Background
Beating eating disorders, beat, is the new identity of Eating Disorders Association, beat became the new name in 2007. EDA merged out of Anorexic Aid and Anorexic Family Aid in 1989 and was the first National organisation devoted to eating disorders. In 1992 a third charity merged with EDA, the Society for the Advancement of Research into Anorexia, SARA.
beat, just like EDA, provides support to people suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.
Their mission statement is to beat eating disorders by changing the way everyone thinks and talks about them, to improve the way services and treatment are provided and to help anyone with an eating disorder to believe it can be beaten, They do the above by challenging the stigma and stereotypes that people with eating disorders face, campaigning for better services and providing information, support and encouragement to seek treatment and recovery.
Roles of volunteers
Volunteers play a crucial role in beat. At present there are 300 volunteers in varied roles providing invaluable support to sufferers of eating disorders.
The national telephone helpline is staffed by 9 paid staff and 20 volunteers. It is open between 10.30am – 8.30pm on weekdays and 1pm-4.30pm on Saturdays. Some are providing support from the Norwich office and others operate from home. Access to broadband, an available private space and willingness to put aside 3 hours per week are some of the requirements of remote workers.
beat also runs a network of self help groups facilitated by volunteers. The volunteers involved all have experience of eating disorders themselves either as a sufferer or as a carer.
A network of telephone and email volunteers provides on-going support to people affected by eating disorders.
As eating disorders increasingly affect more young people, beat also started a Young People’s participation Forum. Young people had expressed an interest in influencing policy makers and government to improve services and also to challenge stereotypes and the stigma people with eating disorders face. This group of 15 young people takes part in debates and participates in conferences representing the voice of young people nationally.
Recruitment and training
Rachel Hogg, volunteer coordinator at beat, recruits local volunteers from the local volunteer bureau parish magazines and the beat website etc.
Many volunteers are students or are looking to embark on studies in counselling and therapy, specialising in the field, and some have personal experience of eating disorders either as a former sufferer or as a carer of a sufferer.
After having expressed an interest in volunteering they are sent an application pack. This has to be returned with 2 references. Former sufferers need to provide 1 GP reference with proof that they have been recovered for at least 2 years. If successful, the applicant is called for a formal interview. It is important to stress that every application is assessed individually as the role of volunteer counsellor can be very stressful at times and paying individual attention to counsellors is vital.
Extensive training is provided and lasts for 3 months. Training takes the form of conference calls, training cd’s and manuals, role play etc.
All trainees also get a paid visit to the Norwich office.
As supporting people affected by eating disorders can at times be very stressful, volunteers are supported by supervision. After calls remote helpline workers are debriefed by Helpline supervisors. The distress of many calls requires continuous support and supervision.
In order to offer support and training volunteers training sessions are offered quarterly.
Future prospects for volunteers
As mentioned earlier many former volunteers embark on careers in counselling and therapy, specialising in eating disorders. Volunteering with beat provides a great start to their careers.
Former sufferers and carers of sufferers are invaluable in providing real insight to eating disorders and help fellow sufferers.
Whatever the background or interests of volunteers the important skills needed are commitment, enthusiasm, empathy, listening skills, reliability and a willingness to learn.
For more information please contact:
Emma Healey, Director of Operations
0870 770 3256 ext 229
E.Healey@b-eat.co.uk
Or
Rachel Hogg, Volunteer Coordinator
01603 753310
R.Hogg@b-eat.co.uk
website: www.b-eat.co.uk
