Peer Group Facilitator

Have you been impacted by suicide loss?

Do you have a desire to help others?

Are you comfortable with listening to and supporting others?

If you are over 18 and were impacted by suicide loss over 2 years ago, you could help make a difference.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) is the leading charity providing peer-to-peer support for adults who have been bereaved or impacted by suicide. We believe that no one should face their loss alone, so we create safe spaces across the UK for people to share and process their grief.

We are seeking compassionate volunteers to start up a new peer-support group on the island.

As a group facilitator, you will play a vital role in supporting others bereaved by suicide. If you are passionate about supporting others through their grief journey, please do apply.

How do groups work?

Each group is run by a team of volunteers who have all been impacted by suicide loss themselves. The team works together on facilitating meetings, group administration, fundraising, and communication for the group.

Groups usually meet once a month for around 2 hours, and provide people with an opportunity to listen, share, ask questions, and connect with others in a safe and non-judgemental space. There is no set structure to a meeting – people are free to talk and listen as much or as little as they want. Topics discussed vary from month to month but often include people sharing their story, how they are feeling, what has happened since their last group visit, questions about coroners and discussions about common challenges such as supporting children or facing others. Established groups may occasionally organise social events, guest speakers, go on walks, or craft workshops.

What will you do?

• Facilitate group sessions – welcoming other survivors, starting off conversations, allowing space for people to talk (if they want to), as well as looking out for and checking in on others.
• Administration & communication – managing enquiries from survivors and submitting information to the national office.
• Provide signposting to head office, as well as other local charities and services.

What do we provide?

• Robust training and a commitment to your development.
• Annual volunteer assembly: talks, forums, guest speakers, celebrations, and socials.
• Peer support from over 400 other volunteers with regular opportunities to meet, share ideas, and receive support.
• Regular check ins & catch-up sessions with a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator for your region, and our team in national office.
• Optional supervision and support from our partner, Suicide&co.
• Wellbeing retreats & activities including caravan stays.
• Travel & group expenses.
• Coverage by SoBS’ Public Liability Insurance whilst you’re carrying out the role.

To find out more about us, please visit our website at www.uksobs.com

Skills

Who are we looking for?

• Over the age of 18.
• Impacted by suicide loss over 18 months ago and are confident in your own progress. This may have been a family member, friend, colleague, client, or even a stranger
• Passionate about supporting others in your community.
• Friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, with good active listening skills.
• Respectful, sensitive, and non-judgmental approach to survivors.
• Comfortable in supporting conversations and managing group dynamics.
• Good communication skills
• A commitment to support the group, your team, and the surrounding community.