FDS Annual Report 2024/25

32 Feedback from attendees at volunteer training… o “Fantastic two days, exceeded my expectations, great content and handouts, amazing trainers, great group and I couldn't pick a single thing I would change!! Thank you!” o “Thank you for the service and the depth of content, skills and the heart behind the training. Incredibly informative, supportive and encouraging and practical. Thank you to the facilitators for your time and your passion.” o “Great facilitators, down to earth and very friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Can't wait to start! And learn more to put into practice.” Support Group Facilitator training for staff and volunteers Support Group Facilitator Training is run by James and Sally and is a full day workshop for volunteers and FDS staff, generally these people have already been through the Volunteer Training for the Telephone Support Line. FDS provides this additional training to volunteers who are interested in being involved in the delivery of our face to face and online support meetings. This training includes modules on: • Other models of family support • The FDS model of family support • The roles of Facilitators, Co-Facilitators and helpers • Problematic group members • Language, Labels and Unhelpful concepts • Themes that occur in groups • Group rules and things not to do • Stages of Change for Families and Substance users • Communication strategies and negotiation skills • Self-disclosure and discussion points After initial training, attendees are then stepped through a process of observing a group with an experienced facilitator, then potentially as a helper, co-facilitator or facilitator. All volunteer group facilitators have scheduled debriefing with FDS staff every month to discuss the group or groups they have facilitated, or at any other time if a difficult/challenging situation has arisen. This provides an opportunity for the volunteer to talk about any issues/challenges they have encountered at the group, any triggers that have arisen for them, and guidance on strategies to handle these. Nationally FDS facilitated one Support Group Facilitator Training course in the 2024/25 FY which was attended by two volunteers and ten staff members. This was part of induction and ongoing development for the staff members, and also an opportunity to trial online delivery before rolling out for further volunteers.