Group Facilitator Volunteer

Who Are We?

Carers Support West Sussex is an independent local charity supporting some of the 70,000 family and friend carers living in West Sussex. With more than 30,000 carers currently registered with us, we are dedicated to offering unpaid Carers information, guidance, and emotional support. Our aim is to deliver a well networked and supportive approach for each carer in the city/town or village in which they live.

The Role

We are looking for a Group Facilitator Volunteer to support and, over time, lead monthly carer group sessions in Billingshurst. This role would suit someone who is confident with people, able to create a welcoming space, and comfortable guiding group conversations in a calm and supportive way.

Role Expectations

In this role, you will initially support the group alongside a staff colleague or experienced facilitator. You will help create a safe, welcoming space where carers feel able to talk about their caring role when they feel ready. As your confidence grows, we will support you to take the lead in facilitating the monthly group, with the aim of it becoming volunteer led.

You will listen to carers, help guide discussion, respond to issues where appropriate, and feed back any concerns or actions needed after the group.

Key tasks will be:

• Help prepare and facilitate the monthly carer group session, including welcoming attendees and supporting refreshments.
• Gradually take the lead in planning and facilitating the group, with support from a staff colleague or experienced facilitator.
• Create a safe and supportive space where carers can share experiences at their own pace.
• Share relevant information and signpost carers to helpful resources where appropriate.
• Keep simple records, such as attendance, key concerns raised and any expenses or receipts.
• Maintain confidentiality and attend regular check ins with a Volunteer Mentor.

What Difference Will You Make?

You will help carers feel supported, heard and less alone. By helping the group become volunteer led, you will also help create a welcoming space within the local community that can continue to support carers each month.

“It's a monthly dose of reassurance. We are all in different boats but travelling a very similar journey. The best parts are when there's a spontaneous giggle together, what a release. It's a reminder to try and find some humour, it's so wonderful during such challenging times”

– Carer Group Attendee.

What skills do I need?

Skills and Attributes Required 

• Warm, approachable and welcoming to others
• Empathetic and able to listen without judgement
• Comfortable speaking with and supporting a diverse range of people
• Reliable and committed to attending the monthly group
• Confident enough to guide conversations while encouraging others to contribute
• Respectful of confidentiality and personal boundaries
• Calm and supportive when discussing sensitive topics
• Open to learning, receiving feedback and developing new skills
• Passionate about supporting carers and helping people feel connected
• Possess basic IT skills to complete online training and keep simple records