tastelife is exctied to be working with Options Wellbeing Trust in Southampton as they launch their Peer Support Network this Autumn. More information from our joint press release below…
“Charity calls for volunteer peer supporters for those with eating disorders & difficulties
A SOUTHAMPTON not-for-profit organisation is calling for volunteers for its new Peer Support Network helping people with both diagnosed and undiagnosed eating disorders and eating difficulties and their carers (July 2022).
Options Wellbeing Trust on Shirley Road is looking for people who can donate their time to support others online, in face-to-face groups and on a one-to-one basis.
Wendy Lee, Head of Health and Wellbeing, says: “We have recently received a funding boost to help us with the delivery of our essential new Peer Support Network in partnership with fellow charity tastelife UK. We were awarded £13,520 for the project, with 50% of the funding provided by No Wrong Door* and the remainder matched by Social Care in Action’s (SCiA) community Action Fund.
“Because of this, we’re now able to work with adults, side by side, offering much greater support for free via three new ways: online with self-help tools, with volunteer peer supporters offering assistance and support online too, monthly small face-to-face peer-led group sessions here in our building, or one-to-one peer buddy sessions out in the community at safe, neutral venues. We’re now looking for people to volunteer as part of the network.
“Part of the role of a volunteer includes providing a warm, friendly and welcoming community, supporting members with engaging and interacting with the Peer Support Network, in whichever way they feel comfortable, buddying up with new joiners, and responding to member’s individual needs.”
The full role description can be found at https://bit.ly/3MULt4v. Once an expression of interest has been received, Options Wellbeing Trust will contact applicants for an informal discussion and send an application for completion. Completed application forms should be sent to support@optionswellbeing.co.uk.
Options Wellbeing Trust applied for funding with the support of tastelife UK, a charity which was founded in 2013 by two mums who both had daughters struggling with Bulimia Nervosa. They created the tastelife course for those suffering from eating disorders, and those supporting them, such as family and friends.
Di Archer, tastelife UK CEO, says: “Southampton was the birthplace of what is now the national charity, tastelife UK. We are thrilled that our partnership with Options Wellbeing Trust has led to a funding boost and that those with eating issues in the area will now receive even more support. We look forward to delivering the ‘Peer Support Network’ in the Southampton area together with Options Wellbeing Trust.”
Both charities are hoping people will volunteer as part of the network.
Wendy continues: “No qualifications are needed to volunteer, we just ask that applicants can demonstrate warmth and approachability, be effective communicators and listeners, be patient, empathetic and understanding, provide comfort and reassurance, and be non-judgemental. Volunteers should have lived experience of eating difficulties, whether they have suffered themselves or have been a carer or supporter of someone with an eating difficulty.
“We also ask that volunteers maintain confidentiality. Volunteers will require references and an enhanced DBS check, which we will undertake. Everyone who is successful will receive mandatory training before engaging in the project.”
Currently, it is understood that one in 10 people nationally has an eating disorder and this number is set to rise further with long waiting lists to see NHS Eating Disorder Teams.
Wendy adds: “We understand that the local Eating Disorders Service has seen a 48% increase in referrals on pre-Covid times. We’re hoping to reach people who may be waiting for the NHS Eating Disorder Team to get in touch or haven’t yet asked for help.”
Options Wellbeing Trust says the eating issues people are struggling with may or may not be diagnosed, but they are significantly impacting on their lives.
Di adds:“We think that what we do through our tastelife course perfectly complements the Peer Support Network and offers people not only ongoing support after the eight-week course has finished but also a more informal place for them to start their journey of recovery.
“Peer supporters will also receive awareness-raising training on mental health and mindfulness topics with both Options Wellbeing Trust and tastelife UK.”
Options Wellbeing Trust offers a range of counselling and wellbeing services including a number of life issues such as anxiety, stress, bereavement, trauma, depression, relationships and addictions.
Wendy says: “We’re here for you and not for profit and it’s our mission to offer affordable, accessible wellbeing and counselling assistance and support in Southampton, Hampshire and Dorset.”
Options Wellbeing Trust is part of SCiA in Southampton, which is a not-for-profit group of charitable social enterprises working together to improve health and wellbeing in communities across southern England.
SCiA’s Action Fund helps those that need financial assistance at a grassroots level through grants given to partner organisations such as Options Wellbeing Trust for its Peer Support Network.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Volunteer Peer Supporter, please visit https://bit.ly/3NS2KLX. For further information about tastelife UK, please visit tastelifeuk.org.”
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