CaFI / Get involved / Information for volunteers

Information for volunteers

There are two types of volunteering opportunities with the CaFI study: as an allocated Family Support Member and within the research team.

Volunteer as an allocated Family Support Member (aFSM)

Allocated Family Support Members (aFSMs) are act-in family support members for service users who are unable to nominate anyone to support them to receive CaFI. We are inviting people who can help take on this important role.

If you are interested in volunteering as an aFSM, we will need some information to enable us to match FSMs to service users.

You should provide a brief biography describing who you are, your background, and your interests. You will be asked to state why you would like to participate in CaFI.

Main duties and responsibilities

Our aFSMs will voluntarily support service users who decide to take part in the CaFI trial and receive CaFI therapy.

You will support the service users throughout the 10 one-hour sessions of therapy. This can take up to 26 weeks. The activities expected of you will be:

  • Attend ten one-hour sessions of CaFI therapy with the service user – this could be face to face or online. This will be determined by the service user, as they will choose how they would like to receive therapy.
  • Support service users in developing and practicing ways of coping with symptoms and stress.
  • Act as a sounding board and provide opportunities to discuss common reactions to stressful events and ways of coping.
  • Help to build bridges between service users, their communities, and their families.

Travel expenses and training will be provided so that you know what to expect from the sessions, and how you can help the therapy process.

You will also receive monthly group supervision from a clinical supervisor to share your experiences and discuss any concerns.

How to apply

Complete the aFSM application form (PDF) and return it to cafitm@gmmh.nhs.uk.

Volunteer in the CaFI research team

We have limited opportunities for interested individuals to volunteer with the research team. This involves supporting research-related activities and admin tasks.

How to apply

Please email us your CV for further discussions.

 
The University of Manchester