Volunteer "Reading Through Recovery" Group Facilitator

Reach: Reach Drug and Alcohol Services is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Dorset. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for adults and young people wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well as offering support to family members and running campaigns and events that raise awareness of addiction and celebrate recovery in the community.

Reading Through Recovery - A weekly 90‑minute group supporting anyone on a substance or alcohol recovery journey, whether actively using or abstinent, through the shared experience of reading.​

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In a relaxed and inclusive space, participants bring a book they’re reading, explore themes that resonate, and dive into stories that spark insight and strength. Together, we share literature that has inspired, supported, or shaped our recovery journeys, with optional recommendations and themed reading ideas each week.​

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This is more than a book group, it's a place to find meaning, connection, and momentum in recovery.​

Details of the role & tasks

The role:

We are seeking enthusiastic readers to co-facilitate our new project – Reading Through Recovery. Volunteer group facilitators will help to make newcomers feel welcome, and empower everyone in the meeting to contribute, should they wish to.

This role is ideally suited to people with lived experience of recovery, either directly, or through supporting a close friend or family member, although we welcome applications from anyone with an empathetic, non-judgemental attitude that can build strong working relationships with others.

Tasks may include:

• Facilitating a non-judgemental space to allow participants to express feelings and share experiences freely.
• Foster a sense of community and trust
• Enable participants to connect through shared narratives, enabling them to relate to one another’s journeys.
• Encourage reflection and discussion.

Personal qualities

Skills we would love you to bring to the role:

• Welcoming, friendly and an ability to put other people at ease
• Confident and calm in group settings
• Good IT skills – the SMART Recovery UK training all takes place electronically and includes submitting some written responses via email
• Non-judgmental towards people facing challenges in their lives, including around drug and/or alcohol use and/or mental health
• Good time keeping
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

Waythrough

What Volunteers can expect from us:

Volunteering with Waythrough offers people a unique chance to have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. We work both with and within diverse communities across the UK and every day we see people making positive changes to turn their lives around. We also offer:

• Regular supervision and support

• Induction and access to online and face to face training

• To learn and practice new skills within a teamwork setting

• To feel part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation

• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey

• Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough's work

Our values:

Our values underpin everything we do – from how we work together through to how we design and deliver services. All our work to fulfil this vision is strengthened by our values.

• Kindness - be generous, caring and understanding.
• Courage - be bold, trust, commit.
• Respect - everyone deserves dignity.

Location: Some flexibility depending on staff and volunteer availability and ability to travel though meetings are currently held in Weymouth, Dorchester and on-line.

Timing: We are looking for someone who can offer around 2-3  hours a

Training: Volunteers have access to Waythrough’s training platform, LearningKind, and will be asked to complete an induction workshop ahead of their start date and a number of training modules within their first 3 months.

About Waythrough 

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. 

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers. 

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: View email address on swooped.co

How to apply

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application. 

Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.

Closing date: