Volunteer for PSS

Our volunteer network is a crucial element of our mission in providing the care and support that HG sufferers deserve. Many of our volunteers have first hand experience of the condition but it is not necessary to do many of the roles we have available.

Sign up to our Volunteer Portal here.

I have experienced HG with all 3 pregnancies and know all too well the mental and physical impact it can have on someone.

Being a midwife, and volunteering for PSS, I am in a unique position of continuing to expand my knowledge of HG & NVP. But also sharing my knowledge within my profession, in an attempt to change the narrative of HG.

Jemma Martin, PSS Volunteer

Congratulations to all who were nominated for our Volunteer Awards 2024.

A huge congratulations to all our winners. Without our volunteers our charity simply wouldn’t exist.

Vacancies

Below is a list of all possible volunteer vacancies available.

Positions are limited and not all applicants will be successful, however, volunteers with an interest and skills in a particular area will be noted and prioritised as more roles become available and the charity expands.

Full training will be provided and you will be invited to join our PSS Volunteer Portal.  If you have any queries please email our Volunteer Manager, Tuesday McEwan, at [email protected]

Peer Supporter

Join Our Dedicated Peer Support Team at Pregnancy Sickness Support

We are seeking compassionate individuals who have personally experienced hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) or severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) to join our peer support team. Your unique understanding and first-hand experience are invaluable in providing empathy and tailored support to those currently facing these challenging conditions.

Role Overview:

  • As a peer supporter, you will use your personal journey with HG or severe NVP to offer understanding and guidance. Your role is to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space where individuals can share their experiences and feelings.
  • You will assist in advocating for their needs, empowering them to navigate healthcare systems and make informed decisions about their care.
  • The majority of our peer support occurs via WhatsApp, a platform preferred by many of our service users for its accessibility and ease of use. You will engage in regular, supportive conversations, offering both emotional and practical advice.
  • You will also have access to our training resources, ensuring you are well-equipped to provide the best possible support.
  • Your support can be a lifeline, offering hope and understanding during a difficult time. The duration of support varies, tailored to the needs of each individual you are assisting.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Engage with individuals affected by HG or severe NVP, offering empathetic and informed support.
  • Share relevant information and resources to help them manage their condition.
  • Help service users articulate their needs and advocate for appropriate care and treatment.
  • Maintain confidentiality and adhere to our guidelines to create a safe and trusting environment.

Requirements:

  • Personal experience with HG or severe NVP.
  • Excellent listening and communication skills.
  • Ability to provide support in a non-judgemental and empathetic manner.
  • Commitment to respecting confidentiality and following organisational guidelines.

What We Offer:

  • A chance to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals affected by HG and severe NVP.
  • An opportunity to be part of a supportive and dedicated team.
  • Access to training and development to enhance your support skills.
  • A flexible volunteering role that you can fit around your other commitments.

Join us at PSS and be a part of a community that understands, supports, and advocates for those battling HG and severe NVP. Your role as a peer supporter can make a profound difference in their journey, providing them with comfort and guidance when they need it most.

    Social Media Volunteer

    If you have a natural eye for social media content and can see yourself putting together thoughtful stories, replying to comments in a supportive manner, and responding to message queries, then becoming a Social Media Volunteer could be for you. You will work closely with our Social Media Manager coming up with new ideas, themes and topics for us to continue to engage with our evergrowing audience. 

      HG Advocate

      The Volunteer HG Advocate role includes raising awareness of HG and PSS in their own community through offering presentations to GPs and midwifery teams, establishing HG Pathways in place at local trust, delivering leaflets and posters to EPU and GP surgeries as appropriate.

      The role will be for a 12-month period which can be reviewed and extended annually.

      Working alongside the Community Engagement Manager, you will raise awareness of HG and PSS in your own community and feedback into the charity’s map of HG care across the UK. This will involve contacting local hospitals and GP practices to establish points of contact and deliver leaflets and posters advertising PSS, offering presentations to staff to upskill their HG knowledge and advise them of updates on treatment and care, as well as finding out HG Pathways for sufferers to access care in your area.

      The key duties and responsibilities

      Contact local hospitals, GP surgeries and other local maternity services to:

      • Provide leaflets and posters to advertise PSS
      • Offer to present presentations to raise awareness of HG
      • Establish a point of contact for the charity to link up with
      • Find out HG Pathways in your area including local services eg. HG Day Units, IV at home, Early Pregnancy Unit referral routes, etc
      • Signpost to our website and training opportunities
      • Feedback information about local services to PSS-HQ team to keep charity records up to date
      • Communicate with the PSS-HQ team on how you think the role is going

      Organisational Responsibilities

      • Attend training and keep up to date with changes in the HG world
      • Support and maintain organisational reputation and presence in all mediums
      • Ensure the values of PSS are upheld
      • Attend regular supervision and team meetings as requested
      • Ongoing training and support will be provided to all Volunteer HG Advocates by our Community Engagement Manager and the Volunteer Manager.

      Requirements for the role:

      • Excellent communication skills both verbally and in written form
      • Ability to talk to groups of professionals and individuals with confidence
      • Warmth and compassion
      • Previous experience of HG or NVP
      • Good understanding (or willingness to learn) about HG including treatments, physical and emotional impacts, causes and current guidelines.

      “I love being a volunteer it enables me to give back to the charity who gave me so much.”

      Margaret Jessop | Wiltshire