Community Connection Facilitator - Volunteer in Brighton

Want to help people feel more connected in Brighton? Join The Lonely Club as a Community Connection Facilitator, helping run welcoming, low-pressure sessions at our central hub. Be part of something meaningful and support others to find connection and belonging.

Your support will play a vital role in helping The Lonely Club continue to run regular sessions in Brighton following a highly successful 6-week pilot, which saw consistent attendance and growing demand. By volunteering as a Community Connection Facilitator, you will help us create a much-needed, inclusive “third space” in Brighton - somewhere people can go to feel a sense of belonging outside of home and work. Many of our attendees have struggled to find environments where they feel comfortable, understood, and able to connect with others on a deeper level. With your help, we can continue to provide a space where people feel seen, accepted, and less alone. Your presence will directly impact attendees’ confidence, wellbeing, and ability to form meaningful relationships.

As the hub grows, volunteers will also play an important role in shaping the future of The Lonely Club - helping us expand our reach, improve our sessions, and support more people who are currently falling through the gaps of traditional social spaces.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers with at least 3 years’ experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Social care, counselling, or mental health support
• Safeguarding and working with vulnerable adults
• Event facilitation or community programme delivery
• Project or programme management within community or wellbeing settings

This experience is important to ensure volunteers can confidently help facilitate a safe, inclusive, and well-held space for attendees - many of whom may be experiencing loneliness, social anxiety, or feeling excluded from traditional social environments.

The ideal volunteer will:

• Be warm, empathetic, and emotionally attuned
• Feel confident holding space for a diverse range of people and experiences
• Understand boundaries and the importance of safeguarding
• Be comfortable supporting low-pressure group interactions without forcing participation
• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills

Experience supporting neurodivergent individuals or those with mental health challenges is highly valued, but not essential. Above all, we’re looking for people who genuinely care about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can feel a sense of belonging.

What will you be doing?

The Lonely Club runs inclusive, low-pressure community sessions for adults who feel a lack of belonging in traditional social spaces. Many of our attendees are neurodivergent or experience loneliness, and are looking for meaningful, authentic connection in a safe and welcoming environment. We are looking for warm, reliable volunteers to help facilitate our weekly 4-hour sessions at our Brighton hub. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys connecting with people, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and supporting others to feel at ease.

As a Community Connection Facilitator, you will:

• Help set up and create a calm, welcoming environment at the start of each session
• Greet attendees and help them feel comfortable as they arrive
• Support and gently guide optional activities such as creative exercises, journalling, conversation prompts or board games
• Help maintain a low-pressure, inclusive atmosphere where people can engage at their own pace
• Be mindful of attendees who may feel anxious or overstimulated, offering support where needed
• Assist with pack-down at the end of the session

You won’t be expected to “lead” in a formal way – the focus is on holding the space, encouraging connection, and helping people feel safe and included. You’ll be working closely with the founder (Lara) and potentially other volunteers as the hub grows.