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The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 ...
HealthWellbeingPeople with disabilities
Support Group Volunteer
Organisation role · 4 hrs/month
GL6 6NU, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
HealthWellbeingPeople with disabilities
I want to build my skills for workEmployer Supported VolunteerSay Aphasia
#88202
Scan me or visit www.govolunteerglos.org/o/Say-Aphasia/opportunities/Support-Group-Volunteer/88202 to join
Scan me or visit www.govolunteerglos.org/o/Say-Aphasia/opportunities/Support-Group-Volunteer/88202 to join
Contact person
Emma RichAsk Emma a question
Summary
We are looking for a Group Support Assistant to help support our Stroud drop in which takes place on 1st & 3rd Monday of the month 10.30am - 12.30pm.Detailed description
Support Group Assistant
Reports to: Charity Coordinator.
Position: Volunteer.
Role Description
The Group Assistant is part of the volunteering team of Say Aphasia. Alongside the Peer Leader and Helping Hands Volunteer, the Group Assistant Volunteer supports individual Say Aphasia meet-ups. The role specifically focuses on supporting the peer leader in roles that are easier for someone without language impairment.
Roles
- Provide a safe, inclusive and accessible environment.
- Adhere to Say Aphasia’s policies and procedures.
- Responsible for group admin, alongside the Peer Leader:
- Ensure group checklist is completed and implemented, during support group meet-up.
- Ensure the attendance forms are completed at every meet-up.
- Ensure the member forms are completed for new members.
- Ensure the visitor forms are completed for any visitors.
- Give ‘Welcome Packs’ to new members.
- Ensure members are contacted if group plans change, and inform the Charity Coordinator.
- Responsible for gathering members' information using Say Aphasia’s digital Forms alongside the Peer Leader.
- Ensure contact details and emergency contact details are gathered and up to date.
- Ensure contact preferences are gathered and up to date.
- Ensure pertinent medical concerns are known, up to date and readily available.
- Provide communication support for members during the support group:
- Support members to have a successful conversation.
- Ensure everyone has access to communication aids.
- Ensure members have the tools and support to express their opinions and ideas.
- Gather any members suggestions, comments and requirements mentioned during the support group.
- Be aware of, and capitalise on each members' communication preferences (their preferred way to have a conversation). Add notes to the tablet computer if needed.
- Offer a listening ear to members and sign post them to relevant support.
- Contribute to group sustainability:
- Contribute to identification and recording of fundraising opportunities, and liaise with Local Group Facilitator.
- Support the Local Group Facilitator to organise local fundraising.
- Contribute to improving the service:
- Support Local Group Facilitator with gathering feedback from members when required.
- Note down any issues, ideas for improvement and relay this to the Charity Coordinator.
- Support other volunteers:
- Attend regular catch-ups with the Peer Leader and fellow volunteers.
- Encourage a positive group ethos.
- Be an active advocate for the group.
- Responsible for safeguarding during each group meet-up: overseen by the Local Group Facilitator
- Responsible for the safekeeping of the tablet computer (iPad) and members' information.
- Be aware of members' pertinent medical concerns.
- Be aware of health and safety policy.
- Ensure regular communication with the Charity Coordinator.
- Inform the Local Group Facilitator of any:
- changes to future group meet-ups
- changes to members details
- fundraising opportunities.
- Attend a quarterly support meeting for all Group Assistant Volunteers.
- Contact the Charity Coordinator if any issues arise that cannot be resolved with the peer leader.
Person Specification
- Interpersonal skills: The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people including members with communication difficulties
- Enjoy conversation.
- IT literacy: The ability to use computers and email
- People skills: The ability to listen, understand, and provide supportive responses
- Experience: Experience of working with a range of people including volunteers.
What volunteers need😇 Disclosure and Barring Service
What we will provide to volunteers
💸 Reimbursement of costs🤝 Extra supportAbout Say Aphasia
The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.
Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing. People’s language can be affected to different degrees so not everyone’s aphasia looks the same. Imagine for a moment not being able to verbally order a coffee or ask for a bus ticket. This may be what life could look like for someone with aphasia. Aphasia is a lifelong condition and means that the person living with aphasia, their friends and family will need to adjust to a new way of communicating to overcome barriers. This may mean having to write or draw things instead of speaking. Due to the damage in the brain, people with aphasia may find it difficult to process conversions as quickly as before. Aphasia frequently results in loss of employment and a reduced social network, leading to isolation for the person living with aphasia.
Say Aphasia are always looking to welcome new volunteers to help out at the drop-in groups.
Volunteering for the charity is very rewarding. The training and support ensures that the volunteers learn and enjoy their time with the charity. By giving your time to people with aphasia, you will be improving their quality of life. Many of the members attending the groups live alone, or have minimal social interactions. Having a regular drop-in group to meet others with similar experiences of living with aphasia, vastly improves their mental health and well being. As a volunteer, you can help the members to communicate with each other, help to organise activities, or help out with teas and coffees. Say Aphasia offers a warm welcome to volunteers.
Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing. People’s language can be affected to different degrees so not everyone’s aphasia looks the same. Imagine for a moment not being able to verbally order a coffee or ask for a bus ticket. This may be what life could look like for someone with aphasia. Aphasia is a lifelong condition and means that the person living with aphasia, their friends and family will need to adjust to a new way of communicating to overcome barriers. This may mean having to write or draw things instead of speaking. Due to the damage in the brain, people with aphasia may find it difficult to process conversions as quickly as before. Aphasia frequently results in loss of employment and a reduced social network, leading to isolation for the person living with aphasia.
Say Aphasia are always looking to welcome new volunteers to help out at the drop-in groups.
Volunteering for the charity is very rewarding. The training and support ensures that the volunteers learn and enjoy their time with the charity. By giving your time to people with aphasia, you will be improving their quality of life. Many of the members attending the groups live alone, or have minimal social interactions. Having a regular drop-in group to meet others with similar experiences of living with aphasia, vastly improves their mental health and well being. As a volunteer, you can help the members to communicate with each other, help to organise activities, or help out with teas and coffees. Say Aphasia offers a warm welcome to volunteers.