Volunteer role:
​Face-to-face group facilitators - Leeds

​Current lived experience of struggling with self-harm is required*

What are we looking for?
We are hoping to find people (18+) who have already used our groups or other Battle Scars services and feel able to share the lead with their team members. People who haven't used our services are welcome to apply, they will need to attend groups as part of their training. Applicants must be confident and/or willing to lead the groups once they've completed training. ​Younger men (aged between 18 and 35), members of the LGBT+ community and people from culturally diverse communities are especially encouraged to apply. 
​There is a full application and selection process - please be aware, not everyone who wishes to volunteer with us is recruited.
We expect a minimum 6 months' commitment for this role due to the extensive training offered. 

Why do we need more group facilitators?
Our face-to-face group facilitator teams are made up of 4 people. Everybody in the facilitator team takes turns leading the group. Volunteers step down or have breaks leaving some gaps in existing teams. 

Opportunity 1:
​Daytime group 
Location: Battle Scars premises, ​Onward Mental Health Hub, Millshaw Park Way, Leeds, LS11 0LS
Day: Thursday - ongoing
Time of group: 12:30-14:00 (with extra social activities 11:00-12:30)
Frequency: every week
Vacancies: 2
Other commitment: time to prepare group topic and liaise with team
Optional: help with the social activities

Opportunity 3:
16-25s evening group
Location:  Battle Scars premises, Onward Mental Health Hub, Millshaw Park Way, Leeds, LS11 0LS
Day: Monday
Time of group: 18:30-20:00 
Frequency: every week
Vacancies: 3
Other commitment: time to prepare group topic and liaise with team

What does the role involve? 
There is a bit of prep work, setting up and clearing the room (you can tell us about any physical difficulties you may have in the application form - ability to move furniture is not required). 
Providing short 121's to group members as and when requested. 
​We also hold a virtual team meeting for all group facilitators every 3 months on a Saturday afternoon (1-2 hours). 

What training do we provide?
Some training is compulsory for this role but we also offer optional extra training (e.g. autism awareness, understanding personality disorders etc.) 
Compulsory - all training is virtual (Zoom) and takes place on Saturday afternoons:
Group facilitation
Safeguarding
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

How do the volunteers benefit and what support do they get?
We value our volunteers and ensure they feel part of the team. By volunteering with us, volunteers build on existing skills or develop new ones, they take advantage of their lived experience to help others and get a sense of purpose. We provide role specific training as well as opportunities of further training. Ongoing support is provided by the volunteer manager, facilitator team and other staff.

Does this role require a DBS check?
Yes, this role requires a DBS check. The cost is covered by Battle Scars. ​

*Current lived experience means that you actively self-harm or that you are struggling with self-harm urges.

​If you would like to apply, please select the application form below. If you'd like more information, please contact the volunteer manager. 

"Despite being anxious I started facilitating several months ago and the support I have had has given me confidence"

"I really enjoy volunteering for Battle Scars. It has boosted my confidence and understanding of both my mental health needs and others'. The peer support groups are where I started and now I'm a co-facilitator of some of these groups. There's always support from the volunteer manager in or outside the role of my volunteer post. Can't thank enough for what the charity has done for me"