Group facilitator volunteer roles

What you will be doing

• Facilitate discussions
• Create a supportive environment for men to connect, share experiences, and empower each other
• Prepare hot drinks and snacks
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings.

The skills you need

• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Experience of facilitating groups.
• Strong listening and communication skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone.

About the role

Location: Bristol

Hours: 2 hours per week

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator, you will play an important role in supporting group sessions and workshops. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable environment where everyone feels valued and able to participate.

Your responsibilities may include engaging with group members through conversation, welcoming participants as they arrive, and supporting the smooth running of sessions by helping with set-up and clear-up tasks. You may also assist with taking attendance at the start of each session.

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role.

This role requires a Basic DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness.

As a Volunteer Group Facilitator you will

• Welcome participants and help create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment
• Support the development of a safe space where individuals feel comfortable sharing as much or as little as they wish
• Assist with setting up before sessions (e.g. arranging chairs, preparing materials, and taking attendance)
• Help tidy and reset the space after sessions
• Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to support the smooth delivery of group activities

About the service

The Bristol Community Support Services team is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred support. The service focuses on helping individuals achieve their goals, improve their wellbeing, and maintain independence while living with mental illness.

The team includes a Service Manager, Recovery Coaches, a Digital Officer, a Group Development Coordinator, and a Peer and Volunteer Coordinator, all working together to provide a supportive and effective service.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Having an interest in mental health and supporting people living with mental illness
• Able to demonstrate strong active listening skills and the ability to build rapport
• Able to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and remains non-judgemental
• Understand the importance of confidentiality
• Reliable and punctual

It's not essential, but you may also bring

• Lived experience of mental health challenges
• Experience of working in group settings

How to apply

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory.

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

• Voluntary (expenses paid in line with volunteering policy)
• Approx. 3 – 6 hours per week
• Minimum commitment 12 months
• Based in Greenwich

South East London Mind is a well-established and highly regarded local charity helping people to be mentally healthy. Working together with those experiencing mental health problems and dementia to improve their quality of life. With an annual turnover of £6M, over 180 staff and 260 volunteers, we are one of the largest charities in the Mind network.

SEL Mind delivers a Peer Support Programme which consist of group activities and therapeutic groups run by Peer Support Volunteers for individuals’ with either a mental health diagnosis or service users who are impacted by mental health within the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The purpose of the Volunteer Peer Support Group Facilitator is to provide peer support and facilitate a group with the guidance of a coordinator, whilst creating a welcoming environment and sharing their own knowledge/experience of living with mental health difficulties.

The role will also entail the planning of groups, and assisting with other peer support administrative duties.

Volunteer Opportunities: Peer Support Group Facilitators

To help us match you with a role that fits your schedule, builds on your existing skills and supports the skills you’d like to develop, please review the days, times and facilitator responsibilities for each group.

Please note: there should be a gap of 6–12 months between finishing your time as a peer support service user and applying to become a volunteer.

Social Group Facilitator

• 1 x Volunteer. Shift: Monday 13:00 – 16:00
• 1 x Volunteer. Shift: Thursday 11:30 – 15:15

We’re looking for volunteers to support facilitating our social group alongside a group coordinator. Although there are activity tables, this is not an activity-led group.

The role is about being present, reading the room, and sensing where connection or support might be needed rather than following a plan. You’ll need to be comfortable with uncertainty and able to work without clear direction.

The group has been running for a long time and a key part of this role is settling into the rhythm of the group and also helping new members find their place within it. Good instincts and genuine warmth matter more here than any particular skill.

Part of your role will be to set up and pack down independently, including preparing a tea and coffee table and washing up during and after the session. Sharing a cuppa is central to what makes the group feel welcoming.

If you’re naturally at ease in social settings, happy to take initiative, and able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year this could be a great fit.

Growing Connections Group Facilitator

• 3 x Volunteers
• Volunteer Shift: Thursday 11:30 – 15:30

We’re looking for volunteers to facilitate Growing Connections, a brand-new outdoor group centred around the simple, satisfying tasks of watering, pruning and tidying pot plants, and making space for the conversation and connection that grows alongside it.

You’ll arrive early to set up, this will include readying tea and coffee, co-lead the session with another volunteer facilitator, and pack down and wash up at the end.

You’ll lead without a staff member in the room, though one will be available on site if needed, so we’re looking for people who are comfortable taking the lead.

The gardening gives the session its focus, but a space for conversation and connection is just as important. Over time we hope that members can feel a sense of ownership over the group and the space itself.

You don’t need to be an expert gardener, but you should be comfortable with basic plant care, good at putting people at ease, and able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year Training, support and supervision will be provided.

Creative Connections Group Facilitator

• 2x Volunteers
• Volunteer Shift: Wednesday 1:30-4pm (group time) and ad hoc planning time

We’re looking for volunteers to facilitate Creative Connections, diverse creative activity group led jointly by volunteers and service users.

You’ll arrive early to set up, help plan and deliver sessions, and pack down at the end.

Central to the role is supporting members to take an active part in shaping and leading sessions themselves; helping people build confidence in themselves and their ideas, find their voice, and feel a valued part of the group.

You don’t need to be a professional artist, but you should be comfortable in a creative space, and able to follow other ideas as well as bringing your own. We ask that you are able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year.

Creative Writing Group Facilitator

• 2x Volunteers
• Volunteer Shift: Wednesday 10:15am – 1pm

We’re looking for volunteers to co-facilitate our creative writing group, working alongside a group coordinator who leads the sessions.

You’ll arrive early to set up, support the coordinator with planning sessions and the delivery of the sessions, alongside packing down at the end.

Your role is to support the coordinator and be present for members, noticing who might need encouragement, who needs space, and helping people feel comfortable enough to share. Creative writing can at times be reflective and vulnerable, and a sensitivity to these feelings is as important as any writing experience.

You don’t need to be an experienced writer, but you should be comfortable in a creative setting, skilled at helping others find their voice, and able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year.

The Nook, Greenwich Young Persons Group Facilitator

• 2x Volunteers
• Volunteer Shift: Monday 1.30pm – 4.45pm

‘The Nook, Greenwich’ is a peer support group run by our Peer Support Coordinator and Peer Support Volunteers. The group is for young people (18-30’s) experiencing low to moderate mental health needs (with or without a diagnosis) in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The group offers:

• A safe space to talk openly and honestly about mental health
• Peer support from people who have walked a similar path
• Real talk: honest discussions led by peer group facilitators who have been there

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Gain frontline experience within a community mental health team
• Regular training and development opportunities
• Ongoing supervision and support
• An opportunity to be part of a lived experience team
• An opportunity to help people within the local community and give back
• Expenses paid in line with volunteering policy
• In-depth induction training which includes active listening skills, group dynamics, mental health awareness, and EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)

“My experience has been great, I’ve felt really supported and found the tasks and the work really meaningful.  I hoped that volunteering would lead to employment and it did. Volunteering helped me to develop my skills and build my confidence and support my mental health and wellbeing.”
Peer Support Volunteer 2026

Training and Supervision:

• All volunteers receive essential peer support training, and attendance is required before starting the role.
• In addition, you will need to complete an online safeguarding course at home.
• We provide regular supervision every six weeks. The exact time will be confirmed with your coordinator.

Interested in the role? Next steps:

• Complete a Volunteer Application Form
• Interview
• References & Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service checks
• Complete our volunteer training programme

We recognise the importance of having a diverse and inclusive volunteer base, and would therefore particularly welcome applications from the following, currently under-represented, groups:

• People from culturally diverse communities
• People aged 18-25
• Disabled people
• People with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities

SEL Mind is committed to meeting the reasonable adjustments of disabled people and always welcomes applications from people with lived experience of mental health problems.

How to apply

Please visit our website to apply.

Closing date: Thursday 18 June
Likely interview date: Friday 29 June

Induction Training:

• Tuesday 7 July, 10:00-16:00 – In person
• Thursday 9 July, 10:00-15:00 – Online
• Friday 10 July, 10:00-12:00 – Online

Role Description:

This role sits within our Men’s Minds project, based in Feltham, Hounslow. The aim of the service is to improve men’s mental health outcomes by developing a mental health network supported and directed by the voices of its members.

This will be achieved through three service strands: 1) Peer support network, 2) Psychoeducation workshops, addressing common needs of men’s mental health 3) Outreach support to raise awareness of men’s mental health and promote this service.

The role of the Volunteer Group Facilitator will be to independently run a men’s group in line with WL Mind core values. This volunteer role is suitable for people with experience and interest in facilitating groups for men. In liaison with the Co-ordinator you will be responsible for planning and delivering groups. You will help support set up and clear up the weekly groups.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face in a group basis to individuals.

We are looking for someone who

• Someone who identifies as male
• Has lived experience of mental health challenges
• Are a non-judgmental and friendly individual
• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
• To feel comfortable engaging with people with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding mental health
• Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
• Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
• To assist the Project Coordinator with admin and planning
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities
• Knowledge around safeguarding policies and procedures
• Knowledge and experience of risk management

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours between Monday-Thurs. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 or 2 activities a week.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role.
   

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector. We would be keen to work with you to develop your own interests and use your existing skills to support the project.

Please tell us why you would like to volunteer at Men’s Minds at WL Mind? (minimum 50 words)

Please share any relevant skills or experience you have for the role. This may include education, work or voluntary experience (minimum 100 words)

Volunteers in this role will be facilitating or co-facilitating regular SMART meetings.

Volunteer SMART facilitators will help to make newcomers feels welcome, and

empower everyone in the meeting to contribute, should they wish to.

If not already trained, volunteers will need to complete the full SMART Recovery UK facilitator training programme.

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:

• • Sharing a group agreement at the start of each session, including the importance of respect and confidentiality.
  • Facilitating meetings according to the SMART Recovery Meeting Structure including a check-in, agenda setting, and check-out.
  • Reporting any concerns, including related to safeguarding, that may arise
  • in the group.
  • Link closely with the group lead to plan and evaluate sessions. ·
  • Procuring necessary resources such as flip chart, paper and pens, and setting up before/packing away after each meeting.
  • Support the group lead with any admin tasks linked to the running of the SMART group. E.g. Completing SMART audits or liaising with Regional SMART Community Coordinator.

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 electronicallyand 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

Volunteers in this role will be facilitating or co-facilitating regular SMART meetings.

Volunteer SMART facilitators will help to make newcomers feels welcome, and

empower everyone in the meeting to contribute, should they wish to.

If not already trained, volunteers will need to complete the full SMART Recovery UK facilitator training programme.

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:

- Sharing a group agreement at the start of each session, including the importance of respect and confidentiality.

- Facilitating meetings according to the SMART Recovery Meeting Structure including a check-in, agenda setting, and check-out.

- Reporting any concerns, including related to safeguarding, that may arise 

in the group.

- Link closely with the group lead to plan and evaluate sessions. 

- Procuring necessary resources such as flip chart, paper and pens, and setting up before/packing away after each meeting.

- Support the group lead with any admin tasks linked to the running of the SMART group. E.g. Completing SMART audits or liaising with Regional SMART Community Coordinator.

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 electronicallyand 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

Reach: 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

The role:

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

Waythrough

What Volunteers can expect from us:

Volunteering with Waythrough offers people a unique chance to have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. We work both with and within diverse communities across the UK and every day we see people making positive changes to turn their lives around. We also offer:

• Regular supervision and support

• Induction and access to online and face to face training

• To learn and practice new skills within a teamwork setting

• To feel 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

Our values:

Our values underpin everything we do – from how we work together through to how we design and deliver services. All our work to fulfil this vision is strengthened by our values.

• Kindness - be generous, caring and understanding.

• Courage - be bold, trust, commit.

• Respect - everyone deserves dignity.

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

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.