Volunteer Peer Support Group Facilitator in Farnham

 Support others, learn new skills, and make a lasting difference in mental health

Location: Farnham Fire Station, Guildford Road, Farnham, GU9 9QB
When: Thursdays, 7:30–9:00pm (on a flexible rota basis)

We’re looking for compassionate volunteers to help facilitate a new PeerTalk Support Group in Farnham, providing safe and supportive space for people living with depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. You’ll be part of a welcoming team enabling peer-to-peer support—not by giving advice, but by actively listening and creating a space where people feel heard, accepted, and valued.

The group meets every Thursday evening, and volunteer facilitators work on a rota basis—usually committing to 3 sessions in every 12 week rota. Full training is provided, including a one-day in-person training session (date and location TBC), supported by follow-up resources and ongoing learning opportunities. Lunch and travel expenses are covered on the training day.

Facilitator duties at meetings are to:

• arrive 20 minutes prior to the Support Group meeting time
• prepare the room for the meeting
• engage in pre brief with co facilitator
• meet and greet new and regular attendees
• check that new people are at the right meeting and to introduce them to the rest of the group
• begin and close the meeting punctually
• facilitate the meeting according to the training given
• debrief with the other Facilitator after closing the meeting
• complete attendance statistics on a weekly basis
• keep a record and receipts of expenses incurred in your role as a Support Group Facilitator and to send your completed expenses form to the PeerTalk office
• ensure the meeting room is left as you found it.

What skills do I need?

We’re looking for compassionate, open-minded people with good listening and communication skills. You’ll be calm, reliable, non-judgemental, and interested in mental health support. A sense of humour and the ability to work as part of a team are also valuable.

All Support Group Facilitators will undertake a DBS check and have an appropriate awareness of safeguarding issues related to fulfilling the role.

Creating a space where people feel accepted and valued is one of the core tasks of the PeerTalk Support Group Facilitator.