Group Management and Session Facilitation

Effective group management and skilled session facilitation are essential to ensuring meaningful, inclusive, and engaging experiences within the FRIEND programme. As previously highlighted, the facilitator plays a central role in shaping the quality and success of each session.

There are three core principles that should guide every facilitator’s approach (Axner, n.d.):

1. The facilitator is a guide, not an expert. Their role is to support the group’s process, encouraging participants to express their own ideas and perspectives rather than offering their own opinions.
2. Facilitation focuses on the process. It’s not only about achieving outcomes, but about how people engage, participate, and contribute along the way.
3. The facilitator remains neutral. They do not take sides or influence decisions but create space for open and respectful dialogue.

To ensure a smooth and effective facilitation process, several key elements must be considered (Axner, n.d.):

• Climate and Environment: The physical space should be accessible, safe, and comfortable for all participants, with attention paid to lighting, temperature, location, and familiarity.
• Logistics and Room Setup: The space must be arranged to suit the activities of the session. Timing of exercises and breaks should be well planned to avoid fatigue and encourage informal interaction. All technical equipment should be tested in advance, and documents such as the attendance sheet should be easily accessible.
• Ground Rules: Clear ground rules should be agreed upon with participants at the beginning of the process, ensuring a respectful and inclusive atmosphere.

Preparation is a vital part of facilitation. The facilitator should enter each session with a clear understanding of the objectives, an organized agenda, and the rules for engagement. Sessions should start with a warm welcome, including a brief introductory activity to set a positive tone. Only after this welcome phase should the facilitator move on to presenting the session’s objectives, reviewing the agenda, and addressing any initial questions.

During the session, the facilitator should foster participation, remain adaptable, and avoid micromanaging decisions. If adjustments are needed to better suit the group’s needs, they should be made with flexibility.

At the end of the session, the facilitator should summarize key points, thank participants for their contributions, and ensure that any remaining questions are addressed. Before closing, it is important to remind everyone of the date and time of the next session, encouraging continued engagement and commitment.

To ensure the FRIEND sessions are engaging, inclusive, and effective, facilitators should follow a set of practical guidelines that support active participation, respectful dialogue, and smooth group dynamics. The following tips provide useful strategies to help facilitators navigate their role with confidence and adaptability (Axner, n.d.; Rabinowitz, n.d.):