Overview
Reach Drug and Alcohol Services is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Dorset. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for adults and young people wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well as offering support to family members and running campaigns and events that raise awareness of addiction and celebrate recovery in the community.
Reading Through Recovery
A weekly 90‑minute group supporting anyone on a substance or alcohol recovery journey, whether actively using or abstinent, through the shared experience of reading.
In a relaxed and inclusive space, participants bring a book they’re reading, explore themes that resonate, and dive into stories that spark insight and strength. Together, we share literature that has inspired, supported, or shaped our recovery journeys, with optional recommendations and themed reading ideas each week.
This is more than a book group, it’s a place to find meaning, connection, and momentum in recovery.
Details of the role & tasks
We are seeking enthusiastic readers to co‑facilitate our new project – Reading Through Recovery. Volunteer group facilitators will help to make newcomers feel welcome, and empower everyone in the meeting to contribute, should they wish to.
This role is ideally suited to people with lived experience of recovery, either directly, or through supporting a close friend or family member, although we welcome applications from anyone with an empathetic, non‑judgemental attitude that can build strong working relationships with others.
Tasks may include
- Facilitating a non‑judgemental space to allow participants to express feelings and share experiences freely.
- Foster a sense of community and trust.
- Enable participants to connect through shared narratives, enabling them to relate to one another’s journeys.
- Encourage reflection and discussion.
Personal qualities / Skills we would love you to bring to the role
- Welcoming, friendly and an ability to put other people at ease
- Confident and calm in group settings
- Good IT skills – the SMART Recovery UK training all takes place electronically and includes submitting some written responses via email
- Non‑judgmental towards people facing challenges in their lives, including around drug and/or alcohol use and/or mental health
- Good time keeping
- Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
- An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
- A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training
Location
Some flexibility depending on staff and volunteer availability and ability to travel though meetings are currently held in Weymouth, Dorchester and on‑line.
Timing
We are looking for someone who can offer around 2‑3 hours a session.
Training
Volunteers have access to Waythrough’s training platform, LearningKind, and will be asked to complete an induction workshop ahead of their start date and a number of training modules within their first 3 months.
Benefits we can offer
- Regular supervision and support
- Induction and access to online and face‑to‑face training
- Opportunities to learn and practice new skills within a teamwork setting
- Feeling part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation
- Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey
- Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough’s work
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.
We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme — all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk.
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