At a Glance
- Tasks: Co-facilitate a peer support group for individuals affected by bipolar, sharing experiences and providing support.
- Company: Bipolar UK, a supportive community focused on mental health.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, receive training, and have your expenses reimbursed.
- Other info: Flexible hours and ongoing support from the Bipolar UK team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your own skills and confidence.
- Qualifications: Personal experience with bipolar and strong communication skills required.
Volunteer Role Overview
Supporting and empowering people affected by bipolar by co-facilitating a peer support group, either in person or virtually. The purpose of the groups is to bring people together to share experiences and provide inclusive discussion.
Why volunteer with us?
Volunteering as a group co-facilitator for Bipolar UK has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I have seen people get well in the groups and we have formed a strong community, a safe space where people feel able to come and discuss their bipolar and find true peer support.
Benefits of volunteering as a Co-facilitator:
- Using your skills & experience to help others affected by bipolar while increasing your knowledge of living with and managing the condition.
- Being part of a team with support from a staff member who will help you throughout your volunteering journey.
- Developing your confidence, organisational and facilitation skills.
- Opportunities to take on further training (subject to funding).
- Out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance.
What does the role involve?
- Co-facilitating and running a regular Bipolar UK Support Group, through listening, empathy, and shared experience.
- Striving to attend the group regularly (most groups meet monthly) and to attend all relevant co‑facilitator training.
- Helping to uphold Bipolar UK’s policies and procedures, as set out in the Support Group manual, including guidance on confidentiality, boundaries and safeguarding.
- Ensuring group paperwork and administrative tasks are up to date.
- Regular catch‑ups with the Bipolar UK Support Groups team.
What we are looking for volunteers to have:
- Personal experience of bipolar, either having a diagnosis or having a close personal connection to someone who has, such as a family member or loved one.
- Excellent communication, teamworking, and organisational skills; including active listening, interpersonal skills and ability to effectively time‑keep.
- Empathy, understanding, and ability to relate to the needs of others.
- Bipolar UK will guide you on maintaining safe boundaries and offer professional reflective practice group sessions throughout your time volunteering.
- Basic IT skills (Office 365), e.g., sending an email and attending Zoom sessions.
- Supporting the principles and values of Bipolar UK and our Support Groups, and helping to follow our service guidelines and policies.
Requirements
- The role is subject to a satisfactory Access NI check and references.
- There will be regular review and discussion with Bipolar UK.
- Minimum age of volunteers must be 18 years.
How Bipolar UK will support you
- Support of and contact with a member of the Support Groups team, relevant training, pre‑approved volunteering expenses, peer support for yourself and group materials and service information.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Co-facilitating and running a regular Bipolar UK Support Group, through listening, empathy, and shared experience.
- Committing to regular attendance at the group (most groups meet monthly) and attending all relevant co‑facilitator training.
- Compliance with Bipolar UK policies and procedures, as described in the Support Group manual, including guidelines on confidentiality, boundaries, and safeguarding.
- Ensuring group paperwork and administrative tasks are up to date.
- Communicating regularly with the Bipolar UK Support Groups team.
Flexible hours
Hours are based on your availability and other factors.
Support Group Co-Facilitator Volunteer - Craigavon employer: Volunteer Now
Bipolar UK is an exceptional organisation to volunteer with, offering a supportive and inclusive environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals affected by bipolar disorder. As a Co-Facilitator Volunteer in Craigavon, you will not only enhance your own skills in communication and facilitation but also be part of a compassionate community that fosters personal growth and peer support. With opportunities for training and development, along with reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, volunteering here is both rewarding and enriching.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Group Co-Facilitator Volunteer - Craigavon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, spend some time researching Bipolar UK. Understand their mission, values, and the impact they have on the community. This will not only help you answer questions better but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your active listening skills. As a co-facilitator, you'll need to listen and empathise with others. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable with responding to different scenarios that might come up in the group.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Be ready to discuss how you manage your time and keep track of group paperwork. Maybe even bring examples of how you've successfully organised events or activities in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your personal experience with bipolar. Whether it’s your own journey or supporting someone close to you, sharing your story can create a strong connection with the interviewers and demonstrate your empathy and understanding.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Group Co-Facilitator Volunteer - Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what motivates you to volunteer with us.
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express why you’re interested in supporting people affected by bipolar. Whether it’s personal experience or a desire to help others, we love to see genuine enthusiasm for the role!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Think about the skills you have that would make you a great co-facilitator. Communication, empathy, and organisational skills are key, so give us examples of how you've used these in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your volunteering journey with Bipolar UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Bipolar UK’s mission and values. Familiarise yourself with the role of a co-facilitator and think about how your personal experiences can contribute to the support group. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, be prepared to discuss your personal connection to bipolar, whether through your own experience or that of a loved one. Highlight how this has shaped your understanding and ability to empathise with others in similar situations.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice active listening and clear articulation of your thoughts. You might even want to prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past experiences, especially in team settings.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the support group dynamics or training opportunities. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also eager to learn and grow within the organisation.
