About CHAPTER for Volunteers

CHAPTER (West Cheshire) Ltd is a registered charity that works to help people who have experienced mental health problems return to work, training or education. CHAPTER was founded in 1991 and, although still a small organisation, has grown progressively ever since.

Where does CHAPTER operate?

CHAPTER helps clients who live in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston.

Who does CHAPTER help?

CHAPTER helps people aged 16 and over who have experienced a mental health problem. Our clients are unemployed and wish to return to work or education. We accept referrals from Health Services, Social Services, the Employment Service and other voluntary groups working in mental health. We deal with over 150 people a year.

What does CHAPTER do?

CHAPTER works with clients on an individual basis to help them achieve their goals. All clients are allocated a Main Worker who is responsible for guiding them through their programme with CHAPTER. Clients may receive the following help:

Individual support – working with their Main Worker, clients will be helped to make realistic decisions about their futures and to develop key social and employability skills.

Group work – groups are run to help clients develop social skills and to prepare themselves for job search. Some group work is in partnership with West Cheshire College but we also now have our own programme entitled Moving On which is accredited through Merseyside Open College Network.

This programme enables clients to work through issues that will be useful in their return to employment both within groups, with individual workers and on their own.

Work placements – placements can be arranged with a wide range of local companies to enhance the employability of clients.

Although CHAPTER cannot guarantee each client a job, we do support them during their job search. 

CHAPTER’s help does not stop when clients have achieved their goals. We continue to provide support for as long as it is required.

CHAPTER runs a special programme for younger clients aged 16-25 years old. We have also developed specialist provision for Dual Diagnosis clients.

The CHAPTER Team

Staff and Volunteers working for CHAPTER form a small, supportive team. The work is rewarding and interesting but it can also be frustrating and it is necessary to be prepared for disappointments.

We have an office base in the centre of Chester but a lot of time is spent meeting with clients in a variety of venues throughout Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston.

We have a commitment to the development of staff and Volunteers, support is available through regular supervision sessions, Volunteers will have a named contact and the Manager has an open door policy should anyone require additional advice.

ALL VOLUNTEER APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY REFERENCES, MEDICAL ASSESSMENT AND POLICE CLEARANCE. 

THERE WILL BE A SIX-MONTH PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Volunteering with CHAPTER (West Cheshire) Ltd.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can anybody do voluntary work for CHAPTER?

A. Not everyone is suited to the work we do for a variety of different reasons, if during the screening process we felt that we would be unable to offer you a voluntary role with CHAPTER we would be honest and explain our reasons. The basic requirement for applying is that, you are aged over 18 and would receive a satisfactory Criminal Records check for working with young people and vulnerable adults.

Q. How will I know if I have the right skills to volunteer?

A. Before you agree / are accepted to volunteer for CHAPTER we will spend time with you looking at the skills you have, those you would like to develop and the way in which you would like to use your skills, and the reasons you are interested in this role. Our aim will be to match you to the most suitable volunteer role.

Q. I would like to volunteer but I have a family and so would not be able to attend during school holidays or if the children were ill.

A. That’s not a problem; if we know your availability is limited and know when you will not be available we can match you to a role that has the level of flexibility you require.

Q. Would I need to have knowledge of mental health issues to volunteer?

A. It helps, but is not essential as we will provide you with all the advice and guidance you will need for the role.

Q. Will I get training?

A. Yes, obviously you will receive in house training and support for the role you do; you will have the opportunity to gain an Open College level 2 qualifications in Mentoring. Above this we will try to help with other training needs that are identified. However, we do have a limited training budget.

Q. What kind of roles are available?

A. The nature and scope of our work is predominantly client focused. However, we also need administration and IT support. For this reason we have listed the different areas of work and potential roles within them and skills required in a separate sheet called “volunteer opportunities” this is not an exhaustive list and you may be able to help us in ways we have not yet thought about. If you don’t see what you were hoping for please feel free to phone and arrange an informal discussion.

Q. Who should I contact?

A. Anne Piercy (Manager) or Susan Sullivan (Volunteer/Placement Coordinator) contact us