Support Group Facilitator (in person or online)

Support Group Facilitator (in person or online)

By helping people suffering from an eating disorder and their families to discuss their feelings and concerns, you can help them look towards a more positive future. If you are a caring and empathetic person who can help attendees feel less isolated, more understood, cared for, listened to and supported, we would value your contribution to our team.

Our charity offers in‑person and online groups across Scotland. We currently run groups in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fife, and are launching Perth and Dundee soon. Online groups run at various times throughout the week, so you can support us from anywhere in Scotland.

Responsibilities

• Ensure every participant is aware of the Group Guidelines/Rules and create a safe space for sharing.
• Encourage discussion among group members, intervening only when necessary to maintain a supportive environment.
• Act as a timekeeper for each session.
• Observe and report any safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure all participants feel comfortable and have the opportunity to share, if they wish to do so.

Qualifications

• Good listening and clear communication skills.
• Ability to offer support and encouragement in a non‑judgemental manner.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues, particularly eating disorders.
• Undergone an eating disorder, fully recovered for at least two years, if applicable.
• Comfortable using and setting up technology for online meetings.
• Good time‑keeping skills.
• Confidence navigating challenging topics and situations.

Benefits and Support

• Part of a supportive, informal and friendly volunteer team.
• Foundation and ongoing training to develop facilitation skills and understanding of eating disorders.
• Regular support and supervision, including quarterly online meetings and two in‑person events each year.
• Opportunities for other volunteering roles, such as befriending and community ambassador.
• Well‑being and in‑person events.
• Part of Scotland’s only Eating Disorder charity.

Restrictions

• Minimum age: 18
• Recovery from an eating disorder for a minimum of 2 years.

Travel and Expenses

• Travel to and from groups will be paid.
• All volunteers have access to a Google Drive containing forms, training, toolkits, templates, agreements and expense forms.

Availability

• Mon – Sun
• Morning, Afternoon, Evening

Frequency & Commitment

• Facilitate at least one group per month for a one‑year duration.
• Sessions: 1.5 hours per session.
• Online: sessions run in the evenings for 1 hour, with a 15‑minute preparation call between the two facilitators and a 15‑minute wrap‑up afterward.
• In‑person: volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the start of the group and remain up to 30 minutes after, to set up, clear the room and debrief.

Professional Development

Volunteers aged 18‑25 can claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.

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