Peer Support Volunteer at Possability People

What does the opportunity involve doing?

Peer Support Host volunteers help create a welcoming, accessible and inclusive space for disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and neurodivergent people to come together, connect and share experiences. Working alongside the Community Engagement Facilitator, you will help make sure attendees feel comfortable, included and valued.

Before sessions, you may help prepare the room, welcome attendees, support people to sign in and help new members settle in. During sessions, you will help create a friendly atmosphere, encourage informal conversations and connections, support activities and help ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part.

You may also support with practical tasks such as refreshments, accessibility needs, room set-up and pack-down, attendance records and sharing any concerns with the facilitator.

The role is about helping create a safe and inclusive environment where people can meet others, build connections and feel part of a community. You will not be expected to provide advice, counselling or advocacy — the focus is on being a friendly face and helping people feel welcome.

Peer Support Hosts play an important role in helping disabled people and others with lived experience feel connected, listened to and able to participate in a supportive community.

What induction, training and support is offered?

Before starting in the role, you will receive an induction to Possability People, our values, services and ways of working. You will also receive role-specific training to help you understand the Peer Support Group, your role within sessions and how to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

You will receive ongoing support from the Community Engagement Facilitator, including guidance before and during sessions, opportunities to ask questions and regular check-ins to discuss how things are going. You will work alongside the facilitator and will not be expected to manage sessions or provide advice, counselling or specialist support.

We will support you to develop your confidence in welcoming people, encouraging connections and responding appropriately if someone needs additional support.

Volunteers also have access to a range of free training opportunities, including disability equality, confidence building, computer skills and customer service.

What skills or qualities are needed?

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly, welcoming and approachable
• Enjoy meeting and talking with people
• Good listeners who are patient and understanding
• Respectful of different experiences, identities and perspectives
• Able to help people feel included and comfortable
• Reliable and able to make a regular commitment
• Able to work as part of a team and follow guidance from the facilitator
• Comfortable supporting people in a group setting
• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
• Willing to learn and develop new skills
• Committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for disabled people and people with different support needs

You do not need previous experience of running groups or providing support. We are looking for someone who is kind, approachable and interested in helping people connect with others in a safe and welcoming space.