Peer support groups

Applications are open!

Applications are open to students from the following universities: 
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• Birmingham City University
• Goldsmiths University
• Oxford Brookes University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University

Applications will close on Sunday the 21st of October 2018.

Please ensure to read the Role Description thoroughly before applying, as we will look for the skills and qualities listed in the below document in your application.

The questions and tips on how to score highly in your application are available in this Application Guidance. We recommend writing your answers in a separate document before copying and pasting them into the application form.

To apply, please click below and complete the application form.

Apply now!

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​Apply to be a peer support facilitator

Are you motivated, enthusiastic and keen to develop new skills while supporting peers facing mental health difficulties? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

​Volunteering as a group facilitator will give you a unique opportunity to develop your skills, make a difference at university, boost your CV and gain experience in the field of mental health. 

Here is a bit more information about the role and how we support you... 

What does being a group facilitator involve?

Running safe support groups for students at your university
Alongside another trained volunteer you will facilitate a confidential space for attendees to express themselves in a non-judgemental and pro-recovery environment. The role involves listening and facilitating group conversation, without providing advice or counselling to other students. 

Organising and publicising the group
With your fellow volunteers you will promote the group to students at your university. This may include developing publicity materials, managing social media, emailing departments, liaising with university staff and booking suitable rooms.

Keep in contact with Student Minds

• After each session you will need to let us know how many attendees were present and send back the attendee feedback forms to us to help us monitor the impact of the groups.
• We will support you throughout the year to ensure your group is as effective as it can be. Make sure you let us know how you’re getting on!

Commitment

• You should be prepared to spend 10 hours a month volunteering with your support group.
• We ask for a minimum of one year’s commitment to the volunteering, as it takes a significant amount of time to recruit and train new volunteers.
• If you do wish to stand down from your role we ask that you provide us with as much notice as possible (preferably a semester's notice). Your university is investing in you (the training alone is worth £160 per person) so please be mindful of this when considering your options.

What support will I receive?

• Supervision- after each group session you facilitate, you will have a call with one of our supervisors to talk about the session, reflect on your progress in running the groups, raise any concerns or challenges, and develop your own skills and confidence.​​
• Access to all of our online resources such as how to guides, templates, downloadable event packs and more.
• Advice and guidance from a Student Minds staff member. We’re on hand to support you with the running of the group.
• A bespoke Student Minds group logo and access to a Student Minds email address for group communications

Is this the right opportunity for me?

​Our number one priority is the wellbeing of our volunteers, so we encourage all students to think carefully about whether now is the right time to take on this type of volunteering opportunity.
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• We do not encourage students with acute mental health difficulties to take on the responsibilities of a group facilitator. We use the word acute to refer to difficulties that have a substantial impact on your quality of life and/or capacity to engage in your university education.
• If you’re unsure whether or not the volunteering is suitable for you please get in touch volunteer@studentminds.org.uk
• Take a look at our ‘Student Volunteering’ page for other opportunities you may be interested in getting involved with. ​

​Application process

​Once you’ve submitted your application it will be scored by Student Minds. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal interview to explore your skills and responses to a series of scenarios that you could encounter as a facilitator.

You will be invited to a phone interview with one of the team here at Student Minds. The phone call will also involve a Wellbeing aspect, which does not affect your interview score. This is an opportunity for you to hear more about training and the role so you can be in a position to be confident that this role is right for you.

If you are applying to be a facilitator at a university with an existing Student Minds group, you may be contacted and invited to interview by the student group at your university. ​In this case, you will be invited to a separate Wellbeing Call with Student Minds.

​​Training

​Our training programme usually takes place over two days in Oxford and accommodation can be arranged for you in the local YHA. All facilitators must attend training prior to running the group. When applying please ensure you are available on the training date for your university.

​​If you have any questions, please email volunteer@studentminds.org.uk.

Have any questions about the application process or need reasonable adjustments made? Please contact access@studentminds.org.uk. We are inclusive and encouraging of all students who want to volunteer, and in particular welcome BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled applicants.