Suicide Bereavement Peer Support - Bath

• Have you been impacted by suicide loss?
• Do you have a desire to help others?
• Are you comfortable with listening to and supporting people with similar experiences to your own?

If you are over 18 and were bereaved more than 2 years ago, you could help make a real difference in the lives of others.

Who are we?

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) is the leading charity providing peer-to-peer support for adults who have been bereaved or impacted by suicide. We believe that no one should face their loss alone, so we create safe spaces across the UK for people to share and process their grief.

Who are we looking for?

• Over the age of 18.
• Bereaved by suicide and confident in your own progress. The impacts of a death by suicide are far-reaching - this could have been a family member, friend, colleague, client, or even a stranger.
• Passionate about supporting others in your community.
• Friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, with good active listening skills.
• Respectful, sensitive, and non-judgmental approach.
• Good communication skills – both spoken & written English.

How do groups work?

Each group is run by a team of three volunteers who have all been bereaved by suicide themselves. Their role is facilitating meetings, group administration, fundraising and communication for the group as a team. All volunteers are provided with full training before they begin the role and receive support from head office throughout their volunteering journey.

SoBS groups usually meet once a month for around 2 hours, and provide people with an opportunity to listen, share, ask questions, and connect with others in a safe and non-judgemental space.

There is no set structure to a meeting – people are free to talk and listen as much or as little as they want. Topics discussed vary from month to month but often include people sharing their story, how they are feeling, what has happened since their last group visit, questions about coroners and discussions about common challenges such as flashbacks, supporting children or facing neighbours. Established groups may occasionally organise guest speakers, go on walks, or arrange craft workshops.

What will you do?

• Facilitate group sessions – meeting survivors, starting off conversations, allowing space for people to talk (if they want to), and looking out for others.
• Administration & communication – handling enquiries from new survivors, submitting data to the national office.
• Provide signposting to head office, as well as other local charities and services.
• 
  

What do we provide?

• Robust training and a commitment to your development.
• Peer support from over 500 other volunteers with regular opportunities to meet, share ideas, and receive support.
• Regular check ins & catch-up sessions with a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator for your region, and our team in national office.
• Reasonable travel & group expenses.
• Coverage by SoBS’ Public Liability Insurance whilst you’re carrying out the role.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments that enable volunteers with disabilities to access our opportunities.

As a group facilitator, you will play a vital role in supporting others bereaved by suicide. If you are passionate about supporting others through their grief journey, please do apply.