Support group volunteer

At Terrence Higgins Trust we're proud of our support groups. Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic they've been providing people living with HIV, and those effected by it, to explore their feelings, share experiences and provide emotional support. The regular group meetings have proven a vital support network for people who have often felt isolated by the stigma of HIV and allowed them to meet people with similar experiences.

Our support groups often focus on groups most affected by the epidemic, such as gay men and african communities, but also include groups for heterosexual people living with HIV.

We need help to run them - help that you could provide.

What will I be doing?

• Helping to arrange support meetings eg mailings, arranging speakers
• Promoting the group and its activities
• Helping workers set up sessions i.e. put out resources / set up room layout including drinks etc. and helping to clear up at end of session
• Welcoming group members; helping them to feel comfortable & relaxed
• Assisting workers in the delivery of workshops/activities
• Actively contributing towards group activities and discussions; encouraging & supporting clients to be involved in discussions / activities and enabling the group and individuals to make choices
• Updating and informing the group with relevant information
• Sharing information and any concerns with workers at an appropriate time (at the end of the session if not before)
• Representing the needs, wants and desires of the group to the organisation

What skills will I need?

Although this role can be quite challenging we do provide full training and support to our volunteers. It's a good oppurtunity to develop skills. You'll need to have:

• Personal experience of specific user group e.g. HIV positive men's group would ideally need a man who is living with HIV
• Group facilitation skills
• Experience of working with groups in an open and supportive way
• Presentation skills
• Good communication and active listening skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Commitment to representing THT in a positive & constructive way

Benefits

We provide full training, support and supervision. We'll also reimburse you for your out of pocket expenses where possible. We can provide you with references, and it's a wonderful opportunity to develop and update skills and gain new experiences.