Volunteer

NEDIC relies on the support of our dedicated team of volunteers to supplement our work in the community and online.

volunteer nedic support

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with NEDIC!

Please note that due to the high volume of volunteer applications only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Volunteer applications are accepted online. No phone calls or walk-ins, please. 

While we understand that recovery has its ups and downs, we ask that volunteers be in a place of stable recovery for a year before applying. 

Volunteer Time Frame and Commitment

  • Completion of two mandatory full-day training sessions per year.
  • Commitment of 4 hours per week.
  • Time commitment of one year at minimum.
  • Provide reasonable notice to supervisor of anticipated scheduling conflicts/changes.
  • Work at NEDIC headquarters, in downtown Toronto.  Evening shifts are available. Outreach & Education Volunteers may be asked to travel for presentations within the GTA.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteer shifts are remote, but we will return to the office eventually! 


volunteer nedic support

NEDIC welcomes volunteer applications from students, people who have been affected by eating disorders (recovered), persons with disabilities and members of underserved communities. 

Volunteer Role Descriptions

  • Outreach & Education Volunteers represent NEDIC in a variety of ways – providing public education and professional development about eating disorders, food and weight preoccupation, and body image to members of the public within the Greater Toronto Area. This is a rewarding opportunity for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about preventing eating disorders and is a skilled public speaker who enjoys working with others. Experience working with children and youth is an asset.


    Outreach and education volunteer duties include: 

    • Delivering interactive workshops for students and youth.
    • Representing NEDIC at community health and education fairs.
    • Providing educational presentations for service providers such educators, dietitians, fitness professionals, etc.
    • Developing expertise on eating disorder prevention and treatment.
    • Helping to develop content for Outreach & Education presenter database.
    • Creating helpful handouts and resources for distribution. Assist staff with ongoing educational and outreach projects.
    • Printing and sending out thank you letters following community outreach presentations.


    Required Qualifications:

    • Strong public speaking skills.
    • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    • Strong computer skills; past experience using PowerPoint a must.
    • Able to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
    • Understanding of eating disorders and food and weight preoccupation.
  • We're accepting applications for live chat helpline volunteers! 



    Live chat volunteers support the work of NEDIC's helpline. Volunteers will answer chats during their scheduled shift. Individuals chat with us seeking information, resources, referrals, and support. We help in system navigation, and offering support or a place to listen. 



    Required Qualifications

    • This role is remote for now, but may eventually work out of NEDIC's Toronto office, so volunteers in the GTA are preferred
    • You must have a solid understanding of eating disorders and other mental health concerns
    • Previous helpline/chat/distress centre experience is essential.
    • We ask for a commitment of 1 x 4 hour shift weekly for a year.
    • While we understand that recovery has its ups and downs, we ask that volunteers be in a place of stable recovery for a year before applying.
  • Social media volunteers support NEDIC by sharing information and resources on our social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. You will help to grow awareness of NEDIC, and of eating disorders and related issues more generally. For this role, individuals who live outside of the GTA are welcome to apply. 



    Required Qualifications:

    • Experience with social media, especially Facebook and Instagram.
    • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    • Strong computer skills
    • Understanding of eating disorders and food and weight preoccupation.



Apply online. 

Please fill out the form.

Apply Online

Student Placement

NEDIC offers unpaid placements to students from a variety of college and university programs. Typically, our placement students are from human services programs. If you would like to do a placement at NEDIC, please contact us as soon as possible. Placements are often filled in May/June (for a September start), October/November (for a January start), or March/April (for a May start).

Human services placement students may come from programs such as: 

  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Counselling
  • Nursing
  • Health Promotion
  • Public Health


Note: We do not meet the requirements for most graduate-level placements in social work, counselling, or psychology that require face-to-face direct client contact. If you are interested in working in the eating disorders field, browse our service provider directory to get the contact information of other potential options!

To apply for a placement position with NEDIC, please send your resume and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please tell us why you would like to do a placement at NEDIC. Let us know what your program requires, including hours, days, length of placement and learning objectives. Send your application to Suzanne Phillips, Program Manager, by e-mail (nedic@uhn.ca).