Work with us

Work with us

We’re Cornwall Mind, your local mental health charity.

We won’t stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. Will you join us?

We value lived experience and encourage people with personal experience of recovery from mental health problems to apply to work with us. We know how important the benefits of a mentally healthy workplace are and we prioritise wellbeing at work.

We’re dedicated, friendly and open, working together to improve the lives of people in Cornwall.

An inclusive workplace

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Cornwall Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

We are a Living Wage Employer and Disability Confident Committed.

What’s in it for you?

• A fantastic team of people who are passionate about mental health and supporting their colleagues.
• Support with developing in your role and career.
• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days + 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time).
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Staff training workshops and shared learning opportunities.
• Flexible working where possible.
• Access to counselling.
• Access to shopping discount scheme.

Community Researcher – Coastal and Rural Mental Health Study

Location – Bodmin with travel across Cornwall      

Salary – £37,000

Hours – 37.5 per week 

This role is about developing knowledge of mental health in coastal and/or rural community settings. Using an in-depth, on the ground, embedded approach, the post-holder will devote themselves to one place, spending time learning about how the community looks after its mental health, how they use mental health services (if they do), and whether changes in local services are better meeting their needs (or not) as coastal or rural residents. 

The post-holder will work in Cornwall alongside a University of Plymouth researcher, and will also be part of a friendly national research team made up of researchers from the University of Northumbria, and the University of Lincoln, as well as the Community Researchers in Durham Dales and Lincolnshire. 

Training and support will be provided throughout the contract of employment, and there will be opportunity to develop research skills. Honorary Associate status will also be given for the University of Plymouth, providing access to training and development opportunities as well as other University resources. 

Role responsibilities

With support from a line manager at Cornwall Mind and project researchers, the main responsibilities of this role are to collect and analyse data with a local community.

Data collection will include:

• spending time in community settings to understand everyday experiences (non-participant observation)
• talking one-to-one with people about their views (interviews)
• working with groups to create shared understanding of the community (deep mapping’ workshops)
• bringing people together to compare perspectives (focus group discussions)

The post-holder will also co-facilitate the local patient and public involvement group, and contribute to and attend a national Community of Practice, with other people involved in the study across the country, to share what they are learning and learn from other areas. 

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who has a deep commitment to social justice, equity and inclusive research, with lived experience of Cornwall (particularly North Cornwall Coast and Falmouth and Penryn) and strong interpersonal skills. Good knowledge and excellent experience in doing research with communities is also necessary, but you don’t need to have worked in a University or have a degree to apply. Attention to detail, and a thoughtful approach are also really important. 

Closing date 1^st May 2026

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this role in more detail, please contact lorna@cornwallmind.org

Download the application pack and form to apply:

Community Researcher Application Pack

Cornwall Mind Application Form