Wellbeing Course Support Volunteer

Mary Frances Trust is a Surrey-based charity supporting people with mental health and emotional wellbeing. We offer a variety of services to adults (16+) including wellbeing courses and advice, a range of activities and interest groups, peer support, self-help groups, individual support and volunteering opportunities. We engage volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help us by assisting the staff team to deliver our work to clients that seek our support, across Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Banstead and Elmbridge.

How you can help

Working closely with our member of staff / facilitator, this role will complement and support the service delivery of a number of our Wellbeing Courses during the year.  We seek volunteers to be part of a’ pool’ that can be asked to assist as and when new opportunities arise.  Our courses typically run for 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks at a time, on a variety of topics specifically chosen to help clients who seek support with their emotional and mental wellbeing.  They provide a safe non-judgemental environment for people to learn, develop and grow whilst undergoing an activity which will also allow them to talk about how they are feeling and the challenges they are dealing with.  

This is a great opportunity for someone who likes variety and flexibility as you can do as much or as little as suits you.  All we ask is that you are available for the full duration of a course you agree to support.  This role isn’t particularly demanding, however good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others in a relaxed setting is something we look for.  The volunteer role also includes a small amount of time either side of the group meeting to set up, pack away and debrief as necessary.  Due to the nature of our work, this role would suit someone wanting a more medium to long term involvement.  Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.  

Course topics could include: 

Our list of courses changes regularly, but could include:  Action for Wellness, Assertiveness, Badminton, Book club, Changing habits, Finding Balance, Confidence and self-esteem, Cooking made easy, Creative writing, Digital skills for beginners, Exercise to promote energy, Facing your fear, Express yourself, Improving your language, Introduction to stress and anxiety, Conflict and boundaries, Strong emotions, Meals on a budget, Meditation, Menopause matters, Men’s hour, Mindfulness, Play reading, Positive thinking, Stress matters, Yoga (Various classes), Zumba etc.

Key Points

• Periodic involvement of weekly courses

• Days variable (typically 1 to 2 hours duration)

• Various locations: Leatherhead, Banstead, Epsom, Dorking, Walton, Molesey

• Medium to long term involvement (9-12 months plus)

• Typically attracts 8-16 attendees

What we ask of you

• Support the member of Staff / facilitator to run the weekly group and activity

• Help set up and pack away refreshments and materials

• Sign in, welcome and help attendees feel relaxed and included

• Welcome newcomers, involving them in activities and conversation

• Support and assist the staff / facilitator with any difficulty that may arise

• Treat all client information as confidential

• Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients

• Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

What skills do I need?

Qualities that make a successful Peer Support Group Volunteer

- Good interpersonal skills 

- Reliable, friendly, flexible

- Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

- Ability to ask for help (if you don’t understand)

- Ability to work as part of a small team

- Passionate about supporting other people