Description

Bipolar Scotland are planning to set-up a new Bipolar Peer Support Group in West Dunbartonshire in 2025.

We're looking for volunteers to facilitate the newly launched group.

You’ll be making a difference to the lives of people who attend the peer support group.

Increase your confidence and gain valuable experience supporting others.

Alongside a co-facilitator, you will facilitate an online support group once a month for 1-2 hours.

You’ll be welcoming people, encouraging discussion and dealing sensitively with issues or conflict that may arise within the group meeting.

You’ll play an important role in ensuring meetings run to time and that everyone has an opportunity to share if they choose to do so.

You’ll be responsible for emailing meeting reminders to group participants and submitting brief statistics to Bipolar Scotland after each meeting.

You'll get regular support and supervision from a dedicated role manager.

Organisation aims and objectives

We are Scotland’s national charity for everyone who lives with bipolar disorder and those who care for them. We challenge stigma and discrimination while representing the views of people who live with bipolar to politicians, professionals and others.

Availability

Frequency and commitment details

We currently do not know the time and date of the group each month. It will be in the evening of a weekday most likely for 2 hours maximum.

Restrictions

PVG certificate check and two references required.
Experience required: Passion for supporting and empowering others. We welcome applications from people living with bipolar, or experience supporting others with bipolar or another mental health condition. Experience of engaging with groups previously would be an advantage, but not necessary. A belief that everyone can work towards their own personal mental health recovery, and an understanding that this will look different for each person. Excellent listening and communication skills. Good IT skills. The ability to commit to facilitating a meeting once or twice a month – reliability is essential. A commitment to confidentiality.
Travel details: The West Dunbartonshire group will likely be based in Dunbarton at a venue accessible by public transport and/or car.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses paid. As agreed with your role manager.
Taster available: Yes
Taster details: During and after training and prior to fully starting in the role you will be given the opportunity to shadow an established in-person or online group facilitator.
Training details: 7-8 hours training prior to commencing the role. Including (3 x 2 hour online sessions and some learning). As the West Dunbartonshire group wont be launched until 2025, you will have the chance to shadow already established Bipolar Scotland support groups as part of your induction to the role. Access to specialised training. Ongoing development through opportunities to take part in reflective practice discussions.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer,
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