Volunteer role:
​Virtual group facilitator (ongoing recruitment)
Current lived experience of struggling with self-harm is required*
Volunteers can be based anywhere in the UK

Why do we need more virtual group facilitators?
Our groups run best with 3 facilitators sharing the lead. 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.

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.

What commitment are we asking for?Facilitators give around 2 hours every 2 weeks. Each group runs for an hour, with a little prep, early check-in, and a short debrief afterward. We also hold a team meeting every 3 months (1–2 hours on a Saturday).
​Because we provide extensive training, we ask for a minimum 6-month commitment to this role.

When?
​We run both daytime and evening groups. As volunteers move on, gaps sometimes open up in teams, so we ask applicants to clearly state their availability — though we can’t always match every time slot.
​We offer both topic groups and What-Bothers-Me groups, where participants bring their own issues. Facilitators in these groups don’t need to prepare topics, but conversations can sometimes be intense.

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.

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
We train as and when we have enough new volunteers to run the course. 

Does this role require a DBS check?
No, this role doesn't require a DBS check but some of our other roles do, so if you apply for multiple ones, a DBS check will be requested at our cost. 

*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. 

"The team at Battle Scars is kind, compassionate and flexible with regards to volunteers' circumstances"

"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."