Beat Network Volunteers

Becoming a Beat Network Volunteer

Please note: Due to the large number of volunteer enquiries received recently, there is currently a waiting list for training, so recruitment for the Group Facilitator and Support Volunteer roles is currently ‘ON HOLD’ until further notice.  I am unable to accept further enquiries at this time.

Would you like to support others by running a self help group for people with eating disorders or a Carers' Support Group with other volunteers? 

Do you have a good knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues, particularly eating disorders? Are you a good listener and able to offer support, information and encouragement in a non-judgemental manner?

The UK-wide Beat Network of volunteer Group Facilitators and Support Volunteers offer support and information to people affected by eating disorders, by setting up and running Self Help and Support Groups for people over 18 who are affected by eating disorders. This may be those with eating distress in various stages of their illness and recovery, or carers, families and friends of individuals with an eating disorder.

Each group is facilitated by at least two Beat-registered Group Facilitators and attendees support each other by sharing experiences, thoughts, successes and problems.

Beat groups do not offer treatment, counselling or therapy.

All volunteers will receive induction training, ongoing support and supervision, and there are opportunities to further develop their role and skills.

This is a rewarding and important role and a long-term commitment opportunity: we ask for a minimum commitment of at least 12 months, ideally 18 months, due to the nature of the work, and the recruitment and training process, which takes a minimum of 3 months. You will be expected to commit to work to the high standards that the Beat Network expects of all its volunteers, and be able to adhere to the policies, boundaries and guidelines of the Beat Network.

Criteria for volunteering:

Beat is committed to ensuring that volunteering for the Beat Network is a rewarding, positive and safe experience. To guarantee that, we need to set some basic criteria that applies to all of our volunteers who provide support services.

If you have personal experience of eating disorders, you must be out of treatment, recovered and not have displayed any symptoms of eating distress for a minimum period of two years.

If you have any questions, please contact Louise Dunne, Network Development Officer by email l.dunne@b-eat.co.uk or call 01603 753 338.