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. |
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: May 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 |
Opportunity 2: Evening group Location: Lovell Park Hub, Wintoun Street, Leeds, LS7 1DA Needed now Day: Wednesday Time of group: 18:30-20:00 Frequency: every two weeks Vacancies: 1 Other commitment: time to prepare group topic and liaise with team |
Opportunity 3: Evening group Location: Vale Circles Hub, Tunstall Road Community Centre, 12 Tunstall Road, Leeds, LS11 5JF Needed now 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 |
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 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.
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" |