Support Group Facilitator (in person or online)

By helping people suffering from an eating disorder and their families to discuss their feelings and concerns, you can help them to look towards a more positive future. If you are a caring and empathetic person who can help those attending to feel less isolated, more understood, cared for, listened to and supported we would value your contribution to our team.

We are a small but growing charity with big dreams and visions. Our aim is to offer in person and online groups in as many localities within Scotland as possible. Eating disorders are on the rise and we need a strong team of volunteers to help us support both the people who are suffering and their families.

We currently have in person groups in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fife. However we are launching Perth and Dundee very soon so we need your help.
We have online groups at various times throughout the week, meaning you could support us from wherever you live in Scotland.

We are a very supportive team and will provide all training and ongoing support and supervision. We meet quarterly as a volunteer team online and we host two in person events each year.

The role of the Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator is to ensure that everyone attending the group is aware of the Group Guidelines/Rules and to create a safe space to enable group members to share their story .

Volunteers need;
To be good listeners and have clear communication skills
To be able to offer support and encouragement in a non-judgemental manner
To have a good knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues, particularly eating disorders. Volunteers who have previously had an eating disorder must have been fully recovered for at least two years before taking on this role
To be comfortable using and setting up technology for online meetings
To have good timekeeping skills
To be confident navigating challenging topics and situations

The facilitator should encourage discussion between group members and only interject if they feel that a group member is being excluded or is breaking any rules or guidelines which could disrupt the group or cause distress
The facilitator has a duty to observe and report on any safeguarding concerns and will act as a time keeper and ensure that everyone feels comfortable and has an opportunity to speak if they want to share anything.

What's in it for you?
Being part of a supportive, informal and friendly group of fellow volunteers and like-minded people.
Foundation and on-going training to develop your skills as a group facilitator and understanding of eating disorders. Regular support and supervision.
Other area's of volunteering e.g. befriending and community ambassadors.
Wellbeing and in person events.
Being part of Scotland's only Eating Disorder charity!

Experience required

To be good listeners and have clear communication skills
To be able to offer support and encouragement in a non-judgemental manner
To have a good knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues, particularly eating disorders. Volunteers who have previously had an eating disorder must have been fully recovered for at least two years before taking on this role
To be comfortable using and setting up technology for online meetings
To have good timekeeping skills
To be confident navigating challenging topics and situations

Travel details

Travel to and from groups will be paid.

Travel expenses

All volunteers have a google drive with various forms, training, toolkits, templates, agreements and expenses forms to utilise.

Training details

Online or in person at a suitable time for all.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18
Recovery from an Eating Disorder for a minimum of 2 years.

Availability

Frequency & commitment

Facilitation of at least one group per month for 1 year duration.

1.5 hours per session.
Online: sessions are currently running in the evenings for 1 hour, with a preparation call between the 2 facilitators taking place 15 minutes beforehand and a roundup for 15 minutes after the session.
In person: Volunteers will need to arrive half an hour before the start of the group, and remain up to half an hour after, in order to set and clear up the room and a short debrief.

I want to volunteer