Location: Remote role
Accountable to: SharED Co-ordinator
This agreement details the arrangement between yourself and Beat. It is not a legally binding contract and can be cancelled at any time. It is not intended to be a contract of employment.
We appreciate your time in volunteering with us and we will do the best that we can to support you and provide you with the training that you need to undertake your role.
Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. We’re a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected by an eating disorder, giving sufferers and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported, and empowered.
SharED is a free email support service that matches volunteers, who have recovered from their own eating disorder, with young people who are currently struggling with an eating disorder.
Not having someone to talk to regularly about the difficulties and challenges of an eating disorder can be lonely and isolating, particularly if you're not able to discuss and share your feelings with family and friends. By being able to speak to our Beat befrienders, we are hoping that this service will reduce isolation experienced by those affected by an eating disorder. With our befrienders having personal experience of eating disorders, we are also hopeful that this service will increase confidence that recovery is possible.
The SharED service will equip befrienders with the skills and knowledge needed to support those suffering from an eating disorder.
As a befriender you will be matched with a young person who is currently struggling with an eating disorder (you will be matched on your experience, meaning that you should be able to connect empathically).
Our befrienders will provide a listening ear, encouragement and support, and will signpost the service user to other services that might be helpful during their journey.
Before you start providing email support, you will receive online training. This will include: maintaining boundaries, practicing self-care, communication skills, signposting, and details of Beat’s ethos and our confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
All emails are transferred through the SharED central email address to maintain confidentiality. All contact will be moderated by Beat staff as everyone’s safety is our priority. All identifying information, including email addresses and surnames, will be removed from any email before these are sent on.
By signing this document, the volunteer confirms that it has been read, understood and accepted.