Stony Plain Volunteer Centre

What are the Volunteer duties or responsibilities?
Caregivers Alberta empowers Albertans who give care to family and friends due to illness, addiction, disability, or aging at home or in the community. We provide education, support caregivers' well-being, and advocate for public policy.

Although we are headquartered in Edmonton, we provide programs and services for all family and friend caregivers throughout the province of Alberta.

Peer support programs provide emotional, social, and informational support to people who share similar experiences. Caregivers Alberta’s peer support program (also known as Caregiver Support Community) is built on a strength-based approach that aims to empower caregivers and build them up.

Here are some of the duties of a Peer Support Group Facilitator:
- create an inclusive ‘environment of comfort’ where it is easy to talk and share
- observe the group atmosphere and help to move things along
- lead by example and not ‘as the boss’
- model healthy and respectful behaviour
- report back on particularly challenging topics for debrief and problem-solving
- record hours and activities and submit them monthly

Volunteer facilitators should have previous facilitation experience, preferably in the clinical or social health sector. Previous experience as a caregiver is an asset, but not required.

Volunteers should have about two (2) hours to dedicate to preparation and hosting the peer support group each week.

You will be partnered with another Facilitator to guide and support an IN-PERSON peer support group in Stony Plain that is run through a partnership between Caregivers Alberta and the Town of Stony Plain. Meeting frequency TBD but will likely be on a MONTHLY basis.

This opportunity is open to current post-secondary (3rd or 4th year or higher) and recent graduates. This opportunity is suitable for older adults 55+.

Education/Knowledge Required
- educational and/or practical experience in facilitating groups, health care, social services, or mental health

- current students in programs such as: social/human services, psychology, or nursing

- paid or volunteer experience in a healthcare-related field or general wellness/well-being field

Benefits to the Volunteer
Benefits of volunteering with Caregivers Alberta as a Peer Support Group Facilitator:
- gain valuable health-related volunteer hours for secondary or post-secondary education programs

- be part of a team that cares about your time and contribution

- help grow awareness of caregiving and the challenges that Alberta's one million+ family and friend caregivers face

Time commitment required
While meeting frequency is yet to be determined, the most likely scenario is that this IN-PERSON peer support group for caregivers will meet on a monthly basis.
- Approximately two hours per month facilitating the group

- Approximately ten hours of total training time (general volunteer orientation, facilitator training, participation in a COMPASS for the Caregiver 4-session workshop)

Start Date
April 1, 2025

Link to website for more information (if applicable)
https://www.caregiversalberta.ca/volunteer/peer-support-group-facilitator/