Recovery Support Volunteer - Chemsex

We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation.

Forward Leeds is the alcohol and drug service in Leeds for adults, young people and families. Forward Leeds is delivered by 4 services in partnership, led by Waythrough.

The role:

This role supports gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary men, as well as men who have sex with men and identify as heterosexual. The role focuses on supporting individuals who use substances to enhance sexual experiences, commonly known as Chemsex.

This volunteer role would suit someone who has an understanding and / or lived experience of Chemsex who is no longer participating in the scene. We’re looking for someone with an empathetic, non-judgmental attitude who can build strong working relationships with others. This is a fantastic opportunity to get hands on experience in a drug and alcohol service, and to put your passion for supporting and advocating for others who are struggling as a result of Chemsex participation to great use.

Tasks may include:

Much of this role will take place out in the community but with our Kirkgate city centre hub as a base.

• Assist delivery of training to other professionals on Chemsex
• Signposting to Leeds sexual health and other MESMAC
• Signposting and awareness of LGBT+ substance and wellbeing support networks
• Researching Chemsex specific interventions & the history of the subculture
• Assist in providing harm reduction advice relating to Chemsex
• Assist with drop-in support services for clients 
• Provide support for clients throughout their recovery journey 
• Provide support for clients with any unmet needs (health, housing, benefits, criminal justice, for example) 
• Provide suitable emotional support for clients  
• Support staff with providing urine tests for clients
• Potential to support MESMAC community outreach once a week 
• Asist with writing up case notes 
• Adhere to risk management, health and safety guidelines and any relevant policies relating to the role
• Complete Comprehensive assessments & any other relevant paperwork.
• Record information on SystmOne

Skills we would like you to bring to the role:

• Good IT skills
• Good written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to keep a track of multiple tasks and report back on progress
• Non-judgmental towards people with lived experience
• Confident to contact people by email / phone
• Good time keeping
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough

Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

What Volunteers can expect from us:

Volunteering with Waythrough offers people a unique chance to have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. We work both with and within diverse communities across the UK and every day we see people making positive changes to turn their lives around. We also offer:

• Regular supervision and support
• Induction and access to online and face to face training
• To learn and practice new skills within a teamwork setting
• To feel part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey

• Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough's work

Our values:

Our values underpin everything we do – from how we work together through to how we design and deliver services. All our work to fulfil this vision is strengthened by our values.

• Kindness - be generous, caring and understanding.
• Courage - be bold, trust, commit.
• Respect - everyone deserves dignity.

Location: 74 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ

Timing: Fully Flexible: Mon-Fri, 9-5 (15 hours maximum)

Training: Prior to start date, a volunteer is required to attend the one-day induction workshop offered online or in person. Following start date, volunteers have access to our training platform, workday, and may be asked to complete several training modules applicable to their role within their first 3 months.

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: [email protected] 

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: