Volunteer Support Group Facilitator

Anaphylaxis UK is launching an exciting new initiative to strengthen local support for individuals living with serious allergies and we need compassionate, proactive volunteers to help bring this vision to life.

At Anaphylaxis UK, we highly value the importance of building strong relationships. Therefore, our volunteers should share these values and aim to build strong relationships with support group attendees and other staff members. As a Volunteer Support Group Facilitator, you’ll play a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive space where people affected by serious allergies can come together, share experiences, and support one another.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community while developing valuable skills in communication, leadership, and peer support. Volunteers will also benefit from receiving high-quality and thorough training in running support groups and will receive ongoing support to develop skills in supporting the groups. 

Purpose of the role

To facilitate support groups for adults and parents of children affected by allergies (max 15 attendees). Facilitators within our support groups provide a safe, welcoming place for people affected by allergies to meet, share their thoughts and experiences and gain support. Facilitators plan group activities, complete administration and arrange venues for meetings, supported by Anaphylaxis UK support group coordinator.

Volunteers are not required to offer any medical advice and will signpost to other resources/ the support group coordinator when needed.

Key responsibilities

To organise and facilitate quarterly support groups hosted in your local area for people with serious allergies, or parents of children with serious allergies. This includes :
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Use effective group facilitation skills and active listening skills to create a safe, friendly and warm environment that allows all to feel heard and gain support, in line with their preferences
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Maintain and reinforce confidentiality
  • right_arrow_orange_icon To complete all administration involved with the functioning and evaluation of the groups
  • right_arrow_orange_icon To build and maintain relationships with venue providers and monitor suitability
  • right_arrow_orange_icon To support the marketing of groups through Anaphylaxis UK and local services
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Create and maintain a safe, friendly and warm environment
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Don’t offer health advice – signpost to Anaphylaxis UK or health worker
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Use the training provided to look after yourself and maintain self-care
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Attend training provided by Anaphylaxis UK and supervision meetings
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Maintain health and safety of the group and ensure all Anaphylaxis UK policies and procedures are followed
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Potential evening work, dependant on timing of your support group

Additional requirements

Time commitment :

5 hours quarterly plus training, travel to group venues, and annual Anaphylaxis UK event (expenses paid).

DBS check

All volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check (payable by the charity) and will be asked to provide two references (these can be character references, however, must not be a family relation).

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV, together with two references and brief answers (no longer than 200 words) to the following questions, to supportgroup@anaphylaxis.org.uk.

  1. What interests you about the role of Volunteer Support Group Facilitator?
  2. How would you go about providing a welcoming group environment? (please provide examples of previous experience doing so)

 

Deadline for applications: 1st August 2025

Please only apply if you meet the essential criteria outlined within the role description. 

The charity will conduct an initial video call with shortlisted candidates (10-15 minutes), prior to interviews, which are anticipated to be held during the w/c 4th August 2025.

 

For further information, please download full role description :

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For any queries relating to the Volunteer Support Group Facilitator role, please contact Group Support Coordinator Vanessa Millward via email at vanessa.millward@anaphylaxis.org.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application.