Volunteering to set up a local PANDAS Group in your area
Help bring the village back, one group at a time. Become a PANDAS Group Facilitator and create a safe space for parents and care givers in your community to feel seen, heard, and less alone
PANDAS support groups offer a calm community for parents and caregivers who are struggling. It is a safe space with no judgment. Each support group will find its own way of running which suits its members’ needs and interests, and will always focus on the aim of peer-to-peer support.
Groups are usually an informal way of building relationships whilst receiving genuine support from others who truly understand. There is a lot of autonomy in running your group; however, you will also be armed with support in the form of ongoing training, as well as monthly supervision.
We are always on the lookout for new group facilitators who want to set up a new PANDAS Support Group in your area.
“Seeing parents come together in my group is so magical. I wish this space had existed when I had my baby .”
“My favourite thing about facilitating my group is seeing the power of peer support in action.”
Why These Groups Matter
1 in 10 parents experience mental health challenges around birth. Yet many feel too ashamed or afraid to reach out. These groups offer a safe space to talk, connect, and find hope again, and that’s only possible because of volunteers like you. Your empathy can change lives. Take the first step today, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
“At other baby groups, everyone seemed happy, and all I wanted to do was cry. I love my baby, but I couldn’t understand how everyone else was managing, and I wasn’t. And then I discovered Pandas, and found people who feel the same as me. This group gets me out of the house and has improved my mental health”
“No one prepared you for how you may feel when you become a parent. You feel guilty for not “loving” every second, and I have learnt since coming to this group that it’s ok to feel this. I’ve finally found my tribe, and have made some amazing friends who are navigating this path with me”
FAQ: Setting Up Your Own PANDAS Support Group
1. Do I need to be a mental health professional to run a group?
No. You just need a genuine interest in perinatal mental health or a lived experience of your own journey. Full training and ongoing support are provided. What matters most is your empathy and willingness to create a safe space for others.
2. How much time do I need to give?
Most group leaders commit around 2-3 hours a month. That includes hosting your group, some admin and any potential online training or online meet-ups you would like to attend with the other facilitators. Many volunteers fit this easily around family and work.
3. What training will I need to complete?
Before launching your group, you’ll complete three online modules (each module is around two hours in total). These cover how to hold a safe space, listen with compassion, signpost to the right support, and the support Pandas gives you as a volunteer.
4. Where do I hold my group?
Most volunteers use free local spaces such as community halls, church halls, children’s centres, or libraries. We’ll share ideas and examples from other leaders to help you find a suitable venue. Some volunteers fundraise to cover extras like guest speakers or activities, while others run their groups entirely for free with donated venues and grocery support from local supermarkets
5. Do I need to be good with technology?
Just basic IT skills are plenty. You’ll create a simple email address and social-media page in your group’s name so parents can find you. We provide templates, guidance, and examples to make this quick and stress-free.
6. What skills will I gain as a volunteer?
So many. You’ll develop deep listening, empathy, communication, signposting and emotional holding skills. But also leadership, confidence, organisation, community building and event planning. Many of our volunteers say these experiences have shaped their careers and personal growth in unexpected ways.
7. Will I be doing this on my own?
Never. You’ll have the full support of the PANDAS Community Engagement Team, access to ongoing support, and become part of a warm nationwide community of facilitators who meet regularly online to share tips, celebrate wins, and lift each other. Many of our volunteers run their groups with other volunteers, so if you think you would like to set this up with a friend, family member or colleague, as an example, they can join too. Some of our groups run with up to four volunteers
8. What happens after I apply?
Once you complete the short application form, our Community Engagement Team will be in touch to arrange a friendly chat. We’ll guide you through each step, from training to finding your space to welcoming your first parents. This is your chance to ask any questions, share any concerns and decide if you would like to proceed forward.
9. How should I run my group?
Every group has its own flavour, and we celebrate that. Our volunteers bring their own voice, style, and understanding of their community. Some run relaxed, drop-in style sessions; others prefer a gentle circle format with space to share. Groups run at all different times, mornings, afternoons, evenings, or weekends, because your time is precious and the group needs to fit around your life. We welcome diversity in approaches, and we’ll support you in finding the style that feels authentic to you and right for your community.
Ready to take the next step? Click here and meet us online for a friendly chat and ask any more questions you may have.
Speakers
In response to an increased demand for more information about perinatal mental health, we developed a presentation for corporations, which we can present, and also offer 1:1 training with your teams. This can be conducted online or in your workplace.
For more information, please contact annie.belasco@pandasfoundation.org.uk
Interested in fundraising for us?
We rely on donations to keep going, please head to our fundraising pages for ideas and creativity!
