About Depressie Vereniging
The Depression Association is the patient association of and for people with depression and their loved ones. The association provides information about depression and promotes a balanced image in society about people with depressive symptoms and depression. \n \nActivities \n \nDo you want to use your experience with depression for others? Then we are looking for you! For various places in the Netherlands, conversation counselors are required to guide our support groups. There is a great need for support groups and demand is increasing. A support group is a form of self-help. A group consists of about 8 people who have (had) a depression. They come together to exchange experiences and to discuss how they deal with their depression in daily life. Everything to do with depression can be discussed in these groups. The Depression Association wants to contribute with the groups to recognizing signs and reducing relapses. We are also conducting research on this among the participants. A support group always has two facilitators. The meetings take place once or twice a month (this varies per group). What are you going to do? You want to use your own experience with depression for others who are or have been through depression. As a facilitator you do this by creating a safe and warm climate. You supervise the group discussions and monitor the group process. A number of practical tasks are also part of your duties; such as setting up a new group, if necessary, arranging a location, recruiting participants and welcoming and informing new participants, some administration…. What do we ask of you? You may well use your own experience of depression without it becoming a guide to others. You give participants the space to find their own way, so that they feel accepted in who they are. You are a warm personality and have a genuine interest in others. You feel people and put them at ease. Sometimes meetings run differently than you had planned, but with your flexibility you know how to anticipate this. Take into account a time investment of approx. 5 hours per month. For safety in the group, it is important that you commit to a support group for at least one year. What do we offer? A unique opportunity to contribute to the quality of life of people with depression. Of course we don't just let you loose on a group; you will first receive a 2-day training for counselors. You will be supported at all times by the regional coordinator in your own region. We will of course reimburse your costs. There is an annual day for volunteers and there is an opportunity for intervision. Do you have questions / are you interested? Then we would love to hear from you! Send your email with your details and a short motivation to Heidi Heuvelman, national coordinator of the support groups: support groups@depressievereniging.nl. We are currently looking for a counselor in Deventer asap
