Volunteer Support Assistant Volunteer

What will you be doing?

Support Group Assistant  Reports to: Charity Coordinator. Position: Volunteer. Role Description The Support Volunteer is part of the volunteering team of Say Aphasia. Alongside the Peer Leader and Helping Hands Volunteer, the Support 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.

What are we looking for?

Empathy and Compassion. Commitment and Reliability. Patience and Perseverance. Adaptability and Flexibility. Effective Communication. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity. Previous administrative experience.

What difference will you make?

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. 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.