Volunteer with us 

Volunteers are an integral part of the Beat team and we would not be able to operate on the scale we do without them. Beat volunteers work in all areas of the organisation and we try to match the skills and experiences of people who want to volunteer with us to the roles available. We want to welcome people from all backgrounds and endeavour to recruit volunteers that are representative of the communities we serve. 

Beat recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training to do their work effectively.
We welcome volunteers who may be current or former eating disorder sufferers, people with a background in eating disorder or mental health services through to people who support others in a caring capacity, or those who wish to learn new skills.

We asked volunteers to tell us what volunteering with Beat meant to them:
"I volunteer for Beat because it feels great to turn something negative into something positive."
"I volunteer for Beat because it allows me to raise awareness on eating disorders while gaining personal skills and building friendships."
"I volunteer for Beat because I can make a difference; I have a past that is worth sharing with others." 

Volunteer recruitment
Beat is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.  All volunteers will be required to complete the Volunteer Recruitment Process, which includes submitting an application form, receipt of two satisfactory references, relevant induction training, and undertaking a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where appropriate to the role.
All volunteers will receive regular support from a named member of Beat staff. 

 

This role is only available to people living in Norwich and Norfolk
Volunteers will be taking calls on the Beat Adult Helpline, responding to users’ needs and providing information, support and signposting.
Skills: Are you a good listener?  Do you have knowledge of eating disorders and a basic understanding of mental health issues?  Do you have good IT skills and experience of using spreadsheets/databases and internet?  Are you able to commit to volunteering three hours per week between 10.30am-7.30pm?  Are you available 40 out of 52 weeks for a minimum of one year?
Supervision: Ongoing supervision and mentoring within the role
Expenses: We offer travel expenses for this role.
If you’re interested in becoming a helpline support volunteer for Beat, please complete the volunteer enquiry form here.


Office Admin Volunteer: Norwich
The Office Admin Volunteer will provide general administrative support to members of the Beat Head Office team in Norwich.  This will include the fundraising, communications, business development and services teams. Tasks will be assigned on a weekly basis.
Induction training, travel expenses and ongoing supervision are provided.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for Beat, please complete the volunteer enquiry form here.


Volunteer Group Facilitator: Emotional Overeating Support Groups
Volunteers are required in or around Derby, Norwich, Sandwell and Welwyn Hatfield to facilitate support groups for adults who binge eat, compulsively overeat, have emotional eating issues or are struggling with their weight. The groups will enable individuals aged over 18 to share problems, gain peer support and discuss their experiences in a safe, confidential and stigma-free environment. The groups will not provide therapy, counselling or advice.

More information on the project and volunteering can be found here.
Induction training, travel expenses and ongoing supervision are provided. Closing date for applications is 31 May and we are holding a volunteer training event in July 2013.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer group facilitator, please complete the volunteer enquiry form here.


Volunteer Group Facilitator: Norfolk Support Groups (for Carers and Recoverers)
Beat Volunteer Group Facilitators ensure a comfortable, safe and supportive environment for adults going through similar experiences to talk and offer emotional support.
Do you have knowledge of mental illness, especially eating disorders?  Do you have a non-judgemental attitude, good listening skills and the ability to communicate well with others?  Induction training, travel expenses and ongoing supervision are provided.  If you live in Norfolk, and you’re interested in becoming a volunteer group facilitator, please complete the volunteer enquiry form here.


Transitions Project: Recovery Buddies
The Transitions project will support young people in London who are affected by eating disorders at times of transition, when they are particularly vulnerable.
To find out more about the Transitions project, see the information pages here.
The Project is recruiting and training Recovery Buddies to support young people. These volunteers are aged 18-25, recovered from an eating disorder and have been out of inpatient treatment for two years. Because of their own personal experience, they have a great depth of understanding and demonstrate that recovery is possible and achievable.

The Transitions Project is funded by City Bridge to cover the following London Boroughs:  Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Brent, Camden, City, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Redbridge, Southwark, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and Westminster.
Volunteers will be working, living or studying in one of the above Boroughs.  If you identify yourself within the above criteria, and wish to find out more about becoming a volunteer Recovery Buddy, please complete the volunteer enquiry form here.


Media Volunteers
The most powerful voice in raising awareness is that of those affected – whether it be the individual themselves, their partner, family or friends. By sharing your experiences you can really help other people in similar situations and the personal element can often mean the difference between a story being run or not.
For more information, or to apply, please see the media pages here.


Fundraising: UK wide
Beat needs fundraising volunteers across the country to ensure 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. For more information visit our fundraising pages.