Feniks, in cooperation with See Me aims to address health inequalities faced by CEE immigrants in Scotland and challenge mental health stigma and discrimination. We want to work towards enabling people who experience mental health problems to live fulfilled lives.
Community Ambassadors Social Movement was launched in 2022. It gathers people with lived experience of mental health problems who want to take action against stigma and discrimination in various ways. We recognize that lived experience has value beyond sharing your story. As our volunteer, you can work on challenging stigma and discrimination without sharing any personal details from your life.
The Community Ambassador Programme is a movement that aims to change communities, workplaces, education, and health & social care settings. The program aims to equip Polish nationals living in Scotland to challenge and tackle the stigma and discrimination affecting Polish immigrants experiencing mental health problems. We want to support and train people to build their confidence and skills to bring change to the culture surrounding mental health in their communities.
As part of the project’s second edition, we want to expand the team of volunteers who want to see a change in the perception of mental illness among Polish communities.
Last year, the Ambassadors created a digital campaign, “Shed your armour, show the scars!” which can be viewed on Facebook and the Feniks’ website. The campaign gained the support of the Polish community in Scotland, media personalities, and local aid organizations.
This year, volunteers will participate in workshops designed to teach them more about mental health stigma. They will be able to get involved in various projects that will positively impact the Polish community. The project will be a safe platform to develop interests and skills and a fantastic way to build new friendships.
As a Community Ambassador, you would become a part of a vibrant network passionate about fighting stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health problems. Together, we would promote a stronger, more supportive community to reduce the isolation and vulnerability of Polish immigrants experiencing mental ill-health. Together we will work towards making a lasting impact on our local communities and bringing positive change!
The role will involve:
- Participating in mental health awareness training and Feniks’ induction
- Taking part in existing projects that promote well-being to support Poles who encounter difficulties (e.g. language barrier) which can make it difficult for them to integrate into the group.
- Participation in lived experience mental health forums (e.g., Polish Men’s Action Group, CAPS Advocacy BAME Forum, NHS) to present the problems that Polish people suffering from mental disorders may face.
- Inspiring and engaging the Polish community to participate in anti-stigma and anti-discrimination campaigns actively.
- Partnership with See Me Scotland to develop short and straightforward resources for employers to highlight critical issues when talking about the mental health needs of Polish workers.
- Voluntary exchange of knowledge and experience to normalize and disseminate conversations about mental health.
What we are looking for:
- Some knowledge of how mental health stigma and discrimination affects people
- Interest in challenging mental health stigma & discrimination
- A desire to be inclusive and to challenge inequalities in communities
- Willingness to engage with Feniks, attend training and development sessions, and help to grow the Social Movement in a way that is right for you
What you could gain:
- Access to the See Me Scotland’s and Feniks’ Community Ambassadors training.
- A chance to learn and share skills with other volunteers and staff.
- Opportunity to meet new people and be part of a dynamic group. You will be joining a supportive network of volunteers who share your desire to end mental health stigma and discrimination.
- The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to change Polish communities’ attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental health problems
- A chance to have fun!
Training and support:
All Community Volunteers will be invited to attend See Me Scotland’s mental health awareness training. Additionally, you will take part in a volunteering induction with Feniks.
The main point of contact through the recruitment process is Feniks’ Polish Social Movement Coordinator, Marlena Grzegorek (Marlena.grzegorek@feniks.org.uk). After the training, there will be ongoing support from Feniks’ staff.
Time Commitment & Location:
The time commitment for this role is flexible based on your circumstances and areas of interest.
Recruitment:
We need to know that being a Community Ambassador is right for you. The recruitment process will give you an opportunity to learn more about the role and decide whether it is the type of opportunity you are looking for.
The first stage involves you completing and returning a short application form. The deadline for this is 06/02/2023. Completed applications are to be returned to marlena.grzegorek@feniks.org.uk.
Please take time to read the role description and complete the application form as fully as you can. If writing an application is not the right thing for you, please feel free to film yourself instead.
The second stage involves attending an informal conversation with a member of staff. This will give a chance to discuss individually with staff the role in more depth and the volunteer’s and staff’s expectations.
Interested? Fill out the form and join our movement!
