Group Facilitator

About The Role

At Alzheimer's Society, we believe no one should face dementia alone. Every group, activity and conversation can help people affected by dementia feel connected, supported and understood.
We're looking for a warm, enthusiastic and organised Group Facilitator to join our new county-wide dementia support service across Worcestershire, working 21 hours on a permanent basis.

You'll be part of a new team working in partnership with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, local communities and other organisations supporting people affected by dementia.

This is a community-based role with travel required. You'll coordinate and facilitate welcoming groups and activities for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
These may include:

- Carers' groups and activities
- Peer support groups
- Singing for the Brain
- Information sessions and activities for people affected by dementia
- CRISP, our Carers' Resource Information and Support Programme

You'll create safe and welcoming spaces where people can meet others, take part in meaningful activities, share experiences and find information and support. While some administrative work can be completed from home, much of your time will be spent in communities across Worcestershire.

If you enjoy bringing people together, building trusted relationships and helping others feel included, this could be the role for you.

What could a typical week look like?

No two weeks will be exactly the same.

You might begin your day preparing for a carers' group or CRISP session, making sure the venue, information and activities are ready. You'll welcome people as they arrive, help them feel comfortable and explain what they can expect from the session.

Later, you might facilitate a Singing for the Brain session, peer support group or another activity for people affected by dementia. You'll encourage everyone to participate in a way that feels right for them and make sure each person feels welcomed, respected and included.
Throughout the week, you'll work with people living with dementia, carers, volunteers, colleagues and local organisations. You'll listen to feedback and use it to help develop groups and activities that meet the needs of local communities.

You'll recruit, welcome and support volunteers who help deliver groups and activities. You'll help them settle into their role, develop their confidence and feel valued as part of the team. You'll be supported by Alzheimer's Society's volunteering specialists, who provide guidance on wider volunteering processes and best practice.

Alongside this, you'll keep accurate records, promote groups locally and help more people find the support available to them.

You'll be part of a friendly and supportive team that shares knowledge, learns together and helps one another. Training and ongoing support will be provided to help you grow in the role and deepen your understanding of dementia.

About you

We're looking for someone who is compassionate, approachable and committed to helping people affected by dementia feel supported and connected.

You'll bring:

- An understanding of dementia, personal experience of supporting someone affected by dementia, or a willingness to learn.
- Experience of delivering groups, activities, events or support in either a paid or voluntary role.
- The confidence to welcome people, encourage participation and help everyone feel included.
- Strong listening and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Experience of supporting, coordinating or working alongside volunteers would be beneficial, although training and support will be provided.
- The ability to organise your time, prepare sessions and manage a varied workload.
- Confidence using IT systems to keep accurate and confidential records.
- A compassionate, respectful and non-judgemental approach.
- An understanding that people's experiences of dementia and caring are different, with support shaped around what matters to each person.
- The ability to travel independently across Worcestershire.

You do not need to have worked in dementia services, health or social care before. Your experience may come from community work, education, customer service, retail, hospitality, housing, charities, faith organisations, caring responsibilities or another role where you have supported and brought people together.

We recognise the value of transferable skills and lived experience. If you share our values and are willing to learn, we'd be pleased to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

You will:

- Plan, organise and facilitate welcoming groups and activities for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
- Deliver CRISP (Carers' Resource Information and Support Programme) sessions, helping carers build their knowledge, confidence and understanding of dementia.
- Create safe, inclusive and supportive environments where people feel respected, confident and able to take part in groups and activities.
- Listen to people affected by dementia and carers, using their feedback to help shape and improve groups and activities.
- Recruit, induct and support volunteers who help deliver groups and activities, working alongside Alzheimer's Society's volunteering teams.
- Build positive relationships with people affected by dementia, volunteers, colleagues, community organisations and local partners.
- Promote groups and activities within local communities, helping more people find and access support.
- Help make groups accessible and welcoming to people from all backgrounds, experiences and communities.
- Keep accurate and confidential records and ensure venues, activities and equipment are organised and safe for those attending.
- Recognise when someone may benefit from additional support and help them connect with the most appropriate service.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, sharing ideas and contributing to the ongoing development of groups and activities.
- Respond appropriately to any concerns about a person's safety or wellbeing, following Alzheimer's Society guidance and procedures.

Regular travel across Worcestershire will be an important part of this community-based role. You'll need to be able to travel independently between different venues, including locations where public transport may be limited.