Peer Support Volunteer

Help create a welcoming, accessible and inclusive space where disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and neurodivergent people can come together, connect and share experiences.

Working alongside our Community Engagement Facilitator, you will help attendees feel comfortable, included and valued. Help prepare the room, welcome people as they arrive, support sign-in, introduce new attendees and help people settle into the group.

During sessions, you will help create a friendly atmosphere, encourage conversations and connections, support activities and ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part. You'll also help with practical tasks such as refreshments, accessibility needs, tidying up and sharing concerns with the facilitator.

This role is about being a friendly and welcoming presence and helping people feel part of a supportive community. You will not be expected to provide advice, counselling or advocacy, the focus is on connection, inclusion and peer support.

---

Benefits

Develop your confidence and people skills – Build experience in welcoming groups, communication, listening and creating inclusive spaces. Make a positive difference – Help disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and neurodivergent people feel connected, included and part of a supportive community.

Meet new people and be part of a team – Connect with others, gain volunteering experience and work alongside the Community Engagement team in a friendly environment.

---

Practical Considerations

This role is based at our Head Office in Kemp Town, Brighton, we are well served by public transport and travel expenses are paid. 

The Peer Support Group runs every Wednesday, and volunteer support is needed from 12.30pm to 4pm.

We ask for a regular commitment of one session per week for a minimum of 6 months.

We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments with you, including changes to activities, timings, equipment or any additional support needs.

---

Support Disabled

As a disability charity, we are committed to making volunteering accessible and welcoming for everyone. We recognise that people may need different types of support to take part, and we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments before and during your volunteering. Support may include adapting activities, adjusting timings, providing equipment or additional guidance, and considering any communication or access needs. We work with volunteers to understand what will help them feel confident and included in their role. Peer Support Hosts receive an induction, ongoing guidance from the Community Engagement Facilitator and opportunities to ask questions and discuss how things are going. Volunteers are not expected to manage difficult situations alone and will have support from the facilitator during sessions. We value the lived experience, skills and perspectives that disabled volunteers bring, while welcoming anyone who shares our values and wants to contribute to creating inclusive spaces.

What skills do I need?

We are looking for volunteers who are:

•  Friendly, welcoming and approachable
•  Enjoy meeting and talking with people
•  Good listeners who are patient and understanding
•  Respectful of different experiences, identities and perspectives
•  Able to help people feel included and comfortable
•  Reliable and able to make a regular commitment
•  Able to work as part of a team and follow guidance from the facilitator
•  Comfortable supporting people in a group setting
•  Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
•  Willing to learn and develop new skills
•  Committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for disabled people and people with different experiences and support needs.

You do not need previous experience of running groups or supporting others. We are looking for someone who is kind, approachable and wants to help people connect with others in a welcoming community space.