Support Group Facilitator - The Meadows, North Shields
Facilitator duties at the meeting
To arrive 20 minutes prior to the Support Group meeting time.
To prepare the room for the meeting
To engage in pre brief with co facilitator
To meet and greet new and regular attendees
To check that new people are at the right meeting and to introduce them to the rest of the group
To begin and close the meeting punctually
To facilitate the meeting according to the training given
To debrief with the other Facilitator after closing the meeting
To complete attendance statistics on a weekly basis
To keep a record and receipts of expenses incurred in your role as a Support Group Facilitator and to send your completed expenses form to the PeerTalk office
To ensure the meeting room is left as you found it
About PeerTalk
PeerTalk provides free peer support groups for adults facing stressful times, depression, anxiety or other distress. The support groups are facilitated by two trained volunteer facilitators, who do not need to have any experience in counselling or in mental health. Facilitators don't offer advice to the attendees at the support group. Instead, they enable attendees to share and support each other, as it's peer to peer support, and we do this by facilitating the meeting using active listening skills.
What skills do I need?
Commitment
The minimum suggested volunteer time commitment with the support group is 18 months, following the initial training. Additionally, we invite our volunteers to attend a meeting every 8 weeks for mutual support and to receive ongoing training. We may offer other training opportunities, which will be optional.
Person description
The sustainability of a PeerTalk Support Group depends on the commitment, personal qualities and enthusiasm of the people who volunteer as Facilitators.
These personal qualities include:
Being a good listener.
Being able to show compassion and empathy.
Being non judgemental.
Having common sense.
Having a strong sense of commitment.
Being able to present balanced viewpoints.
Having a willingness to learn.
Having a sense of humour.
Being able to keep a confidence.
Having good communication skills.
Being respectful of others.
Having enthusiasm for this area of mental health and for the work of PeerTalk.
Being a good team player.
Being a person of integrity.
All Support Group Facilitators will undertake a DBS check and have an appropriate awareness of safeguarding issues related to fulfilling the role.
Creating a space where people feel accepted and valued is one of the core tasks of the PeerTalk Support Group Facilitator.
Posted for
PeerTalk
Interests
- Civic Responsibility and Communities
- Mental Health
Activities
- Practical Skills
- Supporting People and Befriending
Details
- Accessibility
There is disabled access at the community centre - Age restrictions
18 plus - DBS check required
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Expenses reimbursed
Travel expenses are reimbursed, and any other expenses incurred in relation to the role. - Health and Safety Policy
- Ongoing support
Volunteers are under the guidance of a local Support Group Coordinator. There is weekly support with a weekly email, a WhatsApp group for the team of volunteers and a face-to-face meeting for volunteers every 8 weeks for ongoing support and training. - Training provided
Adult Safeguarding Level 1 (this is offered online) - Volunteer induction
- Volunteer Policy
- Volunteers covered by insurance
- Written role description
When can I volunteer?
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Afternoon | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Evening | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Availability Details
The support group takes place every Wed morning, 11am - 12.30pm, so volunteers need to be available at this time. However, facilitators are not expected to be there every week. We work with a rota, and you'd be required to volunteer for 3 - 4 sessions in every 12 week cycle.
Location
The Meadows
NE29 6BA
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