Peer Support Facilitators

• Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (Aberdeen)

• VO103953

Have you been Bereaved by Suicide? Do you have a desire to help other people who have also been Bereaved by Suicide? Are you comfortable listening to the experiences of others? You could be just the person we are looking for.

We have self-help support groups across the UK, where you can meet with other people who have been bereaved by suicide and we want to enrol some new volunteers to help us set up a Peer Support Group in Warrington. Typically, our groups meet once a month and last for around 2 hours. They provide an opportunity to listen, to share, to ask questions and to connect with others.

Each local SoBS group is run by a team of 3, all of whom have been bereaved by suicide themselves. Between them, they facilitate the session, get the conversation started, make sure everyone has the opportunity to talk if they want to, and generally look out for people and each other. The team also work together to manage the administration, fundraising and communication for the group, sometimes with the help of additional support volunteers.

There is no set structure to a session – people are free to talk and listen as they wish. The topics discussed vary from week to week but often includes people sharing their story, how they are feeling, what has happened since their last group visit, questions about coroners and discussions about common challenges such as flashbacks, supporting children or facing neighbours. Many groups also offer a small resource library and can share information about local sources of support.

Full guidance and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. Full training is given before a person goes into a support group. This is done via e-learning and on line training sessions. Refresh training is also given every 2 years. All volunteers have an assigned coordinator, regular check ins with all volunteers to offer any support needed.

For further details please contact Korin Barron, Volunteer Coordinator North at email: north.coordinator@uksobs.org or telephone: 07484974638

Experience required

Must be caring, compassionate and a good listener. No previous volunteering experience needed as full training will be given. Must have been bereaved or impacted by suicide for at least 2 years.

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Support

Training details

Excellent support and training is provided to all volunteers. Full training is given before a person goes into a support group. This is done via e-learning and on line training sessions. Refresh training is also given every 2 years. All volunteers have an assigned coordinator, regular check ins with all volunteers to offer any support needed.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Frequency & commitment

Flexible times available to suit volunteers. All help is greatly appreciated.

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more

This volunteering opportunity is also advertised across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

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