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How you can help as a Support Group Facilitator

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 facilitator works with the support group to:

  • Define their role as a collaborator: the facilitator is not an expert.
  • Conduct group meetings in a caring, respectful and compassionate manner.
  • Promote the value of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be involved in making decisions about their own care.
  • Establish, with input from group participants, a list of ground rules and goals and review the list with the group on a regular basis.
  • Foster an opportunity for people to interact with others dealing with similar health concerns; facilitate sharing of 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.
  • 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.

Parkinson Society British Columbia is actively recruiting volunteer Support Group Facilitators. 

For more information about this position, please contact:
604-662-3240 | 1-800-668-3330| info@parkinson.bc.ca