Activity Coordinator
The closing date is 21 June 2026
Are you a confident individual looking to share your creative skills? Elmleigh Hospital are looking to recruit a passionate individual to join the teams to provide activities to our service users.
The hospital provides care and treatment to people who are experiencing an acute mental health crisis and require a short period of hospital care to support their recovery. We are looking for people who can think outside the box, work independently using their own initiative and have a real passion for engaging people in group or individual activities.
Successful candidates will have a proven track record of supporting people with mental health issues and may have lived experience themselves.
You will have access to dedicated therapy spaces including sensory rooms, IT hubs, and multi‑functional activity rooms. Garden spaces are also available for activity delivery.
A background in the care sector or previous volunteering is beneficial, but being able to create positive relationships with people and engage proactively in a caring environment is equally important.
Unsocial hours are worked to meet the needs of the ward, but we welcome and consider applications for flexible working.
Main duties of the job
* Provide activities as designed and requested by patients seven days a week.
* Coordinate a timetable of offers in close collaboration with AHP colleagues.
* Help patients identify their own recovery goals and what is meaningful to them.
* Encourage patients to access the community via public transport; possession of a full UK driving licence is not essential.
* Work outside for sport‑related activities, walks and community resource gathering.
* Adopt a pragmatic and non‑judgemental approach.
* Provide structured opportunities for people to relax and socialise.
* Explain principles, techniques and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities, and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
* Respect and accommodate the customs, individuality, values, sexuality and spiritual beliefs of each individual, supporting them to fulfil these.
About us
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a newly established organisation that combines the expertise and services of multiple NHS providers to deliver high‑quality healthcare across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. With a dedicated workforce of more than 12,000 staff and a footprint across more than 200 sites, we offer a wide range of services, including mental health, learning disabilities, community and physical health care. We are committed to delivering care with compassion, accountability, respect and excellence.
Job responsibilities
Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Literacy and numeracy skills at GCSE level or equivalent.
* Ability to attend and participate in all statutory training requirements.
* Mental health related qualification, e.g. Certificate in Community Mental Health or equivalent.
* NVQ Level 2 or 3 Health & Social Care.
* Completion of own wellness plan (no expectation for it to be shared).
Experience
* Experience of being in a supportive and enabling role.
* Understanding of the value of activities in improving health and wellbeing.
* Having lived experience of mental health services either as a patient or a carer.
* Experience of working in a healthcare setting.
* Experience of working in a team.
* Lived experience of mental distress and recovery.
* Experience of training, teaching, coaching or mentoring others.
Additional Criteria
* Patients expect staff to coproduce activities that meet their needs.
* Staff are expected to accept, support and understand their difficulties in a safe, professional and compassionate manner.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a submission for disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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