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

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

What are we looking for?
We’re looking for people (18+) ready to share the role of leading a group. If you’ve already used our groups or services, that’s a great starting point. If not, you’re still welcome to apply — you’ll just attend groups as part of your training. After training, facilitators need to feel confident (or willing to grow confident) in leading sessions.
​We especially encourage applications from younger men (18–35), members of the LGBT+ community, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please note there is a full application and selection process, and not everyone who applies will be recruited.
​Because we provide extensive training, we ask for a minimum 6-month commitment to this role.
Why do we need more group facilitators?
Our groups run best with facilitator teams of 3-4. As some volunteers move on and more people seek support, we need new facilitators to keep every group running — and to make sure no one misses out.
Opportunity 1:
​Daytime group 
Location: Battle Scars premises, ​Onward Mental Health & Wellbeing 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 & Wellbeing Hub, Millshaw Park Way, Leeds, LS11 0LS
Day: Tuesday - ongoing
Time of group: 18:30-20:00 
Frequency: every two weeks
Vacancies: 2
Other commitment: time to prepare group topic and liaise with team
What does the role involve? 
​Facilitators help prepare topics and make sure everything is ready for the group on the day. You may also offer short one-to-one chats with group members when requested. 
​Every 3 months, all facilitators join a virtual team meeting on a Saturday afternoon (1–2 hours) to share ideas and support each other.
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 and more) 
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?
Volunteering with us means being part of a supportive team where your lived experience makes a real difference. You’ll build on your skills, develop new ones, and find a strong sense of purpose through helping others. 
​We provide full training for the role, plus opportunities for further development through our workforce programme and external courses. Ongoing support is always available from your team and the volunteer manager — so you’ll feel confident and supported every step of the way.
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 fill in an application form. If you'd like more information, please contact the volunteer manager. 
"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"
"Despite being anxious I started facilitating several months ago and the support I have had has given me confidence"