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.
Why volunteer for Pregnancy Sickness Support?
Volunteering with Pregnancy Sickness Support enhances mental wellbeing, boosts confidence and skills, builds meaningful connections, and makes a significant impact on women’s health and community support.
Hear from some of our incredible community of over 200 volunteers who have chosen to support our charity and our cause.
More about Christie's volunteering experience
Tell us about your HG experience?
I have had HG three times, and it was progressively worse each time.
I had weeks off work, was unable to move or leave my bedroom without being ill, I was hypersensitive to smells, had hypersalivation (very frustrating when severely dehydrated) and lost lots of weight and was unable to care for myself or my children.
It was also very emotionally and psychologically challenging and unfortunately, so many people did not understand the impact it had on me and my family.
I took anti-sickness meds and remained unwell, being sick multiple times each day, with all three until the day they were born.
What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
My most memorable moment was probably seeing my first mentee fly! She was a natural, and I loved seeing her interact with the sufferer, and in turn the sufferer share how relieved and encouraged they were to have finally found someone who understood and could relate to their situation.
Hear from Jemma about being a peer supporter
Tell us about your HG experience
I unfortunately got HG in my 4th pregnancy which I was carrying my 1st surrogate baby. It was a huge shock as I never experienced carrying my own. It was an extremely worrying time for me and my intended parents. Although I was massively supported through this time, I felt so isolated and depressed. I lost 3 stone in just 8 weeks. Luckily it subsided at around 13/14 weeks and I got to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy.
Why did you choose to volunteer for PSS?
I’d heard of PSS from a friend who was on FB. The thought of their now being a support group was so amazing and to know that having HG experience in one of my pregnancies, I could help others going through this difficult time.
What is the hardest part of being a volunteer?
Definitely not being able to physically take the HG away. If we had a magic wand we absolutely would diminish HG for everyone.
Learn more about our new HG Advocate role
What made you want to be a PSS HG Advocate?
After suffering with HG during my pregnancy with my daughter, I felt I wanted to give something back to the HG community and to PSS. I wanted to turn my horrible experience into something positive.
What skills do you feel are needed for this role?
I think you need a passion for spreading awareness about HG and trying to improve HG treatment pathways. The role involves contacting and talking with clinicians and service managers, so enjoying talking to people is another skill that’s great to have in this role.
What are you hoping to achieve within this role?
I’d love to contribute to improving HG care pathways for future sufferers. There’s no cure for HG (yet!) but we can improve the experience and the care for women who suffer with it.
Tish's Volunteer Mentor experience
Tell us a little bit about your experience with HG
I found HG very isolating and worrisome. I was told it was normal and it would end soon, but it never. I tried to put on a brave face, but I was weak. I could not help with my toddler and was constantly worried I was not nurturing my baby growing inside me.
Why did you choose to begin mentoring new volunteers?
I wanted to be a mentor to hold the hands of other volunteers so that this valuable offering can be available to others suffering from HG.
What piece of advice do you always give to your new volunteers?
Be yourself; your experience with HG is so valuable to the person they would support. It is a gift to another HG-suffer to know they are not alone and get the chance to talk to someone who gets it.
Vacancies
Pregnancy Sickness Support is committed to mentoring, supporting, and training all our volunteers, ensuring a safe and accessible environment where they can help the charity achieve its goals while growing their own confidence, skills, and experience.
A full training schedule will be available to you, as well as your own volunteer portal and app and we offer opportunities to attend online and in person conferences and award cermonies every year.
You will also be able to contribute to surveys, research and social media campaigns – sharing your story to help us to raise awareness.
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.
We welcome applications from minoritorised ethnic and social groups.
If you have any queries please email our Volunteer Manager, Tuesday McEwan, at Volunteer@PregnancySicknessSupport.Org.UK
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.
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