Peer Support Volunteer

**Have you been impacted by suicide? Do you have a desire to help others? Are you comfortable with listening to and supporting others?**

If you are over 18 and have been bereaved for more than 2 years, you could help make a difference in Bedfordshire.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) is the leading charity providing peer-to-peer support for adults who have been bereaved or impacted by suicide. We believe that no one should face their loss alone, so we create safe spaces across the UK for people to share and process their grief.

As a rapidly growing charity, we are seeking compassionate volunteers to join our peer support group in Luton.

**How do groups work?**

Each group is run by a team of three volunteers who have all been bereaved by suicide themselves. Their role is facilitating meetings, group administration, fundraising and communication for the group as a team. All volunteers are provided with full training before they begin the role and receive support from head office throughout their volunteering journey.

**SoBS groups usually meet once a month for around 2 hours**, and provide people with an opportunity to listen, share, ask questions, and connect with others in a safe and non-judgemental space.

There is no set structure to a meeting - people are free to talk and listen as much or as little as they want. Topics discussed vary from month to month but often include 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. Established groups may occasionally organise guest speakers, go on walks, or arrange craft workshops.

**What will you do?**
- Facilitate group sessions - meeting survivors, starting off conversations, allowing space for people to talk (if they want to), and looking out for others.
- Administration & communication - managing enquiries from survivors in a timely manner, providing information, submitting information to the national office.
- Provide signposting to head office as well as other local charities and services.

**Who are we looking for?**
- Over the age of 18.
- Bereaved by suicide over 18 months ago and confident in your personal progress.
- Passionate about supporting others in your community.
- Friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, with good active listening skills.
- Respectful and non-judgmental approach to survivors.
- Comfortable in supporting conversations and managing group dynamics.
- Good communication skills - both spoken & written English.
- A commitment to support the group, your team, and the surrounding community.

**What do we provide?**
- Robust training and a commitment to development.
- Annual volunteer assembly: talks, forums, guest speakers, celebrations, and socials.
- Peer support from over 400 other volunteers with regular opportunities to meet, share ideas, and receive support.
- Regular check ins & catch-up sessions with a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator for your region, and our team in national office.
- Optional supervision and support from our partner, Suicide&co.
- Wellbeing retreats & activities including caravan stays.
- Travel & group expenses.
- Coverage by SoBS’ Public Liability Insurance whilst you’re carrying out the role.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments that enable volunteers with disabilities to access our opportunities.

**As a group facilitator, you will play a vital role in supporting others bereaved by suicide.**

**Benefits**:

- Employee mentoring programme
- Free or subsidised travel
- Sabbatical

Application question(s):

- Have you been bereaved by or impacted by a suicide loss?

**Experience**:

- Suicide Bereavement: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person

**Job Types**: Part-time, Volunteer

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Free or subsidised travel
- Health & wellbeing programme

**Experience**:

- Suicide bereavement: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Luton