Administration Assistant Volunteer Roles

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.

○ 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 Support Volunteers.

● Contact the Charity Coordinator if any issues arise that cannot be resolved

with the peer leader.

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. To be part of the teamfill in the application form.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BASED IN THE UK AND LIVE LOCALLY.

Support Through Sport delivers sport-based intervention, mentoring, and progressions programmes to thousands of disadvantaged young people, empowering them to develop pro-social behaviours and providing a lasting positive impact within underserved communities.

The organisation works to a Theory of Change which ultimately provides at-risk young people with protective factors, diverting them away from negative influences such as youth offending, ASB, violence, gang culture and knife crime. Through an innovative, youth-led approach, Support Through Sport harnesses the power of sport to empower disadvantaged youth and create safer communities, where young people can thrive.

We’re passionate about implementing real change within disadvantaged and underserved communities, providing young people with support, guidance and opportunities which enable every young person to achieve their full potential.

Position: Volunteer - Finance Team

Department: Finance

Reporting To: Finance Manager

Contract: Voluntary with expenses paid

Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Virtual

Transport: Car driver desirable, but not essential

Deadline: No deadline

Support Through Sport is seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and organised individual who will work alongside an ambitious team to support the Finance team by managing finances, budgets and project funding to ensure excellent financial management.

You will need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as experience of working in a Finance role or with relevant training and a willingness to learn. You will support our team to develop and deliver against funding strategies, create projections, keep our cashflow, invoicing and finance/accounting systems accurate and prepare regular updates for the SLT.

At Support Through Sport, we use a range of positive initiatives as diversion and intervention programmes to support young people whilst tackling negative influences such as knife crime, gang violence, youth offending and serious youth violence. Our work is focused on building brighter futures and creating safer communities, through the power of sport and youth work combined.

You will be supported to meet a benchmark of training and standards which includes:

• GDPR Training 

• Induction

Tasks and Responsibilities 

• Using a finance management and accounting system

.

• Assisting the Senior Leadership Team by attending meetings relating to finance

• Interacting with partners either virtually or in-person, particularly relating to funding and finances

• Assisting the CEO and Finance Manager in the development of financial management

• Prepare projections and budgets

• Attend any and all meetings which are relevant to your role

• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality with participants, staff, and volunteers

• Ensure an equal and inclusive approach as per our policiues and procedures

• Support with data entry and financial administration tasks

• Keep cashflow forecasts and reconciliation with the finance system up-to-date

• Work on innovative strategies for income generation which support growth

• Share relavent information with team members and ensure good internal communication

• Support the furtering of our objectives to support disadvantaged young people

• Work on finance related tasks with support, at our office or through virtual working

Benefits 

• Working alongside a passionate, friendly team

• Enhanced DBS check provided

• Further development opportunities

• Sense of satisfaction

• Ongoing personal support

• Great team incentives

• Positive working environment

Job Role

We are looking for a friendly, confident individual with strong communication skills, who is passionate about helping people and the importance of volunteering.The successful candidate will recruit, train, manage and expand our team of volunteers, whilst overseeing the workshop and daily activities across both sites. The role will start as part time with the possibility of developing into full time.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

• Recruitment of volunteers across the organisation and funded projects.

• The development of relationships with existing and new key sources of volunteers e.g. local volunteering services, universities, etc.

• Advertising for and recruiting volunteers in line with our recruitment processes.

• Management of volunteers across the organisation; providing support and supervision.

• Managing and overseeing the daily activity of volunteers at both locations, with a primary focus on preloved furniture and clothes retail shop in Poplar.

• Developing a training programme and strategy for volunteers; this will include organisational induction training accessed by all new starters.

• Maintaining volunteer records; including logging and evaluating volunteer hours.

• Overseeing volunteers, workshop and event activities across both locations.

• Signposting volunteers to the most relevant areas and being the main point of contact for volunteering enquiries.

• Carrying out and maintaining DBS checks for volunteers where required.

• Keeping in touch with volunteers and potential volunteers; this is to include the monthly volunteer newsletter.

• Working with the CEO to develop new volunteering strategies in relation to fundraising and community engagement.

• To help develop new and innovative ideas to help our target groups and meet our charitable objectives.

• Act in compliance with our policies and processes at all times, ensuring data is stored and managed in line with GDPR.

• To carry out any other duties within the general scope of the post.

Essential Skills:

• Excellent communicator - verbally and written.

• Excellent interpersonal skills - comfortable interacting and communicating with different people from a variety of backgrounds.

• 1 - 2 years experience and track record of managing and developing volunteers effectively.

• The ability to motivate and support volunteers to provide consistent support and ensure there is fair equity between organisation and volunteer.

• Experience of delivering small to scale programmes and projects from start to finish.

• Skilled at delivering engaging training sessions.

• Solution-focused, self-motivated and proactive.

• Initiative – able to provide and deliver solutions to issues arising in volunteer engagement and management.

• Excellent self-management: Able to take responsibility and multitask to manage your own workload.

• Planning and organising work so that deadlines, targets and standards are met.

• Good spoken and written English.

• Good IT skills.

Non - Essential skills and elements that are considered to be a bonus: 

• Knowledge of the communities in Tower Hamlets and East London.

• Driving licence.

• Holding a valid DBS certificate.

• Additional languages.

Location: Based in E14, Tower Hamlets. 

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 (depending on experience) per annum pro rata

Hours/Days: P/T - 3 days per week

Start Date: December 2024/January 2025

Deadline to apply: 22nd November 2024 

To apply please complete the following online application: 

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.

○ 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 Support Volunteers.

● Contact the Charity Coordinator if any issues arise that cannot be resolved

with the peer leader.

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. To be part of the team, fill in the application form.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BASED IN THE UK AND LIVE LOCALLY.

 Overview: 

Children with Voices (CWV) is a children's charity dedicated to [mission or cause]. We are seeking a motivated and organised Operations Assistant to support our ongoing digital transformation project at CWV, contributing to the improvement of our operations and digital strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in high-level operations and digital transformation by working closely with our Senior Operations Manager and Digital Transformation Lead. You will assist in organising, coordinating, and implementing digital processes across various departments, with a focus on improving efficiency and collaboration. 

 Key Responsibilities: 

- Assist in the implementation of digital tools such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and other project management software. 

- Provide operational support during busy periods or staff absences, ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations. 

- Support the mapping and documentation of current workflows and processes, identifying areas for digital improvement. 

- Help coordinate training sessions and workshops for staff to ensure smooth adoption of new systems. 

- Collaborate with team members across departments to gather insights and feedback on existing processes. 

- Assist in creating user guides, training materials, and other documentation to support the digital transformation process. 

- Manage data entry and file migration tasks to ensure all digital systems are up to date. 

- Provide general administrative support for the digital transformation project, including scheduling meetings, taking minutes, compiling reports, and organising project files. 

- Assist in tracking project progress and ensuring milestones are met. 

- Provide support to the Senior Operations Manager in daily operational tasks and project management as needed. 

 Requirements: 

- Interest in digital transformation, operations, and process improvement in a charitable setting. 

- Basic knowledge or willingness to learn digital tools such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms (training will be provided). 

- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. 

- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with a variety of stakeholders. 

- Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving. 

- Team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with volunteers and staff. 

- Ability to work independently and take initiative when needed. 

 Preferred Qualifications (Not Mandatory): 

- Experience or willingness to learn project management tools or digital systems. 

- Prior experience in administrative roles or operations. 

- Knowledge of process mapping or workflow documentation. 

 Benefits: 

- Gain hands-on experience in an organisation-wide digital transformation project. 

- Travel expenses paid. 

- Learn about operations management, project management, change management, and digital strategy. 

- Develop skills in digital tools, project coordination, and process improvement. 

- Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and gain insight into the inner workings of a transformation project. 

- Make a meaningful contribution to a children's charity while building your professional skills. 

- Flexible work schedule and remote work opportunity. 

We are looking for Support Assistants for our Bournemouth drop in every Monday. 

he 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. To be part of the team, fill in the application form.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BASED IN THE UK AND LIVE LOCALLY.

Location:  Remote (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) & On-site at Food Hub (Alternate Thursdays)

Reports to:  Hub Manager

 Job Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and well-organised Food Hub Assistant to support our community-driven food operations on a part-time basis. You will play a key role in assisting with both the day-to-day remote management and in-person activities at the Food Hub. Your role will include handling calls and emails from home on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, as well as providing in-person support at the Food Hub on alternate Thursdays. If you have strong communication skills, a food hygiene certification, and a passion for community work, this could be the perfect role for you!

 Key Responsibilities

 Remote Support (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) 

- Manage incoming phone calls and respond to emails related to Food Hub services. 

- Address customer enquiries, manage scheduling, and coordinate food deliveries and collections. 

- Perform administrative tasks, ensuring all queries are resolved in a timely and efficient manner. 

- Provide support and cover for the Hub Manager on remote working days. 

On-site Support (Alternate Thursdays) 

- Assist with food distribution and manage related administrative tasks during a 4 ½ hour shift. 

- Maintain cleanliness and organisation at the Food Hub, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. 

- Support stock management, including receiving deliveries and preparing for distribution. 

- Assist with any scheduled in-person meetings or community appointments. 

Key Qualifications

- Food Hygiene Certification: Must have or be willing to obtain a valid food hygiene certificate before starting the role. 

- Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal skills to manage phone and email enquiries effectively. 

- Organisational Skills: Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and work independently when remote. 

- Flexibility: Available to work remotely on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and attend the Food Hub for 4 ½ hours on alternate Thursdays. 

- Team Player: Willingness to collaborate with the Food Hub team and assist with various tasks to ensure smooth operations. 

Working Hours

- Remote Work (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday): Flexible hours based on call/email volume. 

- On-site (Alternate Thursdays): 4 ½ hours in-person at the Food Hub.

Here at Teenage Helpline, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.

If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to join the Youth Services team at Teenage Helpline. Working directly for the Helpline Operations Manager, the Youth Services Assistants will support the growth and development of Teenage Helpline's programs. This role is integral to maintaining efficient operations, supporting our great team of Peer Mentors, coordinating training, and ensuring that our services are as impactful to our beneficiaries as possible. The ideal candidate is somebody who is a proactive problem solver, creative thinker and is passionate about making a difference.

Key responsibilities 

• Mentor Support: Provide ongoing administrative and operational support to mentors, addressing any inquiries and facilitating effective communication channels.
• Training & Development: Assist in designing, organising, delivering and evaluating training programs that equip the Youth Services team with the tools and resources that they need to succeed.
• Town hall meetings: Support the organisation and delivery of monthly town hall meetings, ensuring agenda alignment, inviting speakers, and facilitating open discussions.
• Case Escalation Management: Track, prioritise, and manage case escalations, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and appropriately, while reporting on trends and recommending improvements.
• Continuous improvement: Contribute innovative ideas to improve our programs, foster engagement, and enhance our charitable impact. This includes the identification of any potential or actual challenges that are faced and seeking to find solutions to those quickly. 
• Work closely with the Helpline Operations Manager and other Youth Services team members to support the charity's overall mission, contributing to team initiatives and special projects as needed.

Skills 

• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
• Willing to be 'on-call', even in a volunteer capacity.
• Creative, adaptable and proactive.
• Genuine passion for helping others and commitment to the Charity's mission.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.

Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.

Benefits of volunteering with Teenage Helpline

We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:

• Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
• Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
• Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Teenage Helpline volunteers
• Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Teenage Helpline has on its direct beneficiaries

The hiring process

Our hiring process typically has two stages 

1. Video or Written Application (when applicable) 
2. Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role

Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.

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. To be part of the teamfill in the application form.

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.

○ 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 Support Volunteers.

● Contact the Charity Coordinator if any issues arise that cannot be resolved

with the peer leader.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BASED IN THE UK AND LIVE LOCALLY.

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. To be part of the team,  fill in the application form. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BASED IN THE UK AND LIVE LOCALLY.

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.

○ 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 Support Volunteers.

● Contact the Charity Coordinator if any issues arise that cannot be resolved

with the peer leader.