The Foundation relies heavily on the wonderful contribution of volunteers to assist with the provision of support services for people affected by eating disorders. Without volunteers EDFV would not exist.

Mission

The Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria (EDFV) is a non-profit organisation, which seeks to support those whose lives are affected by anorexia and bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders and to better inform the community about these disorders.

Vision

The Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria is the primary source of support, information, community education and advocacy for people with eating disorders and their families in Victoria. 

We connect those whose lives are affected by eating disorders with the people, services and hope they need for recovery.

Services

• Helpline
• Support Groups
• Family Support Officer
• Support Officer for people with an eating disorder
• Chat room
• Message board
• Library
• Education Evenings
• Training for Health & Fitness Professionals
• Training for Schools staff
• Training for Community & Welfare Workers
• Website
• Private Practitioner database
• Eating Disorder Treatment List
• Information sheets
• bi-monthly newsletter

Volunteering Opportunities

► Helpline Workers (HW)

Helpline Workers participate in the direct provision of the Information, Support and Referral Service (Telephone, Email, Face-to-face and Message board). The Helpline operates from Monday to Friday between 9.30am & 5.00pm. A commitment of a weekly four-hour shift for a minimum period of 12 months is required. Volunteers participate in an in-house training course, followed by observations and supervised calls. Ongoing support, supervision and debriefing are provided. Reliable and committed volunteers are desired.

► Support Group Convenors (SGC)

Support Group Convenors facilitate the EDFV support groups, which take place on Monday evenings from 7.00pm until 8.30pm. Separate groups are held for people with an eating disorder and relatives and friends. Combined groups are also held throughout the year. Meetings offer the opportunity for information sharing, increased understanding and mutual support, rather than ‘therapy'. Convenors facilitate using a roster system. Once selected, volunteers undergo an internal training program followed by observations and co-facilitation of approximately one group per month. Ongoing support, supervision and debriefing are provided. Group facilitation skills are desired.

► Speakers Bank (SB) - Sharing your story

As the peak body for eating disorders in Victoria, we receive a variety of requests from the media and community groups to access people who have had an eating disorder or their carers. Requests come from: Radio, Television, News media and journals. The purpose of the Speakers Bank is to have a database of speakers available to utilise in a variety of situations. Training and ongoing support is provided by EDFV. If you have recovered from an eating disorder, or have cared for someone with an eating disorder, and would like to share your story and promote the message of recovery, then the Speakers Bank is for you. Volunteers participate in an in-house training session. Ongoing support and debriefing is provided.

► Chat room Moderators (CM)

Chat room moderators facilitate the online support groups. Chat sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 8pm. The chat room is a great environment to engage in group processes, provide support and participate in delivering a message of hope and recovery. Volunteers participate in an in-house training session followed by observations and supervised sessions. Ongoing support and debriefing is provided.

If you are interested in undertaking a voluntary position with EDFV then please fill out an application. Click here for application form

For further information please contact: