Local Support Group Facilitator

A support group facilitator runs (often with one or more other facilitators) a monthly support group meeting for bereaved parents. Currently, only a couple of TCF groups offer face to face support for adult bereaved siblings - at least one of the facilitators needs to be a bereaved sibling in order to offer support to siblings. We encourage volunteers to set up support groups with at least one other facilitator although individuals wishing to start up a group on their own initially are also welcome to apply. Support group facilitators create a caring, safe and supportive atmosphere which encourages group members to share their grief and experiences. A support group facilitator will do more listening than talking and will be resilient and comfortable listening to the experiences and feelings of others experiencing loss in a wide range of circumstances.

We offer all support group facilitators an Information and Training Day which equips you with the information and skills to run group meetings, as well as guidance in applying one’s own experience to support others. The training is a requirement if you wish to set up a group for TCF. The group facilitator role is a very rewarding one, and epitomises the best of peer support. In supporting others, we also support ourselves.

We are looking for bereaved parents who are at least 4 years on from their own bereavement and who are feeling more ‘resilient’ around their own loss. Following an initial conversation about the role, it may be that in some instances, we will ask you to wait a little longer before you offer your support in this role.

As a local group facilitator, you will be using your own experience and ways of coping to support other bereaved parents. Some of the qualities that make a good support group facilitator are:

• good listening and communication skills;
• high level of empathy;
• good self awareness
• non-judgmental approach;
• confident and able to hold your own in group situations;
• respectful of others’ beliefs and opinions;
• consistent and dependable;
• resilient around your own loss;
• able to maintain confidentiality

Our next training and information date for Facilitating a TCF Support Group are :

Monday 7 October 2024  9 - 4.30pm on Zoom

For more information, a volunteer application form and/or to reserve a place on our training days please contact Ruth, our Volunteer Manager at ruth@tcf.org.uk