Do you want to help create safe communities for adults with autism?

The self-help group is for both newly diagnosed people and those who have lived with the autism diagnosis for a longer period of time and have found their own ways of navigating the world.

In a self-help group, people with a common life challenge meet to share experiences, listen and reflect on each other in a safe and confidential space – without demands for performance or “solutions”. It is precisely in the open and accepting encounter with others that new realizations and insights can arise.

Your role as a volunteer group leader

As a volunteer group leader, you will help to:

• Facilitate group conversations and create a safe environment where everyone feels understood and welcomed.
• Support the group dynamic and ensure that all participants have the opportunity to express themselves at their own pace and on their own terms.
• Be present and let your own experiences with autism – or your understanding and empathetic approach – build a bridge to the participants' experiences.

You don't have to be on the autism spectrum yourself or be an expert in autism – the most important thing is that you are a person with psychological maturity, patience and respect for diversity. This is in line with FriSe's five core values: voluntariness, equality, confidentiality, respect and responsibility.

We are looking for you who might:

• I have autism myself and want to pass something on to others in the same boat.
• Are a student, e.g. in pedagogy, psychology, social counseling or similar, and want practical experience with group facilitation and neurodiversity.
• Are you retired or retired with life experience and the energy to support others?
• Or simply a curious and inclusive person who wants to make a difference in a meaningful community.

The practical

• The groups meet either weekly or every 14 days, typically for 2 hours at a time over a period of 8–10 weeks.
• You are not alone – there are usually two group leaders associated with each group, and you receive ongoing sparring from the project manager for the self-help groups.
• You will be well prepared for the task with an introduction, ongoing sparring and the opportunity to participate in FriSe's Basic Facilitation Course (Module 1 & 2).

As a volunteer group leader, you get:

• Course and introduction to the role of group leader.
• Experience with facilitating group discussions and neurodiverse communities.
• A meaningful and enriching community with the other group leaders.
• Professional sparring and opportunity for personal development.

Does that sound like something to you?

Then contact the project manager for the self-help groups, Anita, for a non-binding conversation about the possibilities.

There is of course the possibility of taking a long summer vacation, so don't hesitate to contact us for that reason!

Volunteer Center Odder
Vitavej 69, Floor 0, Entrance B, 8300 Odder
(Only 400 meters from the station – light rail and bus line 100 from Aarhus)