Volunteer with SMART Recovery Australia

Help support recovery in your community

SMART Recovery volunteers play an important role in helping people build healthier lives.

As a volunteer facilitator, you will guide structured group meetings where participants learn practical tools to manage addictive behaviours and support each other in a safe and respectful environment.
SMART Recovery meetings take place across Australia both online and in person, and volunteers help make these meetings accessible to communities who need them.
If you are passionate about supporting others and creating positive change, we would love to hear from you.

What does a SMART Recovery facilitator do?

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SMART Recovery facilitators guide group discussions using the SMART Recovery evidence-based framework.
Facilitators help participants:
• build motivation for change
• manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours
• develop practical coping strategies
• create a balanced and healthier lifestyle

Facilitators do not provide therapy or counselling. Instead, they help guide conversations, encourage participation and support the use of SMART Recovery tools during meetings.
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Ready to get started?

If you are interested in becoming a SMART Recovery volunteer facilitator, we encourage you to submit a volunteer enquiry.

No membership is required to become a volunteer facilitator — training access and support are provided as part of your onboarding.

Your journey to becoming a SMART Recovery volunteer facilitator

1 - What happens after you apply?

If you are interested in volunteering with SMART Recovery, the first step is to submit a volunteer enquiry.

Once we receive your enquiry, a member of the SMART Recovery team may contact you for a short conversation. This allows us to learn more about your interest in the facilitator role and explain what facilitating a SMART Recovery meeting involves.

During this discussion, we may:

• learn more about your motivation for volunteering
• explain how SMART Recovery meetings work
• answer any questions you may have
• confirm whether the facilitator pathway is the right fit

If everything aligns, we will guide you through the next steps of the volunteer journey.
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Your pathway to facilitating SMART Recovery meetings

2 - Complete facilitator training

The training provides the knowledge and practical skills required to confidently facilitate SMART Recovery meetings.

You will learn about:
• the SMART Recovery model
• how SMART meetings are structured
• how to use SMART Recovery tools
• group facilitation techniques
• best practices when supporting participants

3 - Prepare to facilitate


After completing the training, our team will support you in preparing to facilitate your first meeting. This includes:
• guidance on starting your meeting
• access to facilitator tools and resources
• support from the SMART Recovery team
• information on how to set up your meeting

4 - Start facilitating meetings


Once everything is ready, you will be able to start facilitating SMART Recovery meetings and supporting participants in your community.

Meetings can take place:

• online
• in person

Learn more about SMART Recovery meetings:

Frequently asked questions

What support will I receive?

SMART Recovery provides facilitators with ongoing support including:
• facilitator training
• SMART Recovery tools and resources
• guidance from the SMART Recovery team
• access to a network of facilitators

Our goal is to ensure facilitators feel confident and supported in their role.

Do I need a Membership?

No membership is required to become a volunteer facilitator — training access and support are provided as part of your onboarding.

Do I need professional experience?

No. You do not need to be a clinician to facilitate SMART Recovery meetings.
However, all facilitators must complete the official SMART Recovery Facilitator Training.

Do I need to complete training before facilitating?

Yes. Completing the training ensures that facilitators understand the SMART Recovery model and feel confident guiding meetings.

Can meetings be online or in person?

Yes. SMART Recovery meetings take place online and in person, depending on the setting and community needs.

Need Help ?

If you have any questions about volunteering with SMART Recovery, our team is happy to help.
Email: smartrecovery@srau.org.au
Phone: +61 2 9373 5100