Interim arrangement agreed with groups – members to lead group facilitation
Following the news that Voluntary Norfolk’s Better Together Norfolk service is coming to an end — putting the Different Day and Sunshine and Showers bipolar peer support groups we’ve co-hosted at The Shoebox for over three years at risk — we’re pleased to share that an interim arrangement has been agreed with group members that will enable both groups to continue meeting over the summer.
We’re still actively exploring funding options and speaking with local charities and organisations about longer-term support. But after recent group visits and thoughtful discussions with members, we’ve agreed that existing group members can step into informal volunteering roles to help host the groups. These sessions were previously independently facilitated by Better Together Norfolk.
As part of this new arrangement, volunteers will support with:
- Setting up and tidying the space
- Making refreshments
- Creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming atmosphere
- Supporting group discussions
- Greeting new visitors and signposting to other activities
- Keeping sign-in sheets and reporting any concerns
- Attending occasional volunteer meetings and training
We’re inviting anyone who’d like to be involved to complete a short expression of interest form by 5pm on Friday 11 July. We’ve already had a brilliant response!
At this stage, there’s no selection process – all members are valued and we trust the group will work together to help things run smoothly.
Support for volunteers
To support this informal volunteering role, we’ll run some light-touch preparation sessions covering:
- Our safeguarding policy and procedures
- Managing different scenarios
- Facilitation basics
We’ve pencilled in a couple of dates for these sessions at The Shoebox and plan to run more as needed.
Trial arrangement
This is a trial arrangement and we’ll review it together in September. Looking further ahead, we know that funding will be needed to cover ongoing costs, and in response to feedback, we hope to offer peer support and mental health training for volunteers and staff.
Feedback
Over the summer, we’ll be visiting some sessions to gather members’ feedback. This will help us build a stronger case for funding and highlight the real impact of these groups.
If you’re a member and would like to share your experience of how the group has made a difference to you, please email: team@theshoebox.org.uk
If you’re a potential funder or partner interested in supporting this work, please contact Tom Gaskin at tom@theshoebox.org.uk or call 01603 850309.