Volunteer role:
​Face-to-face group facilitator - Leeds
​URGENTLY needed - training starts in December

​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.

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. At the moment, we are setting up a new group and we have some gaps in existing teams. 

Opportunity 1:
​NEW daytime group 
Location: Onward Mental Health Hub, Millshaw Park Way, Leeds, LS11 0LS
From: January 2024
Day: Thursday
Time of group: 12:30-14:00 (with extra activities one hour before and one hour after)
Frequency: every week
Vacancies: 4
Other commitment: time to prepare group topic and liaise with team
Optional: support the pre and after-group activities
Training in December/January - see below

Opportunity 2:
Evening group
Location:  Lovell Park Hub, Wintoun Street, Leeds, LS7 1DA 
From: January 2024
​Day: Wednesday
Time of group: 18:30-20:00 
Frequency: every two weeks
Vacancies: 2
Other commitment: time to prepare group topic and liaise with team
​Training in December/January - see below

Opportunity 3:
Evening group
Location:  Vale Circles Hub, Tunstall Road Community Centre, 12 Tunstall Road, Leeds, LS11 5JF 
From January 2024
Day: Tuesday
Time of group: 18:30-20:00 
Frequency: every two weeks
Vacancies: 1
Other commitment: time to prepare group topic and liaise with team
​Training in December/January - see below

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, mental health first aid, suicide prevention etc.) 
Compulsory - all training is virtual (Zoom) and takes place on Saturday afternoons:
Group facilitation: 2nd & 9th December 2023. 13:00-17:00
Safeguarding: January date to be confirmed
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: January date to be confirmed

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’m now a Battle Scars online support group facilitator. I’m so proud of myself for having the courage to reach out and join a group that first time. The groups have been so helpful as a supportive safe space to connect with people with similar experiences, and I wanted to be a part of providing that space for other people."