Peer Support Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities:

Our three peer support programs are volunteer-run and offer an opportunity to develop skills in providing compassionate, non-judgmental support to individuals navigating eating disorder recovery.

Online Peer Support Chats: Volunteers offer support to multiple participants in text-based group support chats. Two volunteers moderate every chat and offer written support to participants who drop in. In this program, volunteers have the opportunity to develop their group facilitation and real-time response skills. Time commitment: The chats run for 1.5 hours and are offered on weekday evenings. Volunteers are expected to join at least 3 chats a month (4.5 hours).

Personal Recovery Space: Volunteers offer thoughtful, written support to participants in a private, virtual forum. Two volunteers are placed in every forum, and both are expected to respond to participants within 48 hours of posting. With this structure, volunteers have the chance to support one individual's recovery over time, with space to reflect and build on each other's responses. Time commitment: 1.5 – 3 hours per week, fluctuating based on participant engagement. Each volunteer provides support in two PRS forums.

Hand in Hand: Volunteers are matched one-on-one with a participant navigating recovery. Matches meet over video call or in-person every week, for around one hour. In this program, volunteers have the opportunity to connect face-to-face with their match and develop their peer support relationship over time. *To best support our participants, volunteers for this program are matched based on demographic considerations including age, gender, geographic location, and more, in alignment with current waitlist needs.

Our programs are made possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. We believe connection is an important part of the recovery journey, and we're grateful you want to join us.

Volunteer Requirements:

• You must currently reside in Canada and be aged 19 or older.
• All volunteers are required to complete mandatory training, a criminal record and vulnerable sector check and additional reference checks.
• The minimum volunteer commitment is one year.
• Volunteers are not required to have lived experience with an eating disorder or disordered eating. While lived experience is central to peer support, we recognize that shared identities and experiences beyond eating disorders also play an important role in building meaningful connections.
• If you have lived experience with eating disorders / disordered eating, you must be recovered for at least 2 years before becoming a peer support volunteer.