Volunteer with Battle Scars
DUE TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 SITUATION AND THE NATURE OF OUR SERVICES WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY RECRUITING
"With volunteering through Battle Scars, I have been able to turn what was a traumatic and tumultuous period of my life into a strength and a positive. I have never been judged and never felt pressured - only supported and encouraged. The fact that I have been able to use my experiences of poor mental health to help and understand others has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. The confidence I have gained volunteering with Battle Scars has given me the courage to go back to education as a mature student and to gain part-time paid employment"
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"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"
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"I chose to volunteer with Battle Scars because I believe self-harm is an important cause that I have been personally affected by within my family which I had previously been unable to understand, and I think helping others to understand and cope is very important"
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"As a caring and professional person, it is satisfying being involved as a volunteer with Battle Scars who are a caring and professional charity"
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"I volunteer with Battle Scars because I have seen first-hand from both a personal and professional perspective how little support there is for people who self-harm. I just think it is such a huge issue that the more support there is the better it is for everyone"
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Do Battle Scars recruit volunteers regularly?
Battle Scars is a fast growing charity and we have great demand on our services. We always need more volunteers even if we cannot offer you many or regular hours. We treasure the diversity the volunteers bring to the organisation.
PLEASE CHECK Q&A'S BELOW FOR MORE INFO
PLEASE CHECK Q&A'S BELOW FOR MORE INFO
What roles are available?
We are currently only looking for one more volunteer wishing to take on the group facilitator role in Harrogate
Group facilitators and co-facilitators. We run adult peer support groups in Leeds and Wakefield and each group needs a team of facilitators. Also with plans to expand out of Leeds we are looking for people based in surrounding areas (see below) who will eventually run groups in their local areas.
Leeds & Wakefield: right now we are NOT looking for more volunteers for this role
Harrogate: it's been arranged to set up a daytime group (based at the Mind in Harrogate building) which will need 3 facilitators/co-facilitators. Only 1 position left at the moment.
Peer support group facilitator & co-facilitator role description (must be 18+) :
Time commitment: 3 hours every 4 weeks. Depending on group 12.30-2.30 pm (or possibly 1-3 pm) or 6.30-8.30 pm (plus setting up/clearing up)
Location: various (see above)
Essential: current personal experience of struggling with self-harm/eating disorders for the facilitator role. Similar for the co-facilitator role or current experience of supporting a loved one who self-harms.Ability to talk about their experiences.
Wishing to support others who have been affected by self-harm.
A commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgemental approach.
Enthusiastic about furthering the Battle Scars aims and objectives.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Role: to facilitate our adult self-harm peer support groups. All materials provided and full support provided by volunteer manager and co-facilitator(s).
We offer: training.
Out-of-pocket expenses.
A purpose.
The opportunity to develop new and existing skills and gain experience working in the voluntary sector.
The opportunity to meet new people.
The satisfaction of knowing you are making a vital difference to the work of Battle Scars.
Further opportunities as the charity grows.
Compulsory training: group facilitator course, safeguarding workshop, self-harm workshop, eating disorders workshop.
DBS: not required.
Welcome to apply: people with mental health issues (those with BPD especially welcome), people with physical disabilities, people from BAME communities and LGBT people.
Group facilitators and co-facilitators. We run adult peer support groups in Leeds and Wakefield and each group needs a team of facilitators. Also with plans to expand out of Leeds we are looking for people based in surrounding areas (see below) who will eventually run groups in their local areas.
Leeds & Wakefield: right now we are NOT looking for more volunteers for this role
Harrogate: it's been arranged to set up a daytime group (based at the Mind in Harrogate building) which will need 3 facilitators/co-facilitators. Only 1 position left at the moment.
Peer support group facilitator & co-facilitator role description (must be 18+) :
Time commitment: 3 hours every 4 weeks. Depending on group 12.30-2.30 pm (or possibly 1-3 pm) or 6.30-8.30 pm (plus setting up/clearing up)
Location: various (see above)
Essential: current personal experience of struggling with self-harm/eating disorders for the facilitator role. Similar for the co-facilitator role or current experience of supporting a loved one who self-harms.Ability to talk about their experiences.
Wishing to support others who have been affected by self-harm.
A commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgemental approach.
Enthusiastic about furthering the Battle Scars aims and objectives.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Role: to facilitate our adult self-harm peer support groups. All materials provided and full support provided by volunteer manager and co-facilitator(s).
We offer: training.
Out-of-pocket expenses.
A purpose.
The opportunity to develop new and existing skills and gain experience working in the voluntary sector.
The opportunity to meet new people.
The satisfaction of knowing you are making a vital difference to the work of Battle Scars.
Further opportunities as the charity grows.
Compulsory training: group facilitator course, safeguarding workshop, self-harm workshop, eating disorders workshop.
DBS: not required.
Welcome to apply: people with mental health issues (those with BPD especially welcome), people with physical disabilities, people from BAME communities and LGBT people.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
At the moment we only recruit volunteers who are 18 or older. We are hoping to create roles for younger volunteers as our services expand.
I self-harm, can I volunteer?
We are mostly looking for people who currently self-harm or are struggling with self-harm urges. It's much easier for our service users to relate to them. But we also have roles for people who used to self-harm or care for someone who does.
I used to self-harm but no longer do. Can I volunteer?
Yes you can. Many of our volunteers no longer self-harm, even though they usually have to fight the urges from time to time. At the interview stage we can discuss your views on self-harm with you and what role you'd be most suitable for. If unsure, please contact us.
I have never self-harmed. Can I volunteer?
Yes you can but please bear in mind that all our services are survivor run so we mostly recruit volunteers who have been affected by self-harm. That means that they have either self-harmed at some point (or still do) or have had to closely support a family member or a friend who self-harms. Some of our volunteers bring specialist skills that can make a big difference so we're always open to suggestions. In this case please contact us before applying. More roles will be created as we grow.
What are the criteria to become a peer support group facilitator?
The main group facilitator must be someone who currently struggles with self-harm (from scratching, cutting, hitting, to overdosing and eating disorders) and must be willing to be open in a group situation. Full training is given so no other skills are required.
What are the criteria to become a peer support group co-facilitator?
A group co-facilitator is ideally someone who still struggles with self-harm but can also be someone who has personal experience of self-harm by having had to closely support a loved one who self-harms.
What sort of training do I need to become a group facilitator/co-facilitator or to do under 18's work?
Group facilitators/co-facilitators:
The group facilitator course must be completed, it is 4 days over 5 weeks. There is also a half-day safeguarding awareness course. Both the facilitator and the safeguarding training are compulsory for anybody wishing to become a group facilitator even if you have already attended other similar training. Becoming a facilitator for a self-harm peer support group is very specialised and certain aspects of it would not be covered in similar training delivered by other organisations. Dates for next round of training to be confirmed.
Under 18's workshop facilitators:
A train-the-trainer course and the half-day safeguarding awareness course are compulsory for this role even for those who have attended similar training before or have worked with under 18's because work around self-harm can be quite difficult and can be triggering for both the young people and the facilitator. Next training date for the under 18's workshop facilitation to be confirmed.
Almost all training is on Saturdays in Leeds (expenses covered).
We also recommend that all volunteers attend our self-harm and eating disorders workshops for professionals (usually take place on weekdays).
The group facilitator course must be completed, it is 4 days over 5 weeks. There is also a half-day safeguarding awareness course. Both the facilitator and the safeguarding training are compulsory for anybody wishing to become a group facilitator even if you have already attended other similar training. Becoming a facilitator for a self-harm peer support group is very specialised and certain aspects of it would not be covered in similar training delivered by other organisations. Dates for next round of training to be confirmed.
Under 18's workshop facilitators:
A train-the-trainer course and the half-day safeguarding awareness course are compulsory for this role even for those who have attended similar training before or have worked with under 18's because work around self-harm can be quite difficult and can be triggering for both the young people and the facilitator. Next training date for the under 18's workshop facilitation to be confirmed.
Almost all training is on Saturdays in Leeds (expenses covered).
We also recommend that all volunteers attend our self-harm and eating disorders workshops for professionals (usually take place on weekdays).
When are the next training dates and where?
The group facilitator, safeguarding training and delivering Battle Scars services to under 18's take place in Leeds near the city centre (parking available). All training takes place on a Saturday during the daytime.
The next round of training will happen when we have enough volunteers wishing to take on that role.
There are currently no dates arranged for the next safeguarding or under 18's workshops.
The next round of training will happen when we have enough volunteers wishing to take on that role.
There are currently no dates arranged for the next safeguarding or under 18's workshops.
Will my expenses be covered?
At your induction you will be given full details of what out-of-pocket expenses we will cover (such as travel and meals). We will start covering such expenses from when you volunteer with us for the first time.
Will I have to take on the role of group facilitator as soon as I've done the training?
Our volunteers are not obliged to take on the role immediately after completing the training. Some may realise they're not ready yet or still too shy. We take it at the pace that is right for each volunteer, supporting and helping them to take on the role when they feel ready.
What do Battle Scars expect from the volunteer?
We expect our volunteers to bring their enthusiasm to further our aims, to operate within the Battle Scars ethos of acceptance and honest support, to represent Battle Scars, to be willing to learn and grow and to follow the Battle Scars policies and procedures.
What will Battle Scars offer me as a volunteer?
We will treat you with respect. We will take your individual needs into consideration and offer you appropriate tasks with the right support. We will make sure you feel part of the Battle Scars team. We will provide you with training and opportunities to expand on your existing skills and to develop new ones. We will give you a purpose. We will offer you encouragement to reach your potential and increase your confidence.
How many hours am I expected to work? Will it be regular hours?
The group facilitators are expected to work 3 hours every 4 weeks as a minimum.
We do not have premises yet and we cannot offer regular hours outside of the groups. Most work is as and when, some is done at home, some at events.
Those running or assisting with under 18's workshops will be offered the opportunity to do so as and when we have demand. Most such work will take place during or right after school hours on weekdays at schools and colleges.
We do not have premises yet and we cannot offer regular hours outside of the groups. Most work is as and when, some is done at home, some at events.
Those running or assisting with under 18's workshops will be offered the opportunity to do so as and when we have demand. Most such work will take place during or right after school hours on weekdays at schools and colleges.
I struggle a lot with my mental health. Can I volunteer?
The majority of our volunteers struggle with mental health issues. We actively recruit people who have mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, BPD, PTSD, bipolar etc. We very much encourage people with BPD to apply.
I have physical health issues. Can I volunteer?
We will take into account any health issues you have and make sure you are given appropriate tasks and the right support.
I cannot provide referees who have known me for 2 years or longer. Can I still apply?
If you do not know anybody for 2 years or longer who could provide you with a personal reference please contact us to discuss this before applying.
How do I apply?
Please complete the application below or contact us to request the application form by email or post. Please bear in mind that all contact with volunteers is via email or Facebook so you need access to at least one of these.
How long will it be before I hear from you after I apply?
We will acknowledge your application within a few days. If we think you're suitable for the role we will request your references. When we have received the references we will contact you to arrange to meet. Such meetings as well as the regular 121's can take place during the day, evenings or weekends. We do not have premises yet so initial meetings take place in cafes.
