Autism Valued is seeking volunteer facilitators to support the parents' side of our teens' peer support group. This group provides a safe, respectful, and inclusive space where autistic teens and their parents can connect, share experiences, and build community.

When teenagers and their caregivers arrive at the group, they are separated. The teens go into one space, facilitated by our teen mentors. The parents and caregivers go into a separate space that is facilitated by you /our teens' parent contact.

About the group

Participants can share experiences, discuss common challenges, and build connections with others in the autism community.

Facilitators help maintain a welcoming and respectful environment, support group discussion, and ensure the space remains safe and inclusive for all participants.

Facilitators work collaboratively with other facilitators to support participants.

Time commitment

• one Friday evening a month

• Allow approximately 30 minutes before and after each session to connect with the other facilitators. This time is used for briefing and debriefing, including preparing for the session and reflecting on how it went.

• Check the volunteer email inbox at least once per week for updates or communications related to the group.

We are open to expanding the program. This may include introducing a second session each month, potentially as an in-person group, and facilitators may have the opportunity to be involved in helping develop and support this expansion.

Key responsibilities

• facilitate the monthly peer support group

• Help maintain a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment

• Encourage balanced discussion and ensure participants have an opportunity to contribute

• Support group guidelines and maintain appropriate boundaries

• Participate in brief planning and reflection discussions with the facilitation team

• Monitor and respond to relevant communications via the volunteer inbox

Skills and qualities

We welcome facilitators who are:

• A member of the peer group, (so for this group you must be or have been the caregiver of an autistic or similarly neurodivergent teenager)

• Comfortable helping guide group discussions

• Reliable and able to maintain regular communication

• Interested in contributing to a supportive peer community

**Benefits of volunteering ** Volunteering as a facilitator with Autism Valued provides opportunities to:

Develop skills in peer facilitation, community support, and group coordination

Gain experience supporting neurodivergent community programs

Build connections within the autistic and neurodivergent community

Receive training opportunities relevant to the role

Receive a membership with Autism Valued

Commitment to safe and respectful spaces

AV is committed to maintaining safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all participants. Volunteers are expected to follow organisational policies and contribute to maintaining appropriate boundaries and respectful communication within the group.

If you are interested in supporting this community space, we would love to hear from you.