Activity Co-ordinator -Acute Mental Health Wards, Reading

Job summary

Do you enjoy bringing people together, encouraging participation, and using creativity to make a positive difference? Our Acute Mental Health Wards in Reading are looking for friendly, creative, and empathetic Activity Co-ordinators to join the team.

In this role, you will plan and lead a variety of activities that support patients' wellbeing, confidence, and recovery. Sessions may include arts and crafts, music, games, gentle exercise, relaxation activities, or themed events. You'll also have the opportunity to introduce your own ideas and develop activities that engage and inspire patients. Your work will help individuals connect with others, build routine, and enjoy meaningful experiences during their stay.

This is a people-focused, activity-led position rather than a healthcare support worker role. The focus is on building positive connections with patients, encouraging participation, and supporting wellbeing through creative and engaging activities.

Whilst experience working with Mental Health patients in a hospital or similar care setting is desirable, the role would also suit people with experience in areas such as community work, youth engagement, events, hospitality, leisure, the arts, or creative facilitation.

The service operates seven days a week. You will work alongside a second Activity Co-ordinator and share a rota that includes a variety of shifts, typically from 11:00am to 7:00pm or 1:00pm to 9:00pm, including weekends.

Main duties of the job

Maintain an awareness of current issues affecting people experiencing mental health difficulties, ensuring activities are appropriate and supportive of patients' wellbeing.

Plan and lead a range of recreational activities that meet the needs and interests of patients, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.

Observe and monitor patients' wellbeing during activities and social interactions, recognising changes in mood or behaviour and responding appropriately.

Adapt activities to meet individual needs, using a calm and supportive approach that helps maintain a safe and positive environment.

Provide verbal and written feedback to members of the multidisciplinary team regarding patient engagement and progress during activities.

Record and document activity sessions within patient care records in line with service requirements.

Carry out appropriate risk assessments for activities, ensuring individual patient risk assessments are understood and followed for activities on or off the ward.

Work with the Ward Manager to identify and maintain appropriate equipment and materials, ensuring activity resources are prepared and available before sessions.

Participate in Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training, including physical intervention, and maintain the physical capability required for this aspect of the role.

About us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites