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)

Head Office Administration Volunteers:  We have opportunities in our Norwich Head Office for office volunteers.  These roles involve supporting the staff team by providing admin support.  The commitment required is 3 hours per week.  This is an excellent opportunity to be involved in the work we do and be part of a passionate, lively team.  In addition to enhancing your admin and IT skills you could also develop your experience in areas such as fundraising, marketing and finance.

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: We have opportunities for both office based (Norwich) and home based) helpline and supoprt services volunteers.  These opportunities will provide you with the chance to support people via a variety of methods such as telephone, e-mail or by approving messages submitted to beat's messageboards on the website. 

You will use and develop skills, such as knowledge on eating disorders, communication and IT and be part of a friendly team of skilled support staff who provide 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.  Volunteers who are home based should have broadband, a quiet place to work and a landline.  Should you wish to approve the messageboards, you should do so in accordance to beat rules, working within the hours of 10.30am - 8.30pm weekdays and Saturday 1pm - 4.30pm for 2 to 3 hours per week.

Youth Support Services Volunteers:  If you live in or close to Norwich, have 4 hours a week free and are a good listener, this could be the opportunity for you.  Give something back to the community by supporting young people aged 25 and under by volunteering on beat's Youthline.

We will provide you with training on how to support people affected by eating disorders, how to signpost people to information about help and support across the UK, and the chance to be part of a friendly team of skilled support staff.  In turn, you will gain the opportunity to develop communication skills, knowledge about eating disorders, IT skills and working as part of a team.

If you live in West Wales or in the Reading, Swansea or Portsmouth areas and would like to assist in the facilitation of self-help and support groups, please contact shn@b-eat.co.uk

Additional volunteering opportunities

Do you live in or near Norwich? 

We require a volunteer to assist our administration team with general office duties/administration for 1/2 days a week. 

For all opportunities, please contact us on 01603 753310 or e-mail shn@b-eat.co.uk