Christian Baird
Peer Support Worker with lived experience of recovery
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About
Compassionate and motivated professional with experience in customer service, peer mentoring and supporting vulnerable individuals through voluntary roles. Skilled at building trusting relationships, communicating with empathy and working with people from diverse backgrounds. Recent volunteering supporting children and adults with disabilities has strengthened my commitment to person-centred care, inclusion and promoting independence.
As a volunteer peer mentor within a prison rehabilitation setting, I shared my own lived experience of recovery to build trust, inspire hope and role model recovery for clients, while working alongside staff to support engagement with mutual aid and recovery meetings. I am now seeking a Peer Support Worker role at Turning Point, where I can bring this lived experience, a person-centred, strengths-based approach, and a genuine commitment to non-judgemental, empowering support to help others define and lead their own recovery.
Experience
Volunteer Peer Mentor - Prison rehabilitation service - Notting Hill
(2024-03 - 2024-06)
- Assisted in facilitating recovery groups, supporting clients to engage openly and constructively.
- Shared my own lived experience of recovery with clients to inspire hope, role model recovery and build trusted, non-judgemental relationships.
- Accompanied clients to recovery meetings and mutual aid groups, supporting engagement and continuity of support.
- Maintained professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
Volunteer Support Worker - Educational service supporting individuals with disabilities - Rio de Mouro, Portugal
(2026-06)
Supporting children and adults with physical and learning disabilities within an educational environment
- Supported individuals with educational activities including reading, writing and communication.
- Assisted with daily living activities while promoting dignity, independence and inclusion.
- Helped organise and support community outings and recreational activities.
- Built trusting relationships through patience, empathy and consistent encouragement.
- Adapted communication to meet individual needs.
- Worked collaboratively with teachers, carers and volunteers to provide a safe and supportive environment.
Volunteer Adaptive Surf Assistant - Adaptive surfing service - Portugal
(2026-06)
Supporting people with disabilities during adaptive surfing sessions
- Assisted participants during adaptive surfing sessions in a safe and supportive environment.
- Encouraged confidence, resilience and independence through inclusive physical activity.
- Worked closely with instructors to ensure each participant received appropriate support.
- Adapted support according to individual physical and emotional needs.
- Built positive relationships through encouragement and reassurance.
Client Advisor - Luxury retail environment
(2025-11 - 2026-03)
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a luxury retail environment.
- Built strong relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Resolved sensitive situations calmly and professionally.
- Worked effectively under pressure.
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to achieve team objectives.
Brand Ambassador - Premium brands
- Represented premium brands at public events.
- Communicated confidently with members of the public.
- Built positive relationships through excellent interpersonal skills.
- Worked effectively within fast-paced teams.
- Maintained professionalism at all times.
Personal Assistant
- Managed schedules and administrative responsibilities.
- Maintained confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
- Organised competing priorities effectively.
- Worked independently while supporting day-to-day operations.
Education
Level 2 Counselling Skills - Counselling
BA (Hons) - Professional Musicianship (Songwriting) (2024)
