PEER SUPPORT mentor
volunteering role
WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT?
Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other. Peer support groups are designed to provide a safe space for people to share their experiences in relation to their mental health, or any condition that can have an impact on their mental health. Groups can be condition-focused, or activity based.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
A Peer Support Facilitator is vital to the growth and sustainability of support groups in the community. The local Teesside-By-Side network, consists of 20 groups that operate independently in the community, to provide non-clinical support to locals through the sharing of mutual experiences and interests. The groups vary in what they focus on; some are activity based such as walking, running and art, others focus on sharing experiences in relation to mental health or physical conditions. As a facilitator, you will attend a range of support groups in the community, to:
- Support new group leads to set up their group
- Facilitate groups when a lead is unavailable
- Provide ongoing assistance through occasional drop in sessions
As a facilitator, you will ensure the groups run smoothly, that rules and guidelines are implemented and followed as set out by each group and ensure participants feel safe in the meetings.
Responsibilities:
Attend support groups in the local community, in the capacity of a volunteer facilitator.
Support new group leads to set up their groups, by attending initial meetings.
Provide open, non-judgemental support to peers in the group.
Raise concerns in relation to peer support groups with key worker.
Attend training (peer support, safeguarding).
Have a fair and unbiased approach to all participants to enable professional moderation of groups.
Promote peer support in the groups that you attend, and where appropriate encourage peers to consider facilitation.
Follow groups’ agreement to comply with their bespoke safety and comfort rules.
Follow Middlesbrough & Stockton Mind’s policies and procedures, particularly in relation to confidentiality, information governance and lone working.
Skills and experience
ExperienceExperience in providing support to others, in a professional or personal setting. / Essential
Experience in facilitating group discussions / meetings / Desirable
Understanding of mental health / understanding of impact of health conditions on mental health. / Essential
Lived experience of mental health / Essential
Skills / ALL ESSENTIAL
Ability to carry out role independently.
Confidence to raise concerns where necessary.
Open and non-judgemental.
Patient and understanding.
Good communication skills.
Enthusiastic and motivated