Parkinson Society British Columbia is currently seeking volunteer support group facilitators for:

• Langley (in person at Timms Community Centre)

A support group facilitator works to create an environment that is safe and respectful, and where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences, insight and knowledge with others. A support group facilitator will also assist with the delivery of information, education, and resources for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers/families.

The support group facilitator:

• Defines their role as a peer and collaborator: the facilitator is not an expert.
• Conducts group meetings in a caring, respectful and compassionate manner.
• Promotes the value of empowerment, focuses on members' strengths and encourages self-determination in their health and self-care.
• Collaborates with group participants to establish a list of ground rules, norms and goals. Reviews the list with the group on a regular basis and revise it as needed to accommodate the group's needs.
• Fosters a nurturing and trusting environment for people to interact with empathy and share experiences living with Parkinson's. 
• Liaise with PSBC staff on behalf of the group.
• Develop and maintain a list of participants’ addresses, phone numbers, and emails.
• If needed develop a facilitation committee of two or three people sharing responsibilities; ask for help with coffee, photocopying, room setup, etc.
• Introduce newcomers, explain group guidelines such as confidentiality, and help them connect with group participants.

The group facilitator works with Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) to:

• Support the goals of PSBC in local communities with an emphasis on providing information, support and fellowship for people with Parkinson’s and their families.
• Provide PSBC with updated group lists, including addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses on an annual basis.
  • Be guided by the suggestions and decisions of PSBC staff.
  • Attend training/education provided by PSBC about Parkinson’s disease and enhancing facilitator’s skills, including quarterly facilitator teleconferences.

For more information about this position, please contact Alexandra Hernandez at ahernandez@parkinson.bc.ca