Our workforce is made up of staff and volunteers carrying out a variety of roles, all of which add true value and contribution to the work we do, as well as providing plenty of scope for personal development and rewards which come in many forms. Mind BLMK is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community, we hold a commitment to Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters.
If there is not a job for you, our volunteering opportunities may be an alternative. These positions give valuable experience and around 40% of roles within Mind BLMK are held by people who have previously volunteered with us.
668. Lived Experience Facilitator - Service User Network (SUN)
Location: Bedfordshire and Luton
Salary: £14,700.80 per annum (£25,901.41 FTE)
Hours: 21 total, consisting of Tuesdays 9.30am – 5.00pm (7 hours). Remaining 14 hours to be negotiated depending on service need (within the hours Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5.00pm)
Closing Date: Wednesday 14th October 2026 at 5.00pm
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so early application is advised.
About the Role
The SUN is an open access model of community-based facilitated group peer support for people experiencing complex emotional needs associated with complex trauma and/or a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’. The SUN aims to help people develop effective ways of coping, reduce emergencies and improve access to appropriate services.
Those accessing the SUN may or may not have a formal diagnosis of personality disorder. Group members will have experienced longstanding emotional difficulties, isolation and may demonstrate patterns of behaviour that may not be helpful in the longer term.
Fundamental to creating empowerment and engagement in the SUN Project is the therapeutic community principle, that the effectiveness of the service depends upon engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members’ own resources and expertise is integral to the SUN model of peer support.
The post holder will be based at Mind BLMK premises in Luton, and will be required to travel to sites across Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton when necessary for the delivery of SUN groups.
To find our more details about the criteria we are looking for and the working pattern, please take a look at our Role Profile: 668. Role Profile – Lived Experience Facilitator (Service User Network)
About You
SUN Facilitators will have their own lived experience of complex emotional needs associated with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’ and will be able to demonstrate their recovery journey. They will work closely with mental health practitioners from ELFT to deliver regular Service User Network (SUN) groups in different community based locations in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire or Luton. Full training in the SUN model, and weekly supervision by a Psychotherapist / Psychologist, will be provided for all team members.
What We Offer
- 25 days Annual Leave (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays (pro rata) per April to March
- NEST pension scheme – Auto-enrolment (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
- Westfield Health Plan
- Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
- Learning and Development – In-house and external as appropriate for the role.
- Flexible Working on request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working
How to Apply
Please download and complete an application form for this role 668. Application Form – Lived Experience Facilitator (Service User Network) and send this to recruitment@mind-blmk.org.uk
Please note that we do not accept CVs.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Closing Date: Wednesday 14th October October 2026 at 5.00pm
If you have not heard back from us within 3-4 weeks of the closing date for this vacancy, please assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.
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