'Stronger Together' Group Facilitator

This is a mental health discussion group on the lived experience of being a man. It is open to everyone to talk, really talk about the issues that affect them most. The emphasis is on sharing your experiences, learning from each other and engaging with the attendees. Developing trust, with oneself and in relationships, which may have been eroded over time. The group is open, positive and there is a lot of laughter.

The group will ideally be led by 2 co-facilitators, with at least one who has lived experience of being a man and facing mental health challenges. It is a semi-structured group with a weekly topic focus selected by the facilitator(s), it is a time-limited, not open-ended group running on an approximately a 6-8 week rotation.

This role involves leading attendees through a peer check-in and discussion on the weekly topic. To support and encourage regular attendance. To listen to the conversations, actively acknowledge good coping strategies, developing a proactive curiosity about their own mental health.  To maintain the safety of the group by ensuring that the Group Agreement guidelines are adhered to and if they are breached that the appropriate action is taken.

Volunteering for a minimum of 2 hours per week

Key Tasks:  

• Develop focus topics for each weekly group, in collaboration with West Sussex Mind recovery teams and service users

• Support people who use our service to take part in the group connecting and conversing, where able.

• Create a welcoming atmosphere for Service Users , ensuring refreshments are available.

• Implement the Group Agreement and challenging Service Users if there are breaches.

• To have an understanding of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and how this can support Service Users to take ownership of their mental health and empower independence. (Training provided)

• Celebrate the skills of the group and help us to signpost attendees to local clubs to improve their confidence in social skills 

• Raise any issues or safeguarding concerns with the Social Activity Coordinators in line with our Confidentiality Agreement

Volunteering for a minimum of 2 hours per week on Thursdays 2 – 4pm at the Annex, Methold House, North Street, Worthing BN11 1DU

• That you are practical, considerate of others, empathetic and patient.  

• That you are a confident communicator with good listening and facilitating skills. 

• Have an enthusiasm for working with people, enabling them to achieve personal goals and are committed to being part of the service on a regular basis. 

• Understanding or lived experience of mental health needs desirable

For selected applicants there will be an informal interview with the Service/Project Managers

If successful, a reference, an Enhanced DBS and an essential 5 module e-learning courses will be required to be completed before starting in the volunteer role. There is also the opportunity to participate in a 9 week Peer Support Volunteer training course.

Support will be available for any technical, language or literary support required

For more information, please email volunteering@westsussexmind.org

For next steps - our application form is below