Carers Support Group Facilitator (Online)

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust is a Surrey-based charity supporting people with mental health and emotional wellbeing. We offer a variety of services to adults (16+) including wellbeing courses and advice, a range of activities and interest groups, peer support, self-help groups, individual support and volunteering opportunities. We engage volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help us by assisting the staff team to deliver our work to clients that seek our support, across Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Banstead and Elmbridge.

How you can help

This role will lead and guide the service delivery of our monthly Carers support group (online).  The group provides a safe non-judgemental environment for people to talk about how they are feeling and the challenges they are dealing with. The sessions are quite flexible and have a simple structure, which consists of: individual “check-ins”, support forum and “check-out”.  

We look for someone with experience in group delivery or individual work with clients, with good communication, listening and people skills, and the ability to get alongside others in a relaxed setting.  The role also includes a small amount of time either side of the group meeting to set up and debrief with your volunteer. Due to the nature of our work, this role would suit someone wanting a more medium to long term involvement.  Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.  

Key Points

•Monthly involvement, online (currently)

•1st Tuesday of month 6:45 to 8:15pm  (7pm to 8pm service)

•Long term involvement (12 months plus)

•Typically attracts 6 - 10 attendees

What we ask of you

•Lead and guide the weekly group

•Help set up, brief and debrief with your volunteer

•Manage the online platform

•Welcome and help attendees feel relaxed and included

•Welcome newcomers, involving them in activities and conversation

•Deal with any difficulty that may arise / contacting staff for support

•Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients

•Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

Benefits you will receive

•Being part of a friendly, caring and supportive service

•Regular involvement in your community

•Making a difference to the lives of other people

•Gain practical experience of working alongside people with mental health 

•Training relevant to the role

•Reimbursement of travel expenses

What skills do I need?

Qualities that make a successful Peer Support Group Volunteer

•Good interpersonal skills 

•Reliable, friendly, flexible

•Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

•Ability to ask for help (if you don’t understand)

•Ability to work as part of a small team

•Passionate about supporting other people

Please note:  

You do not need to have any previous volunteer experience to volunteer for this role although the ability to get on with people and communicate well with others is key.