Bringing the village back, one group at a time.
PANDAS groups are free, welcoming peer-support spaces where parents and families affected by perinatal mental health challenges can meet others who understand.
As a volunteer Group Facilitator, you’ll create a safe, informal and non-judgemental space where people can connect, talk if they want to, and simply feel less alone.
You don’t need to be a mental health professional. You just need compassion, commitment and a desire to make a difference in your community.
“My favourite thing about facilitating my group is seeing the power of peer support in action.”
“Seeing parents come together in my group is so magical. I wish this space had existed when I had my baby .”
What is a PANDAS Group?
Our groups aren’t therapy or clinical services. They’re peer-support communities.
Some parents come to talk. Some come to listen. Some might simply want a cuppa and the opportunity to be around people who understand how they’re feeling.
Groups can look different depending on their community. You might create a relaxed parent-and-baby group, a more traditional peer-support circle, organise occasional walks or activities, or invite useful local contributors into your sessions.
We’ll give you all the training, regular ongoing one-to-one support and the framework. You create something that works for you and your community.
Your most important role is to create a safe, welcoming space where parents and families can connect with people who understand. This is peer support; you’re there to listen, hold space and respond with empathy, not to counsel, diagnose or provide professional advice.
Setting up and running a group does involve commitment. You’ll complete PANDAS training and onboarding (find out more here), find a suitable venue, follow our safeguarding and group processes, complete some simple admin and keep in touch with the PANDAS team.
How much time will I need?
Running a group involves more than the session itself. You’ll need some regular time behind the scenes to prepare, organise and help people in your community discover your group, particularly while you’re getting established.
We don’t set fixed hours because every group is different, but we do ask you to consider whether you have the time and capacity to support your group consistently. Groups that run regularly and stay visible tend to establish themselves more quickly because parents have more opportunities to discover them, attend and return.
Want to know exactly what’s involved?
We’ve created a short guide here so you can understand the role, commitment, what we do and don’t expect from you, and the support you’ll receive from PANDAS before deciding whether it’s right for you.
