Pain Support & Wellness Groups Volunteer Training

Are you interested in volunteering with Pain BC’s Pain Support & Wellness Groups program? We are currently seeking volunteers to participate in the upcoming volunteer training session.

This free, online training program provides learners with a knowledge base around the fundamentals of peer support, facilitation skills, a foundational education on chronic pain, as well as self-management strategies. This model utilizes a strengths-based approach, guiding learners in practicing trauma-informed peer support to others.

Explain foundational pain science, including the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors of chronic pain.
Empathize with the lived experience of individuals navigating the daily physical and emotional realities of pain.
Analyze pain treatment approaches and understand holistic strategies for managing chronic pain.
Support self-management and behaviour change by learning how to empower and guide group members toward sustainable health goals.
Navigate program processes and obligations, mastering the operational structure and ethical boundaries required of a Pain BC volunteer.

To be eligible to participate in the training, you must meet the following requirements:

Currently living in British Columbia, Canada
18+ years old
Personal lived experience with chronic or persistent pain (past or current)
Can complete a criminal record check
Understanding of the impact/dynamics of chronic pain on well-being or personal experience of chronic pain, including successfully using self-management strategies to return to function
Reliability, non-judgmental attitude, openness to learn, share, and receive feedback, and commitment to supporting individuals and families from all backgrounds and cultures achieve better health outcomes
Ability to recognize the need for support and direction
Proficiency speaking and writing English (Second language is an asset)
Computer competence with PowerPoint & Zoom, access to secure email, and access to a personal computer with video and a microphone

The Pain Support & Wellness Groups volunteer training is a hybrid course. It has virtual live sessions and online course content. The course begins September 30, 2026 and ends November 25, 2026.

Learners are assigned self-paced online modules and homework between virtual live sessions and can expect to spend at least three to five hours per week on modules and homework.

Learners must attend six weekly interactive virtual live sessions. These sessions are three hours each and incorporate regular breaks. Virtual live sessions will not be recorded for viewing at a later date.

The live sessions and online modules are followed by an “apprenticeship” as an assistant within an existing group. During this "apprenticeship", new volunteer facilitators will have a chance to practice their new skills, receive feedback, and build confidence before leading a group.

The virtual live sessions are held weekly on Wednesdays from October 14, 2026 until November 25, 2026 from 9:30am–12:30pm Pacific Time, with a break on November 11, 2026.

October 14: Defining peer support, peer support values, self-awareness and identifying emotions.
October 21: Building connection and supportive communication, boundaries and code of conduct.
October 28: Understanding trauma and vicarious trauma and trauma-informed peer support.
November 4: Group facilitation: part one.
November 18: Group facilitation: part two.
November 25: Self-care, program logistics, session preparation, feedback and peer assessments.

Module 1 - Introduction to pain science
Module 2 - The lived experience
Module 3 - Treating pain and navigating the healthcare system
Module 4 - Supporting self-management and behaviour change
Module 5 - Program logistics

Pain Support & Wellness Groups are for BC residents only.

Pain Support & Wellness Groups offer an opportunity for people living with persistent pain to meet regularly and build a community of support while learning about pain, pain management and coping strategies.

Group facilitators are peers – people who have lived experience with pain. Trained peer facilitators ensure every member is respected and heard.

Groups are free to access and meet online five times a month. Each one-hour or two-hour session will allow you to share your experiences, discuss self-management skills and take part in gentle movements as a group.

Volunteer facilitators deliver Pain BC's support group materials, while providing meaningful support to others living with chronic pain.

Minimum of one year of volunteering with the Pain Support & Wellness Groups program
Seven hours per month for group sessions
(2 hours x 2 sessions per month + 1 hour per session for setup/closing of session + 1 hour debrief with Program Lead)
Attendance at provincial debriefs and volunteer meetings (approx. 6 per year x 1 hour per session)
Participation in regular volunteer educational sessions throughout the year (1 hour per session)

Carmelle supports the delivery, development, and evaluation of Pain BC's Support Services programs. She is a registered social worker who brings years of experience working with the Vancouver Downtown Eastside community, primarily in mental health and substance use.

She utilizes a strength-based, anti-oppressive lens when interacting with clients, with an emphasis on empowerment. She is excited to be part of the Pain BC team to explore innovative ways of supporting the well-being of people living with pain.

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming training, please contact us at supportgroups@painbc.ca.

Pain Support & Wellness Groups Volunteer Training

Learning outcomes

Modules

Frequently asked questions

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What is the Pain Support & Wellness Groups program?

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Meet the Pain Support & Wellness Groups program team

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