10 Sept 2025 ● Harmonia Careers
Top 5 Entry-Level Support Work Roles in the UK
If you’re thinking about working in mental health and wellbeing, it’s worth knowing that you don’t always need to dive straight into years of training or expensive qualifications.
Becoming a psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist often involves a big commitment of time and money, and not everyone is ready to take that leap right away.
Fortunately, there are many rewarding entry-level roles where you can start building experience, develop your skills, and make a real difference — without the need for full professional training up front.
Let's take a closer look at five accessible, entry-level support roles in the UK that don’t require formal qualifications and are open to people from all backgrounds.
Mental Health Support Worker
What's involved?
Mental Health Support Workers provide day-to-day assistance to people experiencing mental health challenges. This includes offering emotional support, helping with daily tasks, encouraging independence, and supporting individuals in managing their symptoms. They usually work under supervision, as part of a wider care team.
Indeed: Mental Health Support Worker
Entry requirements
- No formal qualifications required; GCSEs in English and Maths are often preferred.
- Employers may value NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care or similar, but not always essential.
Skills needed
- Empathy and compassion.
- Strong communication and listening skills.
- Resilience and patience.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Reliability and teamwork.
Considerations
This is a highly rewarding role where you can make a real difference in someone’s life and develop skills that transfer across health and social care. It also offers a clear pathway into more specialist roles. However, it can be emotionally demanding, hours may be unpredictable, and pay is lower than in qualified clinical positions.
Starting salary is typically around £21,000 – £25,000 per year.
Peer Support Worker
What's involved?
Peer Support Workers use their own lived experience of mental health recovery to support others going through similar challenges. They may provide listening, encouragement, and signposting to resources, often working within NHS trusts, charities, or community organisations.
NHS Careers: Peer Support Worker
Entry requirements
- No formal academic qualifications required.
- Your own lived experience is the most important factor.
- Employers usually provide training in safeguarding, boundaries, and trauma-informed practice.
Considerations
Working as a Peer Support Worker can be highly rewarding, offering the chance to use lived experience to support others while building strong interpersonal and communication skills. It’s an excellent way to gain experience in mental health and wellbeing, and can act as a stepping stone to counselling, therapeutic, or other specialist roles. However, the work can be emotionally challenging, may involve supporting people in crisis, and many positions are voluntary or offer modest pay.
Skills needed
- Ability to reflect positively on personal recovery journey.
- Empathy and active listening.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
- Emotional resilience and self-awareness.
Starting salary is typically around £19,000 – £23,000 per year, though some posts may be voluntary.
Residential Support Worker
What’s involved?
Residential or Therapeutic Support Workers provide care and encouragement to people living in supported housing, rehabilitation centres, or specialist mental health facilities. They help with daily routines, offer emotional and behavioural support, and assist people in developing independence and social skills.
Entry requirements
- No formal qualifications required, though GCSEs in Maths and English are often desirable.
- NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care is useful, but can be gained after starting.
- Training in safeguarding and de-escalation is usually provide by the employer.
Further reading: National Careers Service - Residential Support Worker
Skills needed
- Patience and emotional resilience.
- Good communication and listening skills.
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Teamwork and reliability.
- A supportive, non-judgemental approach.
Considerations
This role can be incredibly rewarding, as you’ll see the direct impact of your support on people’s confidence and independence. It’s also a great way to build skills and experience for future careers in health or social care. On the flip side, the work can sometimes be intense and emotionally demanding, particularly when supporting individuals with complex needs or challenging behaviours. Hours may include evenings, weekends, and sleep-in shifts, and pay starts modestly at entry level.
Basic starting salary is typically around £20,000 – £23,000 per year, depending on employer and location.
Healthcare Support Worker
What’s involved?
Healthcare Support Workers assist nurses, therapists, and doctors in hospitals, clinics, and community services. They help with personal care, observe and record patients’ wellbeing, and support therapeutic activities. There are opportunities to work in various health, social care and mental health settings.
Entry requirements
- No degree needed, GCSEs in English and Maths are often preferred.
- Paid training is often provided by the NHS.
- Opportunities to gain a Care Certificate or NVQ in Health & Social Care while in post.
Skills needed
- Compassion and empathy.
- Ability to follow instructions carefully.
- Strong teamwork skills.
- Good communication.
- Reliability and professionalism.
Considerations
This role provides excellent exposure to healthcare services and is a great way to start a career within the NHS. You’ll receive on-the-job training and opportunities to work towards qualifications. On the downside, it can be physically and emotionally demanding, with shift work often required, and pay is modest at entry level.
Starting salary is typically around £20,000 – £24,000 per year.
Volunteer Befriender
What’s involved?
Befrienders provide companionship and emotional support to people who may be isolated, lonely, or struggling with their wellbeing. This might involve phone calls, home visits, or accompanying individuals to community activities and routine appointments.
Entry requirements
- No formal qualifications required.
- Most charities provide induction training and ongoing support.
- A basic DBS (criminal record) check is usually needed.
Skills needed
- Empathy and kindness.
- Good listening and communication skills.
- Patience and reliability.
- Non-judgemental attitude.
- Commitment to confidentiality.
Considerations
Befriending can be a gentle way into mental health and wellbeing work, giving you valuable experience and confidence while helping someone feel less alone. The flexibility is a big plus, but most roles are voluntary, meaning financial rewards are limited, and the emotional aspect of supporting vulnerable people can sometimes be challenging.
Most befriender roles are voluntary, though some organisations cover travel and expenses.
DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is generally required for all roles working directly with vulnerable people, including children and adults with mental health needs. For paid support roles (Support Worker, Healthcare Support Worker, Residential/Therapeutic Worker, Peer Support Worker), an enhanced DBS check is almost always required before starting. For volunteer roles like Befriender, a basic or enhanced DBS is also usually required, depending on the type of contact you’ll have.
Final Thoughts
If you feel drawn to work in mental health and wellbeing, remember that you don’t need to wait until you have a degree or years of specialist training to start making a difference. Many of the most impactful roles are open to anyone with empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to help others.
Every conversation, every moment of support, and every small step you help someone take towards recovery can change a life — sometimes in ways you may never fully see. These roles may be the first step in your career, but they can also be the spark that inspires a lifelong passion for helping others.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether you could work in this field — take this as your sign to explore it. The opportunities are there, and your journey could begin today.
