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Support Group Facilitator

Role Outline – Wigwam support group facilitator

We are looking for self-motivated and compassionate individuals to help facilitate our support groups and make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.

Wigwam Support Groups offer those with cancer a chance to share their feelings and experiences in a safe and welcoming environment. Support Group Facilitators listen, provide emotional support and share approved cancer-related information.

No special qualifications are needed for this role, but being able to devote time to setting up and maintaining a group is essential.

"As a Wigwam cancer support group facilitator for Yes to Life, my role goes beyond facilitating the meeting; it's about creating a safe haven where individuals facing the challenges of cancer find strength in shared stories, compassion in shared tears, and resilience in shared triumphs. Together, we weave a tapestry of support, understanding that every word spoken and every silence shared contributes to the healing journey. In this space, I witness the power of community, where hope is rekindled, and the journey towards life becomes a collective, empowering experience."

Skills and experience needed

  • Personal experience of cancer and understanding the integrative approach to cancer
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries
  • A well-developed ‘listening ear’
  • Ability to empathise with people and not to over-sympathise
  • Provide approved information, not advice.
  • Awareness of the importance of confidentiality
  • Ability to manage your own experiences and support needs

What will you do?

  • Provide a safe and supportive environment for those with cancer or those close to them
  • Organise meetings to run at least monthly
  • Organise group activities should you wish to
  • Recruit and maintain membership of the group
  • Secure guest speakers if possible when requested by the group
  • Signpost to further approved information and organisations when needed
  • Share approved information about cancer
  • Report back to the Wigwam Co-ordinator on support group activity and attend the Facilitator’s Meeting whenever possible

You will need to be able to commit to this role for a minimum period of  6 months.

You will need to set aside time to plan, organise and deliver at least 6 support group meetings a year. Support group meetings can be carried out both in-person and online.

Training, Support and Expenses

You will be required to attend online induction training and have access to ongoing online training to support you in your role.

How to apply

Please fill in the form below and we wil be in touch.

Successful candidates are invited to attend an online interview and are required to attend a 1-day induction training session before starting in post.

Volunteer Application form