All Bodywhys support services are delivered by trained volunteers.

As part of the range of support services, Bodywhys offers:

• A national helpline
• Weekly online support groups, BodywhysConnect (19+) and YouthConnect (13-18)
• Bi-monthly virtual support group (18+)
• An email support service

• Applicants must be over 20 years of age to apply.
• Volunteers are expected to commit for a minimum of one year.
• Due to the level of training required, and the volunteering rota, it is not possible to volunteer on a short-term basis.
• Due to the often challenging nature of providing support, our recovery policy asks that people, who have been affected by an eating disorder, are two years fully recovered before volunteering in direct services.

• Confidentiality is an essential part of our work. Volunteers listen to and hear about sensitive, emotional and challenging situations affecting people with eating disorders, their family members and friends.
• It is important that volunteers and incoming trainees be mindful of disclosing their status to others, both in person and online, including social media. Your role as a volunteer should be viewed as something to talk about on a need to know basis only.

If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Kathy Downes, Bodywhys Support Services Manager supportmanager@bodywhys.ie

If you are interested in volunteering with Bodywhys, please complete the application form.

– Volunteering Online Application Form

• Our volunteer training takes place online.
• We are in the process of planning the dates for our next volunteering training sessions to be held later this year (2024), and the dates will be announced in due process.
• It is mandatory to attend all training days.
• All notes are provided.
• Training focuses on understanding eating disorders, recovery, active listening skills, and written or group facilitation skills, where applicable.
• After the initial training, trainee volunteers undergo a period of shadowing and supervision to learn from experienced volunteers. The shadowing process is based on a rota system and typically takes a number of months. Supervision is provided by Bodywhys staff, our Support Services Manager.
• Please note that Bodywhys does not offer psychotherapy or counselling to those who contact our services, nor does the organisation endorse a specific form of therapy or treatment.
• Training and volunteering with Bodywhys cannot be used for psychotherapy or counselling credits.
• Bodywhys is not in a position to pay travel expenses towards attendance at training.