Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!
We’re excited to be expanding our volunteer base and are currently recruiting for a variety of roles across our projects and services.
Below, you’ll find more details about each project, the available roles, how to apply, and who to contact if you have any questions. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a more regular commitment, there is lots to get involved with across the charity.
If you wish to apply for more than one role, please indicate this in your application and we will take this into consideration when shortlisting applications.
Volunteer Peer Facilitators – Overcoming BDD Programme
About the Project
The Overcoming BDD Programme is a 20-week online, peer-led, self-help programme developed by experts Professor David Veale and Dr. Rob Willson. It combines CBT techniques with peer-led support to help individuals (18+) overcome BDD. Following structured phases, volunteer facilitators with lived experience provide a safe, supportive space for recovery. Participants learn practical CBT strategies to reduce symptoms, combat isolation, and build long-term recovery practices.
About the role
We are looking for 3 new volunteers to co-facilitate the online sessions and guide participants through the 20 week programme. For this role, it’s important to have a very strong understanding of BDD and its impact. We’re looking for volunteers with strong facilitation skills, empathy and the ability to make others feel welcome and comfortable.
The time commitment is 2.5 hours per week, for 20 weeks (May 2025 – October 2025), plus 2 training sessions before the role commences. We invite applications from people with direct/ indirect lived experience of BDD, or direct lived experience of a related condition, as well as people who have received CBT and who have skills in group facilitation or peer-support.
This is a unique and rewarding role, with the opportunity to support and guide individuals through the 20 week group programme. You will have the chance to work alongside some amazing facilitators who have previously delivered the programme, and develop your own skills in peer support.
How to apply
Please submit a CV and a personal statement (max 600 words) to gem@bddfoundation.org which highlights the following:
- Your (direct/indirect) experience with BDD or a related condition
- Why you would like to apply for this position
- Your relevant experience
- The relevant skills and qualities you have for this role
Please submit your CV and personal statement to gem@bddfoundation.org by 12 midday on 17th February 2025
Please note, this post is open to those based in the UK, age 18+ and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
E-Helpline Volunteers
About the Service
The BDD Foundation’s email support service offers guidance for anyone affected by BDD or concerned about a loved one. We are the only email support project specifically for BDD in the UK, providing high-quality information, treatment options, and a non-judgmental space to discuss symptoms. Run by our Helpline Manager, Helpline Coordinator and a team of dedicated volunteers, the service offers empathetic support and signposting to resources tailored to individual needs.
About the role
The key tasks carried about by volunteers include:
- Responding to questions and concerns of individuals that email the service
- Offering a compassionate, understanding and safe online space for those struggling
- Identifying other sources of support both within and outside of the charity
- Working within the policies set by the BDD Foundation
- Attendance of ongoing training and development sessions
For this role, it’s important to have a good understanding of BDD and the impact it has. We look for individuals with a non-judgmental attitude, empathy and understanding, and strong written communication skills. Since the role operates remotely, we are also looking for individuals with a good level of IT literacy and confidence using a web based email system.
Training and induction will be provided. We require a minimum commitment of 2.5 hours per week on a rota basis.
How to apply
Download the Application Form below, and send completed applications to christian@bddfoundation.org by 17th February 2025.
BDD-Foundation-General-Volunteers-Form
Please note, this post is open to those based in the UK, age 18+ and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Schools Project Volunteers
About the Project
The BDD Foundation, in partnership with Maudsley Hospital, has recently relaunched our Schools Project to help educators identify and support adolescents with BDD. As an early intervention programme, it aims to improve understanding and ensure timely support.
Guided by clinicians, volunteers have been delivering in-person workshops in South London schools. To better meet schools’ needs, we are now evolving the programme to offer virtual online sessions, making training more accessible. Workshops cover BDD, appearance anxiety, spotting signs, approaching conversations, and accessing support for students and their families.
About the role
We are looking for volunteers to help us expand and deliver our Schools Project, a vital initiative aimed at improving understanding of BDD in education and ensuring students receive the support they need. As a Schools Project Volunteer, you will reach out to schools in your local area on behalf of the BDD Foundation, introducing the programme and encouraging participation. You will then deliver training sessions – either in person or online, depending on the school’s preference, to equip staff with the knowledge to identify BDD, support students, and facilitate access to treatment.
We are looking for individuals with:
- Lived experience of BDD (personal or as a carer for a loved one)
- Strong understanding of BDD signs and symptoms
- Experience in training, public speaking, group facilitation, or professional presentations (desirable)
- Clear communicator, well-organised, and passionate about early mental health intervention
How to apply
Please submit a CV and a personal statement (max 600 words) to gem@bddfoundation.org which highlights the following:
- Your (direct/indirect) experience with BDD
- Why you would like to apply for this position
- Your relevant experience
- The relevant skills and qualities you have for this role
Please submit your CV and personal statement to gem@bddfoundation.org by 12 midday on 17th February 2025
Please note, this post is open to those based in the UK, age 18+ and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Peer Support Group Volunteers
About the Service
Our support groups play an important role, alongside treatment, in recovering from and managing BDD. They provide a safe environment where people can talk openly about their BDD, as well as giving support and encouragement to others. Many attendees find comfort in shared experience, knowing they are not alone, and hearing stories from individuals at different stages of their recovery. We are expanding our support groups to offer additional sessions on a new day/ time to reach even more individuals in need.
About the role
For this role, it’s important to have a very strong understanding of BDD and its impact. We’re looking for volunteers with excellent listening skills, the ability to make others feel welcome and comfortable, and empathy. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of BDD, since these groups are peer led – an approach we have found to be particularly effective in supporting those experiencing BDD.
Training and induction will be provided. We ask for a minimum commitment of 1.5-3 hours per month.
How to apply
Please submit a CV and a personal statement (max 600 words) to gem@bddfoundation.org which highlights the following:
- Your (direct/indirect) experience with BDD
- Why you would like to apply for this position
- Your relevant experience
- The relevant skills and qualities you have for this role
Please submit your CV and personal statement to gem@bddfoundation.org by 12 midday on 17th February 2025
Please note, this post is open to those based in the UK, age 18+ and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.