Band 5 Service User Network (SUN) Lived Experience Group Facilitator – Erlegh House, University of Reading, RG6 6BZ
Are you someone with personal experience of personality disorder or significant mental health challenges who wants to make a real difference by supporting others who have been through similar struggles? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Lived Experience Group Facilitator within the Service User Network (SUN).
SUN (Service User Network) is an initiative aimed at improving services for people with complex emotional needs or difficulties often associated with the diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’. The SUN service provides community-based peer support groups that offer members a space to provide and receive support.
As a Lived Experience Group Facilitator, your personal journey will be a powerful asset. You’ll co-facilitate groups and support our members by drawing upon your own experiences of mental health, treatment, and self-management. You’ll help create a supportive environment that fosters understanding among group members.
The SUN Team sits within IMPACTT (Personality Disorder Pathway Services), and there may be opportunities to assist in the delivery of other aspects of the EUPD pathway, including the Managing Emotions Programme.
This is a permanent post – Full Time (part-time hours of 3-4 days a week will also be considered).
* Group Facilitation: Working alongside other facilitators in peer support groups, sharing insights from your own journey.
* Supervision: Participate in regular SUN meetings and weekly group clinical supervision, training, and reflective practice.
* Networking: Attend promotional events and support opportunities to network and promote SUN within the community.
* Flexibility: You’ll need to travel to other locations across Berkshire whilst also having an option to work from home when appropriate.
This role requires a good understanding of the difficulties that individuals may encounter, as well as self-awareness around the emotional impacts of working from a lived experience perspective. All team members will receive specific SUN facilitation training during induction.
Groups are delivered online and face-to-face across six localities in Berkshire: Newbury, Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead, and Slough. The successful candidate must be able to work both remotely and at community sites as needed.
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC and is committed to providing excellent mental health and community health services. We promote an inclusive and supportive environment where staff can thrive.
Our Values at Berkshire Healthcare
* Caring for and about you is our top priority
* Committed to providing good quality, safe services
* Working together with you to develop innovative solutions
Benefits include:
* Flexible working options
* 27 days’ annual leave, increasing with service, plus options to buy/sell leave
* Generous NHS pension scheme
* Opportunities for learning and career development
* Cycle to Work and car leasing schemes, including electric vehicles
* Wellbeing tools and services
* Discounts at retailers and restaurants
* Staff networks supporting diversity and inclusion
* Generous leave policies for maternity, paternity, adoption, and special leave
* Free parking on Trust sites
Note: For secondment roles, if the position becomes permanent, the successful candidate may be offered a permanent role.
For further details or informal visits, contact:
* Name: Charlie Thomas
* Job Title: Service User Network (SUN) Service Manager
* Email: Charlie.Thomas@Berkshire.nhs.uk
* Phone: 0300 365 8000
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