Employment Type
Application Start Date
23-07-2026
Application End Date
09-08-2026
Location
Colchester / Clacton
State/County
CO1 1UF / CO15 1NZ
Country
UK
Work Style
On-site
Non-profit charitable organisations
Category
Position
Mental health
Experience
1 year dealing with people in a mental health crisis
Education
Good level of general education
Description
We are seeking a compassionate and resilient Sanctuary Support Worker to provide vital support to people experiencing mental health crises across North East Essex.
Salary: £13.05 per hourLocation: Colchester and/or Clacton-on-Sea, EssexHours: Shifts available – 10:00-18:00 and 18:00-23:00; Monday to Sunday including bank holidaysContract: Zero hour bank contract
About the Role
North East Essex Sanctuary provides a safe and supportive environment for people who may be at risk of experiencing a mental health crisis. Working as part of an experienced and dedicated team, you will provide emotional support through active listening, de-escalation and distraction techniques, helping individuals access the right support while reducing the need for urgent or emergency care services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing personalised support, information and guidance to people accessing the service.
- Assessing, monitoring and supporting individuals on a one-to-one basis and through group activities.
- Communicating effectively with referrers, partner agencies and colleagues to ensure timely support.
- Encouraging service users to develop self-management strategies and make best use of local resources.
- Signposting and referring individuals to appropriate internal and external services.
- Maintaining accurate records and case notes in line with service procedures and GDPR requirements.
- Participating in supervision, team meetings, training and ongoing professional development.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations to support positive outcomes for service user
About You
We are looking for someone with excellent interpersonal skills who is passionate about supporting people during challenging times.
You will have:
- Experience supporting people in emotional distress, mental health crisis situations or other demanding environments.
- Strong active listening and communication skills.
- The ability to remain calm under pressure and manage challenging situations sensitively.
- Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team.
- A good standard of literacy and numeracy.
- A commitment to providing inclusive, person-centred support.
- Experience within mental health services, group facilitation, safeguarding, risk assessment or de-escalation techniques would be advantageous.
About the Organisation
North East Essex Sanctuary operates from locations in Clacton and Colchester, with outreach provision in Harwich. Working in partnership with Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), the service supports local communities by providing timely mental health crisis support. The organisation is committed to the values of Listening, Co-producing, Trusted, Inclusive, Innovative and Supportive, ensuring high-quality services that place people at the heart of everything they do.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Mental Health Support Worker, Recovery Worker, Crisis Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Wellbeing Practitioner, Mental Health Recovery Practitioner, Outreach Worker, Support Practitioner, Care Coordinator, Healthcare Support Worker, Emotional Wellbeing Worker, Residential Support Worker or Peer Support Worker.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, collaborating with our communities and partners to drive innovation and better decision-making. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds to try to ensure we better represent our communities.
Join us in creating an environment where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued. Let’s build a community that thrives on inclusivity and mutual respect.
Nationality
Nationality * Required
Mental Health/Lived Experience
Do you have lived experience of poor mental health? * Required
If yes, please let us know if you require any support or adjustments
Sex
Sex * Required
Disability
Do you consider yourself to have a disability, impairment or condition? * Required
If yes, please confirm if you need any adjustments / additional support with the recruitment process
Right to work
Do you have the right to work in the UK? * Required
Please state if you applying for bank work at our Colchester Sanctuary, Clacton Sanctuary or both? * Required
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Date of Birth*
Sexual Orientation*
Do you consider yourself to have a disability, impairment or condition?*
Do you have caring responsibilities?*
Do you look after or care for someone with long term physical or mental ill health caused by disability or age (not in a paid capacity)?*
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