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Bipolar/Depression Peer Support Group Facilitator

Bipolar/Depression Peer Support Groups follow a peer-based, mutual support group model that provides an opportunity for individuals living with either bipolar disorder or depression to share and learn from their common experience.

All NAMI support groups follow a peer-based, mutual support group model and are led by trained facilitators with lived experience. Facilitators are not counselors or teachers; they give the group structure by opening and closing each session, guiding discussion, and shifting discussion when necessary.

Support Group Facilitator
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Minimum Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years or older

Volunteer Commitment

A 6-month commitment upon completion of training, co-facilitating 2–5 support group meetings a month.

Reports To

Program Coordinator

Location

Support groups were fully virtual at the time the handbook was written (Feb. 2022). Facilitators receive an email with the meeting link and participant roster the night of each group, and should facilitate from a private space that protects participants’ confidentiality (not a public place such as a library or coffee shop).

Responsibilities

  • Work cooperatively with your co-facilitator to conduct the group.
  • Respect the privacy of support group attendees by creating an environment of confidentiality and by holding sensitive, private, and personal information in confidence. You must also be prepared to break confidentiality when you believe there is a danger of harm to a participant or others.
  • Offer respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope to peers in the group coping with mental illness.
  • Send attendance and weekly reporting forms to the Program Director.
  • Fulfill refresher requirements.
  • Encourage attendees to join NAMI and become advocates.
  • Actively maintain your own wellness and respect your emotional and physical limitations.

Requirements

  • Personal experience with mental illness (corresponding with the support group) and living well in recovery.
  • Willingness to share one’s own lived experience with mental illness.
  • Strong commitment to supporting individuals dealing with mental illness.
  • Complete the process to become a support group facilitator, including filling out the volunteer application and completing an interview with the Program Coordinator.
  • Complete a 2-day peer support group training.
  • Have attended at least four NAMI support groups.
  • Current member of NAMI or willing to join.
  • Responsible, with good organizational skills and strong people skills.
  • Desire to facilitate and adhere to the NAMI support group model.

Required Training

2-day peer support group training
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Registration is only required one time for all support groups.  If you've already registered previously for a group, your registration is complete for attending all support groups from NAMI Dane County.

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If you or someone you know are having a mental health crisis, please call 988 to speak with a trained counselor or call 911 and request a Mental Health Trained Officer.

For resources or to speak with a Peer or Parent Peer Support Specialist please follow the link below.

Peer SupportClose
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We respect your privacy.
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Do you personally live with a mental illness?
Do you have a family member who lives with a mental illness?
Have you ever participated in a NAMI Dane County program, class, or support group?
Do you currently have a NAMI Dane County paid membership?
If yes, please select which of the following programs you've participated in
Please indicate your volunteer interests:
What days of the week are you available?
What time of day are you available?
Is English your primary language?
What are your preferred pronouns?

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