Group Co-Facilitator Volunteer

Volunteer Role Overview

Supporting and empowering people affected by bipolar by co-facilitating a peer support group, either in person or virtually. The purpose of the groups is to bring people together to share experiences and provide inclusive discussion.

"Volunteering as a group co-facilitator for Bipolar UK has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I have seen people get well in the groups and we have formed a strong community, a safe space where people feel able to come and discuss their bipolar and find true peer support." - CC, Volunteer Co-facilitator

Benefits of volunteering as a Co-facilitator:

• Using your skills & experience to help others affected by bipolar while increasing your knowledge of living with and managing the condition.
• Being part of a team with support from a staff member who will help you throughout your volunteering journey.
• Developing your confidence, organisational and facilitation skills.
• Opportunities to take on further training (subject to funding).
• Out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance.

• Co-facilitating and running a regular Bipolar UK Support Group, through listening, empathy, and shared experience.
• Striving to attend the group regularly (most groups meet monthly) and to attend all relevant co‑facilitator training.
• Helping to uphold Bipolar UK’s policies and procedures, as set out in the Support Group manual, including guidance on confidentiality, boundaries and safeguarding.
• Ensuring group paperwork and administrative tasks are up to date.
• Regular catch‑ups with the Bipolar UK Support Groups team.

• Personal experience of bipolar, either having a diagnosis or having a close personal connection to someone who has, such as a family member or loved one.
• Excellent communication, team working, and organisational skills; including active listening, interpersonal skills and ability to effectively time‑keep.
• Empathy, understanding, and ability to relate to the needs of others. Bipolar UK will guide you on maintaining safe boundaries and offer professional reflective practice group sessions throughout your time volunteering.
• Basic IT skills (Office 365), e.g., sending an email and attending Zoom sessions.
• Supporting the principles and values of Bipolar UK and our Support Groups, and helping to follow our service guidelines and policies.

The role is subject to a satisfactory Access NI check and references. There will be regular review and discussion with Bipolar UK. Minimum age of volunteers must be 18 years.

Support of and contact with a member of the Support Groups team, relevant training, pre‑approved volunteering expenses, peer support for yourself and group materials and service information.

• Co-facilitating and running a regular Bipolar UK Support Group, through listening, empathy, and shared experience.
• Committing to regular attendance at the group (most groups meet monthly) and attending all relevant co‑facilitator training.
• Compliance with Bipolar UK policies and procedures, as described in the Support Group manual, including guidelines on confidentiality, boundaries, and safeguarding.
• Ensuring group paperwork and administrative tasks are up to date.
• Communicating regularly with the Bipolar UK Support Groups team.

Hours are based on your availability and other factors.