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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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Volunteer with Battle Scars
Battle Scars is an person centred, all inclusive organisation but there some limitations due to the services we provide.
If you could display our Volunteers Needed poster in your organisation please download it. Thank you
If you could display our Volunteers Needed poster in your organisation please download it. Thank you
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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.
What roles are available?
We are currently recruiting for 3 roles:
Group facilitators and co-facilitators. We run adult peer support groups around Leeds. Each group needs a team of facilitators. Also with plans to expand out of Leeds we are looking for people based in surrounding areas who will eventually run groups in their local areas. A group in Wakefield will be starting in May but we do not require any more volunteers from that area at the moment. A Harrogate group is being planned so we especially encourage people from the area to apply. Day and time for that group to be confirmed.
Right now we're only looking for facilitators and co-facilitators who can help with our daytime groups in Armley or Seacroft that run 12.30-2.30 pm or our evening group in Beeston (6.30-8.30).
Under 18's workshop facilitators (mainly Leeds). Volunteers wishing to work with under 18's can apply to learn to facilitate these 2-hr workshops. Demand is still low because we only just launched these workshops but we expect it to pick up.
One IT expert to help us with expanding our systems (based in Leeds please). As we grow our IT needs are getting more complex. We're looking for one person willing to give us some of their time to research and implement the best way forward for us and support us with our existing IT systems and equipment.
We always create the role for the volunteer taking into account their interests, likes and dislikes, skills as well as their needs. Someone interested in volunteering with us can apply for more than one role and also help out in other ways such as helping out at events or fundraising, making each volunteer's role description different.
Group facilitators and co-facilitators. We run adult peer support groups around Leeds. Each group needs a team of facilitators. Also with plans to expand out of Leeds we are looking for people based in surrounding areas who will eventually run groups in their local areas. A group in Wakefield will be starting in May but we do not require any more volunteers from that area at the moment. A Harrogate group is being planned so we especially encourage people from the area to apply. Day and time for that group to be confirmed.
Right now we're only looking for facilitators and co-facilitators who can help with our daytime groups in Armley or Seacroft that run 12.30-2.30 pm or our evening group in Beeston (6.30-8.30).
Under 18's workshop facilitators (mainly Leeds). Volunteers wishing to work with under 18's can apply to learn to facilitate these 2-hr workshops. Demand is still low because we only just launched these workshops but we expect it to pick up.
One IT expert to help us with expanding our systems (based in Leeds please). As we grow our IT needs are getting more complex. We're looking for one person willing to give us some of their time to research and implement the best way forward for us and support us with our existing IT systems and equipment.
We always create the role for the volunteer taking into account their interests, likes and dislikes, skills as well as their needs. Someone interested in volunteering with us can apply for more than one role and also help out in other ways such as helping out at events or fundraising, making each volunteer's role description different.
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. 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.
I have never self-harmed. Can I volunteer?
Yes you can. 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, a friend, a client/service user who self-harms. Considering how wide-spread self-harm is and how many different methods of self-harm there are, this probably includes everybody who has been on our website. At the interview stage we will discuss what role would be most suitable for you. Alternatively, contact us before applying.
What are the criteria to become a peer support group facilitator?
We prefer that the main group facilitator is someone who currently struggles with self-harm (from scratching, cutting, hitting, to overdosing and eating disorders). Someone who is 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 does not need to be currently self-harming or have ever self-harmed. But they must have personal experience of self-harm by having had to closely support someone 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 will be May 11th.
From January 2019 almost all training will be on Saturdays.
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 will be May 11th.
From January 2019 almost all training will be on Saturdays.
We also recommend that all volunteers attend our self-harm and eating disorders workshops for professionals (usually take place on weekdays).
When and where is the next group facilitator course taking place?
The group facilitator and safeguarding training take place in Leeds near the city centre (parking available).
We do not have dates for the next round of training yet. Since this is dependant on funding there may be a few months' gap until the next round. It will also depend on whether we have enough volunteers interested in doing it.
The under 18's workshop facilitation workshop will take place on Saturday 11 May, 2019, 1-5 pm.
We do not have dates for the next round of training yet. Since this is dependant on funding there may be a few months' gap until the next round. It will also depend on whether we have enough volunteers interested in doing it.
The under 18's workshop facilitation workshop will take place on Saturday 11 May, 2019, 1-5 pm.
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.
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.
Our office space is small and even though as we grow we'll be able to offer more hours to volunteers who take on specific tasks 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.
The IT volunteer's volunteering hours will be the most flexible as and when we need support and fitting around their commitments.
Our office space is small and even though as we grow we'll be able to offer more hours to volunteers who take on specific tasks 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.
The IT volunteer's volunteering hours will be the most flexible as and when we need support and fitting around their commitments.
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.
How do I apply?
Please complete the application below or contact us to request the application form by email or post.
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.
