Volunteering with us is an excellent and valuable opportunity to help people in your community who are experiencing an eating disorder. 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
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
Community Ambassador
- Raising awareness of eating disorders and SupportED in your local community whether that be your city, town, village, wider region or University/College.
- Doing public talks about eating disorders and SupportED services.
- Distributing SupportED resources such as flyers.
- Attending events such as University Fresher fayres.
- Arranging and/or participating in fundraising and awareness events for SupportED.
Requirements:
- Passionate about raising awareness of eating disorders and making a change in your local community.
- Articulate with an empathetic manner.
- Committed to attending regular training when required.
- A go-getter attitude and strong initiative .
- Feel able to do public speaking following relevant training and support.
- Knowledge of mental health and eating disorders.
- Lived experience of an eating disorder or caring for someone with one.
What’s In It For You:
We will provide you with the training and support to be able to complete your role to your best ability. You will be supported by a dedicated member of staff who will work closely with you. This will include helping you with public speaking, providing you with opportunities and helping you come up with ideas. Following 6 months of working with us, we would also be able to provide professional references.
Why We Want You:
By working with us, you can help us raise awareness of eating disorders and our services in your local community. We need volunteers like you in order to reach as many people throughout Scotland as possible.
Where:
In your local community and online.
Commitment:
One Year
Social Media Volunteer
Requirements:
Volunteers need to be able to effectively manage and create the content for the active social media channels. Ensuring content is consistent and kept up to date with events for group sessions, announcements and any other relevant promotions or posts. 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 those who have:
- Knowledge about using social media channels
- The ability to ensure social media channels are up to date and informative
- Clear communication skills
- The ability to apply elements of creative thinking
- Good timekeeping and organisational skills
What’s In It For You:
Being part of a supportive, informal and friendly group of fellow volunteers and like-minded people. The chance to develop your creative skills and gain excellent experience in social media management and communications.
Why We Want You:
Social media is a powerful tool for reaching out to those who need our help. It is often the first point of call for many individuals or families affected by eating disorders that are looking for support. By helping people join our community, to discuss their feelings and concerns, you can help them to look towards a more positive future.
Where: Online
When: Flexible
Commitment: Coordinate content for both the Facebook and Twitter social media channels.
Duration: Flexible
Fundraising
Fundraising activities are a great way to support a charitable cause without commiting to a full role. We have listed a variety of ideas for you to choose from: read a book a week, change your hair or quit swearing for a day – our suggestions include something for everyone. Start fundraising today.
Not a lot of time?
It can be difficult to offer as much support as you’d like in today’s busy world. Read through our list of suggestions how you can support us even if you only have a little bit of time available. Every little action makes a difference.
Apply now
Our support extends to out team of volunteers. We will provide training, advice and supervision for all of our roles. If you would like to volunteer with us, please complete this form. Here is a link to our Privacy Policy