Support Group Volunteer
Help create welcoming spaces where people affected by facial palsy can connect, share experiences and feel understood.
About Facial Palsy UK and this role
Facial Palsy UK is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting people affected by all causes of facial palsy through information, support and research.
Our support groups bring people together who understand some of the realities of living with facial palsy. They provide welcoming spaces to connect, share experiences and access trusted information and support.
As a Support Group Volunteer, you can get involved in a way that suits your experience and availability. You might help welcome people and support conversations, or, if you'd like to take more responsibility, become a Support Group Leader and take the lead in coordinating your local group.
These roles contribute directly to Facial Palsy UK's Support objective and our Inform objective by helping people access trusted information and resources.
How you could get involved
Support Group Volunteer
This could be right for you if you'd like to help create a friendly and supportive environment without taking responsibility for running the group.
You could:
- Welcome people and help them feel comfortable.
- Support friendly, inclusive group conversations.
- Share relevant FPUK information and resources.
- Help with practical arrangements for meetings.
- Work alongside your Support Group Leader and other volunteers.
- Raise any concerns with the appropriate person at FPUK.
You don't need experience of running groups. We'll provide the training and guidance you need.
Support Group Leader
If you'd like to take more of a leadership role, you could volunteer as a Support Group Leader, taking responsibility for coordinating your local group and helping it develop.
You could:
- Organise and coordinate support group meetings.
- Lead welcoming, inclusive group conversations.
- Support other volunteers involved in the group.
- Act as the main link between your group and the FPUK team.
- Help promote the group and welcome new members.
- Share feedback and insights to help FPUK understand what people in the community need.
Previous experience of facilitating groups can be helpful, but this could come from volunteering, work or your own community experience.
What we're looking for
Whichever way you get involved, we're looking for people who are friendly, empathetic and good listeners. You'll be helping create a space where people may share personal experiences, so it's important that you're respectful, reliable and understand the importance of boundaries and confidentiality.
What you'll get from volunteering
You'll become part of the Facial Palsy UK community and help people affected by facial palsy feel more connected and supported. You'll also have opportunities to develop your communication, facilitation and group leadership skills, depending on how you choose to get involved.
Practical information
Location: Support groups may meet online or in person in different locations across the UK.
Time commitment: Flexible and dependent on how often your group meets. Support Group Leaders will usually spend some additional time organising and communicating around meetings.
Training and support: You'll receive induction, relevant training and ongoing support from Facial Palsy UK.
Expenses: Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
Inclusion and DBS information
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
A DBS check may be required depending on the responsibilities involved. If a DBS check is required, this will be discussed with you during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from volunteering with Facial Palsy UK. Any disclosures will be considered fairly, confidentially and in relation to the responsibilities of the role.
