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Group Facilitator Volunteer - Bipolar Scotland

  • Bipolar Scotland
  • VO96300
  • Home-based volunteering

Description

Bipolar Scotland facilitates a number of self-help groups across Scotland that bring together people living with bipolar to learn from and support each other. Our volunteer facilitators play an important role in helping ensure our self-help groups remain welcoming, safe and productive spaces where participants can leave feeling more hopeful about managing the challenges of life with bipolar.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and don't need to have lived experience of bipolar. We are seeking reliable, enthusiastic individuals with excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn. Training takes place throughout the year across three evening sessions, and the role can be carried remotely although we are also seeking individuals who would be willing to co-facilitate groups face-to-face in their local communities where there's a desire for this.

Main Purpose
To co-facilitate a self-help group for people living with bipolar on a monthly basis. This will include welcoming people, encouraging and guiding discussion, as well as dealing sensitively with issues or conflict that may arise within the group meeting. One facilitator is also responsible for collating and reporting group statistics after each meeting, whilst the other facilitator takes the lead for booking guest speakers.

Key Responsibilities:
• Attend Group Facilitator Training organised by Bipolar Scotland
• To co-facilitate a self-help group at the agreed time each month
• To act as first point of contact for individuals who wish to join a group (as required), ensuring they receive a warm welcome
• To send the Zoom meeting link to group participants prior to each session (online groups only)
• To welcome and book guest speakers
• To note attendance and submit a short statistical form online after each meeting
• To inform the Delivery and Development Officer of any adverse incidents or concerns following a group session
• To attend regular support and supervision sessions with the Delivery and Development Officer and other volunteers

Organisation aims and objectives

We are Scotland’s national charity for everyone who lives with bipolar disorder and those who care for them. We challenge stigma and discrimination while representing the views of people who live with bipolar to politicians, professionals and others.

Availability

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Frequency and commitment details

Facilitating one group per month, usually 7pm to 9pm

Restrictions

Experience required: Person Specification • Excellent listening and communication skills • Reliable, compassionate, non-judgmental, and comfortable building relationships and working with others in a way that promotes empowerment and inspires hope • Firm personal commitment to confidentiality, boundaries and safeguarding vulnerable adults • Previous experience of facilitating groups would be an advantage, although not necessary as training will be provided
Travel details: The closest in-person meetings are in Dundee. Online groups are usually facilitated from volunteers homes.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: If we start to provide in person self-help groups, then relevant expenses will be paid.
Taster available: Yes
Taster details: It may be possible to attend an existing self-help group to see how things work.

Last updated 2 months ago

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