Group volunteer

As a Dyscover Group volunteer you would help make a real difference to the lives of people affected by this complex communication difficulty.

4 hours per week
40 weeks with breaks at Christmas, Easter and during the summer
Dyscover HQ, Leatherhead Court, Woodlands Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BN

Details

Our supported conversation group sessions take place in Leatherhead and Kingston and are for people who acquired aphasia acutely, often following a stroke or brain injury.

These weekly groups provide support to help our beneficiaries adjust to living with aphasia, develop strategies for communicating and maximise their abilities – ultimately enabling them to live well with aphasia and actively participate in conversation with peers.

A committed team of volunteers are required to support each of our weekly groups and the small staff team that lead them.

This role would be assisting the Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) in the session to help enhance/improve the communication skills of group members with aphasia and promote their participation in conversation.

Volunteers will gain ‘total communication skills’, a good experience of working with and supporting people with aphasia, and an understanding of the psychosocial impact aphasia has on individuals and families.

Full training and on-going support are given and no experience is needed.

What you’ll be doing

Helping to deliver the pre-planned, structured programme of conversation topics/activities.
This may include (under the guidance of staff) facilitating a small ‘break out’ conversation group or supporting individual beneficiaries within small groups to participate.
It may include preparation of materials (i.e. pre prepared pictures as conversation prompts)
Attending a briefing session at the start of each group and a debriefing at the end led by an SLT or assistant.
Creating a warm & welcoming, inclusive aphasia friendly environment.
Encouraging and supporting members to participate and access facilities and refreshments
Promoting and supporting sign up to other Dyscover activities and events.
Occasional communication with relatives and other agencies.
Maximising opportunities for participants to communicate independently and contribute.
Being mindful of health, safety and beneficiary well-being at all times.