Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric disorders and volunteering with us is therefore a valuable opportunity. You can be an active part in making a significant difference to people's lives by helping those with an eating disorder and their carers to discuss their feelings and concerns, to provide information and support and to look towards a more positive future. We offer a variety of volunteering opportunities!
Group Facilitator
Requirements:
Volunteers need to be good listeners and able of offer support and encouragement in a non-judgemental manner. A good knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues, particularly eating disorders would be advantageous. Volunteers who have previously had an eating disorder, must have been fully recovered for at least two years before taking on this role. We are specifically looking for the ability to:
Prepare for the session and be comfortable with technology for online meetings
Clear communication skills
Active listening
The ability to challenge constructively or sensitively when needed
Ability to give everyone the opportunity to have a voice
Good timekeeping
What’s In It For You:
Being part of a supportive, informal and friendly group of fellow volunteers and like-minded people. Foundation and on-going training to develop your skills as a group facilitator and understanding of eating disorders. Regular support and supervision.
Why We Want You:
By helping people suffering from an eating disorder and their families to discuss their feelings and concerns you can help them to look towards a more positive future. If you are a caring and empathetic person who can help those attending to feel less isolated, more understood, cared for, listened to and supported we would value your contribution to our team.
Where: Online Presently/Various locations throughout Scotland
When: Various Weekday Evenings/Times throughout Month
Commitment: Facilitation of at least one group per month for 1 year duration
Duration: 2 hours per session (sessions are currently running from 7-8.30pm with a preparation call between the 2 facilitators taking place from 6.30pm).
Befrienders
Requirements:
Volunteers need to be good listeners and able of offer support and encouragement in a non-judgemental manner. A good knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues, particularly eating disorders would be advantageous. Volunteers who have previously had an eating disorder, must have been fully recovered for at least two years before taking on this role. We are specifically looking for your ability to be:
Open and honest – people others can relate to
Articulate, with a good telephone manner and able to communicate in a warm and welcoming way
Able to show evidence of genuine trust and hope for the future
Good listeners and encourage people to share; it is more important to hear their story than to share your own
Patience – don’t hurry people onto the next stage of their journey
Committed to attending regular training when required
What’s In It For You:
Being part of a supportive, informal and friendly group of fellow volunteers and like-minded people. Foundation and on-going training to develop your skills as a befriender and understanding of eating disorders. Regular support and supervision.
Why We Want You:
By helping people suffering from an eating disorder and their families to discuss their feelings and concerns you can help them to look towards a more positive future. If you are a caring and empathetic person who can help those we support to feel less isolated, more understood, cared for, listened to and supported we would value your contribution to our team.
Where: By telephone – supporting people across Scotland
When: A mutually agreed time between you and your Befriendee
Commitment: 1 year
Duration: 1 hour a week
Who are we looking for?
Our charity requires enthusiastic Befrienders to help support people suffering from eating disorders and/or their carers to beat their illness.
This is an interesting and rewarding role. Full training is provided.
Your ‘role’ as a Befriender will be to support and/or up skill the “Befriendee” over a 6-month period, by having a regular weekly phone call.
Before you make your first call you will receive online training giving you all the skills to become a befriender.
This will include: how you make your first call, key listening and coaching skills, alongside setting boundaries and staying safe.
If supporting a carer, the training will also cover Janet Treasure’s Collaborative Care Skills; an evidence based method for supporting someone with an eating disorder
This role would suit a person who would like to help and support others on their journey to recovery.
All volunteers will be required to complete our Volunteer Recruitment Process.
This includes completing an application form, attending an informal interview and supplying the names of two referees.
Successful applicants will receive induction training outlining the criteria for the role.
All volunteers will receive ongoing help and support.
Our charity requires enthusiastic group facilitators to help to support people suffering from eating disorders and their carers and families to beat their illness.
This is an interesting and rewarding role. Full training is provided.
In Fife and Perth, we run two groups, one for sufferers over 18, and the other for families and carers.
No prior experience of eating disorders or being a facilitator is necessary as a comprehensive training package is provided, and you will be supported in this volunteering role by experienced people who are knowledgeable about eating disorders.
The volunteers need to be good listeners and able to offer support and encouragement in a non-judgemental manner. A good knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues, particularly eating disorders would be advantageous. If the volunteer has previously had an eating disorder, they must have been fully recovered for at least two years before they take on this role
This role would suit a caring and empathetic person who can help those attending to feel less isolated, more understood, cared for, listened to and supported.
