Fibromyalgia Group Leader

Fibromyalgia Group Leader

Posted for Mid Sussex Health Care

Posted by Mid Sussex Voluntary Action

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Volunteer – Fibromyalgia Support Group

Could you help us grow a friendly and supportive community for people living with fibromyalgia?

We are looking for a friendly, proactive and enthusiastic volunteer to help coordinate and develop our new Fibromyalgia Support Group.

The group meets twice a month, on the first and third Wednesday, from 10.00am–11.30am at Keymer Hall. The group is still in its infancy, so this is an exciting opportunity for someone who would enjoy helping to shape and grow the group into a welcoming and valuable source of support for local people living with fibromyalgia.

The group provides a relaxed opportunity for people to meet others who understand their experiences, chat, share ideas and find out about useful local services and activities.

What are we looking for?

You don't need to have professional experience or specialist knowledge of fibromyalgia. We are looking for someone who is:

* Friendly, approachable and welcoming

* Proactive and confident using their own initiative

* A good communicator who enjoys meeting and talking to people

* Comfortable using WhatsApp

* Confident using Facebook and local Facebook groups/pages to promote community activities – this is an essential part of the role

* Organised and able to maintain communication with different contacts

* Interested in finding out about local community services and opportunities

* Happy to contact local organisations and arrange guest speakers

* Reliable and able to commit to attending the group regularly

* Enthusiastic about helping a new group grow and develop

* Someone who enjoys bringing people together and creating a sense of community

Time commitment

Group: First and third Wednesday of each month

Time: 10.00am–11.30am

Location: Keymer Hall

There would also be a small amount of time between sessions for WhatsApp communication, researching relevant local opportunities, promoting the group and arranging occasional guest speakers.

This is an ongoing volunteer role, and we are looking for someone who is able to make a regular commitment and who is genuinely interested in helping the group establish itself and grow.

And there's a little bonus...

☕ Free tea and coffee and pastries at every session! Because bringing people together is always better with a cuppa and something tasty!

Why volunteer?

This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to people living with fibromyalgia, helping to create a supportive community where people can meet others who understand their experiences, discover new opportunities and feel less isolated.

As the group is still new, you will have the opportunity to help shape its future, introduce new ideas and play an important part in helping it become an established and valued local support group.

If you're friendly, organised, proactive and enjoy bringing people together, we'd love to hear from you!

What skills do I need?

* Attend the group on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

* Welcome new members and introduce them to others in the group.

* Help create a friendly, inclusive and relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

* Add new members to the group's WhatsApp group, where appropriate.

* Maintain ongoing communication with group members through WhatsApp, sharing useful information and updates.

* Spend a small amount of time between sessions researching  local services, activities, groups and sources of support that may benefit those attending.

* Contact relevant local organisations and arrange occasional guest speakers or representatives to attend the group.

* Aim to arrange approximately one guest speaker session each month, while ensuring there is still plenty of time for members to chat and share their own experiences.

* Maintain ongoing communication with the named contacts at Keymer Hall, ensuring they are aware of any external visitors or guest speakers attending.

* Help promote the group through local Facebook groups and community pages, helping to raise awareness and encourage new members to attend.

* Support the group to grow by thinking creatively about ways to reach people who may benefit from attending.

* Listen to feedback from group members and help develop the group around their interests, needs and suggestions.