Volunteering

Volunteering for beat

beat's vision is that eating disorders will be beaten.

Volunteers make a real difference to this vision and to the work of beat across the UK.

Eating disorders are typically characterised by stigma and shame, which can create a barrier to accessing support and treatment.

We want to change the way everyone thinks and talks about eating disorders and to help anyone believe that their eating disorder can be beaten.

We need your help to raise beat's profile, raise funds, improve and develop services such as the Self Help Network and helpline services, and to help us enhance what we do and make a real difference.

If you are interested in volunteering, please read through the information below and register your interest here 

Please note that if you have personal experience of an eating disorder, we do ask that you have been recovered and out of treatment for a minimum period of two years before you support others (ie Self Help Network and Helplines)  This is to ensure your continued well-being and that your volunteering role does not have any negative effects on your own health.

You should be able to commit to the high standards that beat expects of its volunteers and in return, you will find your role rewarding and fulfilling.

All volunteers will be required to undergo an application, registration process and induction training.  References and CRB checks may also be required (please speak to the staff team for details)

Fundraising Volunteers: Do you want to help us beat eating disorders?  Do you have some spare time and energy which we could use?  beat needs fundraising volunteers across the country to ensure that we are able to continue to support the hundreds of people who get in touch with us every week.

beat fundraisers give up their time to raise money and awareness for beat. From taking part in a sponsored run, to organising a coffee morning - no matter what you do, you can be sure that your efforts allow us to help those affected by an eating disorder.  When you become a fundraiser you will receive a fundraising pack to help you with your event and can access support and information from the fundraising team so you can make your fundraising a success!

Helpline and Support Services Volunteers: Would you like to  use and develop skills, such as good listening, knowledge on eating disorders, communication and IT and be part of a friendly team of skilled support staff who provide a listening ear, a non judgemental response, information, support and encouragement to those whose lives have been affected by eating disorders.  We provide full training for what will be a really rewarding role.  If you live near Norwich you would work at our head office answering calls, emails and moderating the Message Boards on either the Adult or Youth lines. Volunteers who are home based can only work on the Adult line and should have broadband, a quiet place to work and a landline. It is also possible to be a home based helpmail volunteer responding to emails .

The commitment we require is a minimum of one year, working one three hour  shift a week, within the hours of 10.30am - 8.30pm weekdays and Saturday 1pm - 4.30pm. (with reasonable time off for holidays etc.) We ask anyone who is considering these roles to consider carefully if they can commit to this requirement before applying.

Please note we are currently putting on hold our home based helpline recruitment until we have trained all current volunteer  applicants