As part of an online SLT led team, your role would be to support Dyscover members attending the online group sessions on Zoom.
The main aims of these sessions are to enhance/improve the communication skills of group members with aphasia and promote their participation in conversation.
Hours: 2 hours per week for one group session. Additional hours may be required if volunteering in more than one group, to attend courses or whilst participating in additional activities or outings.
Role Description
With the support of staff, to get to know the communication difficulties of each member and understand how and when to use strategies to help.
To come prepared with any information sent by group leader and have props/ a pen and paper available to use.
To help create a warm and welcoming, aphasia friendly environment.
To assist the SALT and Assistants to deliver the pre-planned programme of conversational topics/activities. This is under the guidance of staff and may include:
Leading a small conversation group in ‘break out rooms.’
Screen sharing
Preparing resources or research topics for a future session
To attend weekly de-brief meetings and give constructive feedback on successes and challenges of the session.
To engage in Dyscover’s ongoing volunteer supervision and training. This may include observation and feedback sessions to develop your skills.
Other Areas of Involvement:
To attend volunteer meetings (once a month) and team meetings (once a term).
To attend training sessions and refresher courses as and when required
Make a real difference to the lives of people with aphasia and see them regain skills and confidence.
Join a very friendly, welcoming and postive team.
Receive excellent initial training and on going support.
Gain new skills, knowledge and experience
Receive support from a team leader and volunteer coordinator
You would learn how best to support people with aphasia and when to use different communication strategies to support each member subject to their individual communication difficulties.
You would be working alongside Speech & Language Therapists and also experienced volunteers.
You would eventually learn to lead a small group in a break out room
Great experience for anyone looking to go into medical/caring/SLT professions.
Confident communicators
Friendly and personable
Happy to share your skills and interests
Compassionate and empathetic
Confidence on video calls and talking to groups of people online. Experience of using zoom eg: Screen sharing, break out rooms etc
An interest in communication, speech and language therapy/languages/linguistics would be great or anyone wanting to go into a medical or caring profession
Similar Opportunities
The aim of this communication support role is to have better conversations, and to support people with a communication disability, aphasia, to live life well. Aphasia is secondary to a stroke or brain injury or illness.
Work alongside us to bring in funds for Aphasia Re-Connect. Work with our advisory group to contribute your ideas and support. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and join us for events and initiatives. Be happy to take and share photos.
Visit a person at home and befriend them, offering communication support, and a fresh perspective from their daily routine. The person you visit will have aphasia, a communication disability, often stuck at home without support.
