Volunteer Peer Support Group Facilitator in Guildford

Be part of a life-changing listening space. Support others, learn new skills, and grow with PeerTalk.

Location: The Spike Community Centre, Warren Road, Guildford, GU1 3JH
When: Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:00pm (on a rota – approx. 3 sessions per 12-week period)

Are you a compassionate listener who wants to help others feel seen and heard? Join PeerTalk as a Volunteer Support Group Facilitator in Guildford and be part of a powerful peer support network helping those living with depression, anxiety and emotional distress.

Facilitators don't offer advice—they create a safe, respectful space where people support each other. Training and ongoing support are provided. You’ll work in pairs on a friendly rota basis and gain valuable communication, mental health awareness, and group facilitation experience.

What’s involved?

• Prepare and run weekly support group sessions with a co-facilitator
  
• Use active listening skills to support a peer-to-peer format
  
• Welcome new attendees and ensure a smooth and respectful experience
  
• Participate in initial and ongoing training
  
• Help with simple admin like attendance stats and occasional feedback

Training provided includes:

• Introduction to PeerTalk and your role
  
• Mental health awareness (depression, anxiety)
  
• Active listening and facilitation practice (including role play)
  
• PeerTalk policies, safeguarding, and expectations
  

Travel expenses for training are reimbursed; lunch is included.

What skills do I need?

The sustainability of a PeerTalk Support Group depends on the commitment, personal qualities and enthusiasm of the people who volunteer as Facilitators. These personal qualities include:

•     a good listener
•     able to show compassion and empathy
•     non judgemental
•     able to present balanced viewpoints
•     able to keep a confidence
•     respectful of others
•     a good team player
•     a person of integrity,
•     common sense
•     a strong sense of commitment
•     a willingness to learn
•     a sense of humour
•     good communication skills
•     enthusiasm for this area of mental health and for the work of PeerTalk.

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.