Become an a Volunteer with EDS UK
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. With over 120 volunteers across the UK, we have opportunities to suit everyone. Volunteering can be a very rewarding experience and our volunteers would tell you that they love to belong to something bigger.
We are always looking for proof readers to help with articles, Fragile Links, web copy and more.
If you have a medical background and an interest in research and disecting long, lengthy, complicated documents, then we have a role for you too!
Most of our volunteers are Area Coordinators and look after the area in which they live, running support group meetings and answering queries from local members, as well as helping to moderate their regional Facebook group.
The volunteer application form is at the bottom of this page
Area Coordinators
Help people affected by EDS/HSD feel connected, understood and supported in their local area.
EDS UK Area Coordinators are volunteers who help organise support group meetings and keep members connected across the UK.
Our volunteers include people living with EDS/HSD, family members, carers and friends. You do not need to be a medical expert. You need to be organised, welcoming and willing to help people find connection and support.
We know many volunteers have health, work, caring or family commitments. EDS UK will support you in the role, and we will talk with you about what is realistic for your area and your capacity.
All of our Area Coordinators go through an induction process, training session and have fully enhanced DBS checks as well as Level 1 Safeguarding Adults training.
What Area Coordinators do
As an Area Coordinator, you may:
- arrange local support group meetings, usually every three months
- keep in touch with your EDS UK staff contacts
- share information with members in your area by email or Facebook, where appropriate
- help members hear about local meetings, events and updates
- create a welcoming space where people affected by EDS/HSD can meet others who understand
Some Area Coordinators also choose to organise extra activities, depending on their time, energy and local interest. They may run coffee social meet ups and awareness events.
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
You can apply here – once you have applied, someone will be in contact with you for an informal chat to make sure that the role you are interested in is right for you.