Opportunity

At Bipolar UK, we are on a mission to create more Peer Support Groups across Northern Ireland to help empower those affected by bipolar in the local community. If you have lived experience of bipolar and would like to support a group in your area, we would love to hear from you!

Aim of the role: To support and empower people affected by bipolar by co-facilitating a peer support group, either in person or virtually. The purpose of our groups is to bring people together to share experiences and support each other through inclusive discussion. Bipolar UK welcomes and supports everyone affected by bipolar, valuing each person’s unique experiences and promoting a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. Why volunteer with us? "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 such 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 whilst increasing your knowledge of living with and managing the condition. • Being part of a team with support from 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 will be reimbursed in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance. What does the role involve? • 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. What we are looking for volunteers to have: • Have 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, teamworking, and organisational skills; including active listening, interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively time keep. • Empathy, understanding, and the 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), for example: sending an email and ability to attend Zoom sessions. • Supporting the principles and values of Bipolar UK and our Support Groups, and helping to follow our service guidelines and policies.. Requirements: 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. Bipolar UK will support you with: 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.

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