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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. 

The role

We are seeking Volunteer Support Group Facilitators to help deliver supportive, safe, and inclusive group sessions for people living with serious allergies. Facilitators play a vital role in enabling peer support, sharing experiences, and fostering understanding within the allergy community.  

All our volunteer facilitators are supported by our Group Support Coordinator and have regular debrief sessions with an Anaphylaxis UK Clinical Psychologist. 

As we expand our support groups across the UK, we are searching for volunteers to run groups for various demographics. 

We would particularly like to hear from you if you meet any of the criteria below:
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Vplunteers located in the Isle of Man with experience of serious allergies

Key responsibilities

Be available to facilitate an allergy support group quarterly for approximately 1.5hrs per session. This includes :
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Organise either a local in-person or online support group on behalf of Anaphylaxis UK that aims to support those living with serious allergies and anaphylaxis. This involves securing a venue (or setting up an online meeting), advertising the group locally, structuring a rough agenda and all other general pre- event logistics.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Facilitate support group sessions in a respectful and structured manner, in line with Anaphylaxis UK mission and values.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Create a safe, supportive environment for participants to share experiences.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon You are not expected to offer health advice – instead, signpost participants to relevant Anaphylaxis UK resources or a medical professional when appropriate.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Attend required training sessions and undertake online e-learning (approx. 20 hours total training). E-learning can be completed at a time to suit you.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Attend occasional charity events (travel and expenses paid for by the charity).

Skills/Experience

  • right_arrow_orange_icon Lived experience of serious allergies – either personally or caring for a loved one with serious allergies.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Some experience supporting people, either professionally or in a voluntary capacity.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Strong listening and communication skills.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Empathetic, reliable, and able to maintain confidentiality.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Willingness to work within Anaphylaxis UK’s policies and safeguarding procedures.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon IT literate.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Additional requirements: A DBS check is required (funded by Anaphylaxis UK).

As a Support Group Facilitator, you will receive:

  • right_arrow_orange_icon Guidance and support for the planning of your support groups.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Information and materials to help you in your volunteering role.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon The ability to promote your group on the Anaphylaxis UK website and social media accounts.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Training to help build your skills as an Anaphylaxis UK volunteer.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred while volunteering for Anaphylaxis UK e.g. venue fees, travel expenses.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Regular check-ins with the Group Support Coordinator and Anaphylaxis UK Clinical Psychologist.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Connection with other volunteer facilitators.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by serious allergies.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Experience working with a respected national health charity.
  • right_arrow_orange_icon Anaphylaxis UK polo shirt and hooded jumper.

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)

 

Closing date: 12th March 2026

The charity will conduct an initial telephone call with shortlisted candidates (10-15 minutes), prior to interviews.

 

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 us at supportgroup@anaphylaxis.org.uk.   

We look forward to receiving your application.