The Support Development Worker has the overall responsibility to develop online and direct support services for survivors of organised/ ritualised abuse and people with mental health problems who are affected by extreme childhood abuse. In particular setting up online and face to face support groups.

Major Tasks

• Recruit, train and supervise volunteers to assist on the project.
• Develop online peer support groups for survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse who are waiting to access mental health services or unable to access these services.
• Form a steering group and engage with people with lived experience around the design and structure of the groups, exploring policies and risks.
• Identify the needs of survivors through discussions around policy and risk in the ways in which virtual space is used.
• Pilot online support groups and evaluate and demonstrate impact on wellbeing.
• Organise weekly facilitated support groups to provide ongoing practical and emotional support, peer support and a place to come together.
• Develop a programme for group sessions covering issues such as mental health, PTSD, coping skills, alternatives to self-harm, benefits advice, healthy relationships and other issues as agreed by participants.
• Provide 2 groups weekly running for 6-8 weeks aimed at survivors of organised abuse to reduce isolation and loneliness and assist in sharing lived experiences.
• Monitor and evaluate progress to evaluate and learn what works best for survivors and shape future developments.
• Support and encourage survivors to access other agencies and services.
• Carry out on-going consultations and evaluations.
• Develop partnerships with other agencies working with survivors.
• Oversee compilation of reports, including evaluation of statistics.
• Attend meetings and trainings as necessary.
• Any other duties agreed with Management.