25,877.80 - £30,868.31 per annum (pro rata)

Contract: Part-time, Fixed Term

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 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.

About the Role

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Worker to join our team at the Crawley Crisis Café. This is an opportunity to use your own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to support others, helping them build confidence, develop independence and work towards positive changes in their lives.

The role involves working alongside support staff, volunteers and partner organisations to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for people experiencing mental health difficulties. You will play an important part in promoting recovery, reducing stigma and ensuring that individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to make their own choices.

This is a permanent, part-time position of 18 hours per week, which may include some weekend working.

What You'll Do

- Recruit, induct and support volunteers, ensuring the service meets its annual target of 100 volunteer days.
- Prepare and maintain monthly volunteer rotas, accurately recording volunteering hours.
- Work alongside support staff to deliver a high standard of person-centred support.
- Help individuals set realistic, positive goals and review their progress.
- Provide practical and emotional support to help people develop life skills, confidence, independence and self-esteem.
- Share personal recovery experiences appropriately to encourage and empower others.
- Maintain confidentiality, dignity and respect when supporting service users.
- Complete accurate records, maintain relevant paperwork and prepare reports as required.
- Work collaboratively with NHS staff, local agencies and community partners to ensure individuals can access appropriate support and services.
- Promote the service within the local community, build positive partnerships and help reduce mental health stigma.
- Attend relevant meetings, conferences, supervision and training.
- Support less experienced Peer Supporters by offering guidance and advice.
- Follow organisational policies, procedures and health and safety requirements.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience and Skills

- Personal experience of managing mental health challenges and recovery.
- Experience of accessing mental health services.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Confidence using IT systems, Microsoft Office and the internet.
- Knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities.
- An understanding of mental health recovery and the factors that may affect it.
- The ability to manage challenging situations, including those that may bring up personal experiences.
- Experience working collaboratively as part of a team and with a range of organisations.
- The ability to engage, encourage and support people experiencing mental health difficulties.
- A commitment to promoting service user involvement, choice and independence.

To view the full job description, please click here .

What We Offer

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

- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

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: [email protected]

Closing Date:
2026-10-21