Outreach & Support Worker

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Direct message the job poster from SWIM: Support When It Matters

Chief Executive Officer at Support When It Matters

Joining The SWIM Team: Preston Outreach & Support Role - APPLY VIA WHATSAPP

How To Apply

Send a voice or video note (max 2 mins) via WhatsApp to Peter: 07878 927420 answering:

• What attracts you to this role?
• What’s relevant in your story?
• What will you contribute?

Prefer writing? Email your response (max 2 sides of A4) to info@swimenterprises.com

Location: Preston, Northern England

Who We Are & What We Stand For

SWIM emerged from our collective experiences as African Caribbean, global majority and dual heritage people, creating pathways through systems that weren't designed with us in mind. We're growing something deeply rooted in community wisdom and shared experience - a space where authentic relationships and cultural understanding guide everything we do.

In Preston, we're starting something new.

This isn't just about services - it's about creating spaces where our community can belong, heal and grow strength together. We envision different possibilities while supporting each other to find stability and joy in the present. Our work embraces the wholeness of peoples lives - housing, criminal justice, substance use, benefits, health, and the connections that sustain us. We approach these interconnected aspects together because our lives don't fit into neat administrative categories.

The Role We're Creating Together

This role will focus on walking alongside community members who are navigating the criminal justice system and all that comes with it. We need someone to help grow SWIM's presence in Preston, working 20 hours weekly to establish relationships with our community and create pathways through the challenges many community members face.

This isn't a traditional job with rigid boundaries - it's about being present in our community, growing trust, and working together to address what matters most to the people we serve. You'll be connecting with people in their own spaces; prisons, day centres, other provider services and community areas.

Who We're Looking For

To thrive in this role, you'll bring:

• Experience walking alongside people who've been excluded from or harmed by mainstream services, particularly those experiencing the criminal justice system, homelessness and drug and alcohol issues.
• Some understanding of healing, recovery journeys being personal.
• The ability to document our work thoughtfully, capturing important details while honouring people's stories in case notes.
• Confidence to speak up - both advocating for community members and contributing your voice within our team.
• Willingness to share your insights and learning, helping our whole team grow.
• Understanding of African Caribbean, global majority, dual heritage experiences from the inside - through lived experience or deep community connection.
• Experience navigating criminal justice systems and understanding their impact on our communities.

What This Role Involves - Growing Community Connections

• Finding and connecting with Afro-Caribbean, global majority, dual heritage people in Preston - especially those involved with criminal justice systems.
• Growing relationships based on authentic understanding and shared experience.
• Creating spaces where people feel they are understood and truly belong.
• Connecting with other organisations and services while staying true to our values.

Walking Alongside

• Meeting people where they are - physically, emotionally, culturally
• Supporting with immediate needs around housing, money, substances and social capital
• Standing with people as they navigate systems that often harm them
• Centring cultural understanding and community wisdom in all support work
• Recognising and optimising peoples strengths, not just focusing on challenges

Sharing Stories and Wisdom

• Documenting our work in ways that honour peoples dignity and experience
• Tracking our impact while rejecting extractive approaches
• Helping us learn how SWIM needs to adapt to truly serve Preston communities
• Contributing your insights to shape how we grow

What We Offer

• Meaningful work that doesn't separate your identity from what you do
• A team that values your whole self and lived experience
• Support from our established London team while you build something new
• Space to shape this role and our Preston work as it develops
• A commitment to your learning and growth

SWIM Values

• Equality
• Inclusion
• Compassion
• Belonging
• Respect
• We give a voice to people who have previously been silenced
• We show love and understanding in walking alongside you to find your truth
• We cultivate a culturally sensitive environment, creating a sense of belonging
• We influence funders to respond to your needs
• Our lived experience allows us to approach our work with genuine compassion
• We are respectful and responsive to everyone

When you join SWIM, these are the commitments we make to each other:

• I am accountable for doing what I have committed to
• I am transparent about when I need support
• I continuously learn
• I share accountability with my team, for speaking up
• I am responsive and compassionate to my teams needs
• I take responsibility for the impact I have on my team

Be a part of something bigger, if this sounds like you apply today.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Contract

Industries

• Non-profit Organizations