Peer Support Gardening Group Facilitator
SEL Mind
The purpose of the Volunteer Group Facilitator is to provide peer support and facilitate a group, whilst creating a welcoming environment and sharing their own knowledge/experience of living with mental health difficulties. The role will also entail the planning of groups, and assisting with other peer support administrative duties.
South East London Mind is a well-established and highly regarded local charity helping people to be mentally healthy. Working together with those experiencing mental health problems and dementia to improve their quality of life. With an annual turnover of £6M, over 180 staff and 260 volunteers, we are one of the largest charities in the Mind network. SEL Mind delivers a Peer Support Programme which consist of group activities and therapeutic groups run by Peer Support Volunteers for individuals’ with either a mental health diagnosis or service users who are impacted by mental health within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We’re looking for 3 volunteers to facilitate Growing Connections, a brand-new outdoor group centred around the simple, satisfying tasks of watering, pruning and tidying pot plants, and making space for the conversation and connection that grows alongside it. You’ll arrive early to set up, this will include readying tea and coffee, co-lead the session with another volunteer facilitator, and pack down and wash up at the end. You’ll lead without a staff member in the room, though one will be available on site if needed, so we’re looking for people who are comfortable taking the lead. The gardening gives the session its focus, but a space for conversation and connection is just as important. Over time we hope that members can feel a sense of ownership over the group and the space itself. You don’t need to be an expert gardener, but you should be comfortable with basic plant care, good at putting people at ease, and able to commit reliably for a minimum of a year Training, support and supervision will be provided.
Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Community Work,Gardening,Environmental,Support Work,General & Helping
Admin, Building & Maintenance, Conservation, Gardening, Managing People, Organising & Planning
• Facilitate group sessions confidently, helping to plan, coordinate and deliver engaging, inclusive activities. • Bring enthusiasm and passion for the subject area or focus of the group. • Listen openly and without judgment, offering empathy and support without seeking to ‘fix’ others. • Share relevant personal experiences appropriately, drawing on your lived experience to inspire hope and connection. • Maintain professionalism and calm in challenging situations, following safeguarding procedures and escalating concerns appropriately. • Work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting others to ensure groups run smoothly and effectively. • Model good self-care and wellbeing practices, recognising signs of fatigue or distress in yourself and others. • Use personal strategies and tools to maintain wellbeing while supporting participants. Demonstrate reliability and consistency, committing to volunteer regularly for at least one year to promote group stability and continuity. • Champion equity, diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels welcome, respected and represented. • Represent and promote Mind positively within the local community to support outreach and engagement.
- Gain frontline experience within a community mental health team - Regular training and development opportunities - Ongoing supervision and support - An opportunity to be part of a lived experience team - An opportunity to help people within the local community and give back - Expenses paid in line with volunteering policy - In-depth induction training which includes active listening skills, group dynamics, mental health awareness, and EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) “My experience has been great, I’ve felt really supported and found the tasks and the work really meaningful. I hoped that volunteering would lead to employment and it did. Volunteering helped me to develop my skills and build my confidence and support my mental health and wellbeing.” Peer Support Volunteer 2026 Training and Supervision: All volunteers receive essential peer support training, and attendance is required before starting the role. In addition, you will need to complete an online safeguarding course at home. We provide regular supervision every six weeks. The exact time will be confirmed with your coordinator.
Wednesday 1:30-4pm (group time) and ad hoc planning and supervision time Minimum commitment 12 months Induction Training: Tuesday 7 July, 10:00-16:00 – In person Thursday 9 July, 10:00-15:00 – Online Friday 10 July, 10:00-12:00 – Online
SE10 9EQ
Forum At Greenwich Trafalgar Road London United Kingdom SE10 9EQ
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