Client Central Representative

We are looking for up to 10 clients or carers to be representatives to help shape the future of MindWise  

Client Central is an exciting new group being set up in MindWise to involve clients more actively  in our organisation. It builds on the work of the Client Engagement Working Group.  

This “Client Advisory Forum” is now an official, guaranteed part of how the charity is run. It is written into our Articles of Association which is like the charity’s main rulebook. 
They explain how the charity has to behave and what it must have in place. 

By writing the Client Advisory Forum into these rules, MindWise is saying: 

• The forum must exist 

• Clients must always have a voice in the charity 

• The charity’s leadership must listen to the forum 

• Client involvement is not optional, it is a central part of how we work 

It gives clients and carers a real voice in shaping the future of MindWise. 

And we are looking for clients to be part of it.  

What This Role Is About 

As a Client Central Representative, you will: 

• Help shape our charity’s strategy 2026 -2031 
  (Help us plan what MindWise should do in the future) 

• Help set campaign priorities 
  (Help us choose what important topics we should speak up about) 

• Advise on areas of work 
  (Tell us what work you think we should focus on) 
• Represent the service that you are involved in and bring their views and perspectives to the group.  

How We’ll Meet 

We do this work together mainly in meetings. Some meetings will be online, and some will be in person. 

Time Needed: 

We will meet 4 times a year. 
Each meeting will last about 2 hours. 
You will also have some time to prepare before meetings to read or think about topics. 

You will also need some time to take part in the training needed for the role.  

What it involves: 

• Talk with other clients and carers to gather their thoughts 

• Come to Client Central meetings online or in person 

• Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences 

• Help us understand what matters most to people using our services 

• Take part in short online training (we will help you with this) 

• Follow MindWise guidelines so everyone feels safe and respected (we will talk you through what these are) 

• You can choose to take part in special opportunities, like speaking at events or giving feedback, but only if you feel comfortable 

Who it is for? 

• You are a current MindWise client, or you are part of our carers’ services  

• You have lived experience of mental health challenges (either your own or the person you care for) 

• You want to help improve services for others 

Diversity is really important to us: we will aim for a mix of ages, genders, backgrounds and experience of mental health services as well as people to represent the wide range of MindWise’s services across the island of Ireland: Community / Housing / Information, Advice & Advocacy / Therapeutic wellbeing.  

Skills and Qualities That Help 

You do not need to be an expert. You do not need any qualifications. You are already an Expert by Experience.  

It helps if you are: 

• Able to share your ideas respectfully in a group setting (we will support you) 

• A good listener with good interpersonal skills 

• Interested in helping us plan for the future 

• Kind and respectful 

• Willing to work with others 

• Interested in mental health 

We understand that mental health challenges can affect confidence, mood, memory, or communication skills. 
That’s okay — we will support you. 

Extra Information 

• We will cover any agreed expenses (like travel) 

• An Access NI check may be needed for some roles — (we will help you with this) 

• You will receive training and support from staff 

• You can always ask for help if anything feels hard or confusing.

How We Choose the Representatives 

• We follow MindWise’s usual volunteer processes which are written out in our Volunteer Policy.  

• You fill in an Expression of Interest form  

• We contact you to set up a conversation with Kirsten (our Client Engagement Manager) and Elaine (our Volunteer Manager) 

• Then you have an informal conversation with them to chat through this role and your experience more.  

We are here to support you, and we value your lived experience most of all. 

We have up to 10 places on the group so not everyone who expresses interest will be able to have a space but there are lots of other ways to get involved as well and we can talk you through them.  

What next? Fill in our Expression of Interest form here before Good Friday, the 3rd April.  

Client Central Expression of Interest (open to current MindWise clients and carers)  – Fill in form