Health Medical Volunteer Roles

About the Youth Team role

​Youth Team Volunteers work with young people from a wide breadth of backgrounds, ensuring they really feel part of the St John family. Volunteers will help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Getting started

You will usually be able to start volunteering very quickly, joining your new youth unit, meeting the young people and your colleagues and beginning to learn on the job. However please be aware you will have some online training to do, and you will need to engage with classroom training opportunities when available. There is also optional training for those who wish to pursue higher youth team qualifications.

Pursuing the role

We do not have a fixed closing date, but we may pause recruitment if we become oversubscribed - so if you want to pursue this, please do not delay!

If you are not already a St John Ambulance volunteer, after getting some brief details we will first invite you to an interview with our Welcome Team.

When pursuing this role, we will check you meet the minimum criteria and then invite you to a Youth Team interview, after which we'll be able to tell you if you've been accepted for this role.

Use your expertise in finance, NHS leadership, commissioning, and commercial and join the Board of an outstanding, high-profile care provider with a national and international reputation as an innovator in end-of-life care, research and education.

Location: 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, London SE26 6DZ

Applications close on Monday 2nd December

Who we are.

The modern hospice movement began at St Christopher’s over 55 years ago. Our legacy is strong, and our Trustees are currently considering the future health needs of our community so we can continue to deliver the best possible care.

We currently have two vibrant sites in South East London, providing excellent multi-professional care alongside our extensive community work. Last year, we provided care and support to over 7,500 people in the local area, with over 500 inpatient admissions, over 5,000 outpatient appointments, and over 13,000 home visits. We also have 24 charity shops supporting and contributing to our work, with over 500,000 customers visiting our stores last year.

Last year, we launched our new strategy – Making Your Time Matter, 2023-2026. We want to be part of a world where all dying people and those close to them have access to equitable care and support when and wherever they need it. We want to achieve this by tackling inequalities, fulfilling a national and global leadership role, creating a sustainable business model, equipping the future workforce and tackling ethical issues. We want to continue to share cutting-edge thinking and test solutions to improve care, we want to explore assisted dying with our communities and make recommendations to policymakers.

To achieve our vision, we are undertaking a significant refurbishment of our main site and planning our estate requirements to match our future needs. As two of our Trustees come to the end of their terms next year, we are looking for new Trustees to join us in the new year 2025.

About the roles.

Our Trustees work closely with our executive team to ensure we continue to provide outstanding care, maintain our international reputation for education and research, and remain appropriately resourced to serve our community in the future. Our Trustees provide strategic leadership and expertise from a range of backgrounds and industries, giving St Christopher’s the direction and insight to continue as a world leader in palliative care. We are actively considering the care our community will need in the future and how our estate supports this.

We are looking for three new Trustees with director-level experience to add to our existing skilled and diverse team of Trustees as we deliver outstanding care across South East London.

We are looking for a new Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk committee as our current Chair of the committee, Catherine McDonald will come to the end of her term in September 2025. We are looking for someone with experience of finance and audit committees and it would be helpful to have charity finance experience.

As Eleanor Brown comes to the end of her term in September 2025, we are looking for a Trustee with strategic knowledge and experience of our health system, especially with primary care and/or community experience and particularly in South East London; we work across Croydon, Bromley, Southwark, Lewisham, and Lambeth. This person could bring expertise in commissioning, NHS leadership and/or clinical skills.

We want to appoint a third trustee to our Board, and we are open about the skillset and background of this person. We are interested in someone bringing local knowledge and experience to the Board, potentially with a commercial and/or fundraising background. Equally, we are interested in welcoming a trustee with experience in community development and supporting the local areas to improve end of life care. We would also welcome a trustee with experience in local government experience in the five boroughs we are active in. Whatever your background, we are looking for a person who is committed to the work of St Christopher’s as a compassionate and innovative modern hospice with a growing reputation nationally and internationally.

Our new Trustees will have the opportunity to be part of shaping St Christopher’s vision and always keeping the needs of the community at the forefront of what the hospice does, so it is vital that trustees have an affinity or passion for our work in end-of-life care.

Time Commitment

The board meets quarterly between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at our Sydenham site. We have an annual Board Away Day and an AGM. Trustees will join one of our subcommittees, which meets quarterly for an hour and a half online.

Overall, including events, preparation for board meetings, and ad hoc conversations with fellow board members and the executive team, we expect the overall time commitment to be the equivalent of up to a day a month, spread across various engagements.

We welcome applicants from our underrepresented areas, which include applicants from ethnic minority groups and diverse age and socio-economic groups.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Monday 2nd December.

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.

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: This role is only needed for the Christmas period

You will contribute to ending homelessness by:

Performers bring festive joy, create a warm and inviting atmosphere in our centres and help guests relax and have fun. 

If you are a performer, magician, caricaturist or have some other special skill that is entertaining and appropriate for our centres, we want to hear from you.

What you will gain

• You will have the opportunity to be part of a volunteer led team making a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness over the Christmas period 
• The opportunity to share existing or develop new skills in a friendly and supportive environment 
• Access to relevant Crisis at Christmas training events Support and advice from Crisis at Christmas staff team    
• Experience in running activities 
• A platform for building confidence 
• Skills and knowledge in providing services for people experiencing homelessness

Core tasks

Your tasks may include: 

• Providing a fun and engaging entertainment activity for our members, whether that be singing, dancing, or magic! 
• You will help to create a warm and welcoming environment, and encourage members to get involved and enjoy the entertainment. 
• We will support you to plan and deliver the activity.

Who we are looking for

• Experience of performing fun and accessible entertainment shows
• Plenty of ideas about entertainment that guests may enjoy
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with vulnerable guests  
• A positive attitude and the ability to encourage and motivate guests who may not have watched any live entertainment for a long time.
• Ability to work with the Shift Team and report any potential issues to the shift leader 
• Ability to deliver Crisis at Christmas services in a fair manner ensuring that the safety of the guests and volunteers is of paramount importance at all times
• Be a positive role model for all volunteers exhibiting behaviours outlined in the Volunteers Code of Conduct

Additional information

• We expect volunteers to comply with Crisis policies including health and safety, data protection and code of conduct at all times  
• To maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all accessible information about guests and the organisation  
• Be positive, productive and have the passion to help end homelessness  
• We strive to ensure that our services are welcoming, remain relevant and are fully accessible to everyone that we help and support.  
• We are particularly welcoming of volunteers from diverse and other marginalised communities, as this helps us ensure the best experience for those that we are here to help.  
• People who have lived experience of homelessness are also particularly welcome to apply. 

Support the delivery of the best possible primary care for the people of Northumberland, North Tyneside and beyond by joining Northumbria Primary Care as a Non-Executive Director.

Applications close on: Sunday 17th November 2024

Location: Northumbria Manufacturing & Innovation Hub, Cobalt Conference Centre, plus other sites

Time commitment: c.4 days per month

Renumeration: £13,000

About Northumbria Primary Care

Northumbria Primary Care (NPC) is a not for profit, at scale provider of primary care services in Northumberland and North Tyneside. Our organisation launched in 2015 with an ambition to work at scale with like-minded practices.

Our aim is to provide high-quality, sustainable, and holistic patient care and to be an employer of choice in primary care.

We are very proud to have achieved ‘best in class’ results in the latest NHS National Staff Survey. We ranked highly for being ‘compassionate and inclusive’, ‘rewarding and recognising’ staff and ensuring they feel their ‘voice counts’.

NPC operates with a unique model of an entirely salaried workforce providing primary care services to around 134,000 patients from 20 GP surgery locations (12 GP practices). We employ more than 500 staff.

About the role

We are a determined, growing, and forward-thinking organisation with an aspiration to become the national leader in the provision of at-scale primary care and associated services. To complement the Board’s existing skill mix, we are looking for an exceptional individual to join our Board and support us in making a real difference to our patients, colleagues, and the wider community.

Who we are looking for

We seek a highly collaborative team player who will participate and contribute to the Board, bringing independent thinking and objectivity and taking shared responsibility for decisions, outcomes, and activities delegated by the Board.

You will have senior leadership experience and an understanding of the non-clinical leadership of NHS care organisations.

Furthermore, you will be able to make complex decisions, maintain an independent mindset and challenge constructively. Committing to continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality service will be key.

As well as being passionate about working across the Board, you will have a strong commitment to the local community, able to effectively engage with a range of stakeholders, and maintain a focus on the best interests of all patients and service users and the well-being of all staff.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Sunday 17th November 2024.

King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity raises funds to make a real difference to patients, staff and families at both King George Hospital in Ilford and Queen’s Hospital in Romford.  

What will you be doing?

To work with the Chair of what will be a newly independent charity to lead it into its new future as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). You will work with the charity’s staff and partners to shape and deliver a bright future, building on the best of the current charity.  You will contribute to effective governance and leadership, ensuring the charity sets an ambitious strategy, achieves its goals, operates within the legal framework, and adheres to the charity's mission and values, all with reference to the Charity Governance Code.

The charity is particularly keen to recruit experience and expertise in a range of areas including fundraising, finance, healthcare, or human resources, and people with local knowledge.

Estimate of time needed: 3-7 hours / week

What are we looking for?

Essential Criteria

Commitment: A strong commitment to the charity’s mission and values – keen to contribute to improving health and care, particularly for the communities of Barking, Havering and Redbridge.

Integrity: High ethical standards and a commitment to acting in the best interests of the charity.

 Governance understanding: Knowledge and understanding of governance and the role of a trustee.

Strategic vision: Ability to think strategically and contribute to the development of the charity’s strategy.

Financial literacy: Basic understanding of charity finance and budgeting.

Team player: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and support collective decision-making

Desirable Criteria

Experience: Previous experience as a trustee or in a senior governance role.

Network: Established network and ability to leverage contacts for the benefit of the charity.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in guiding resources and funding towards initiatives that elevate patient care and boost staff efficiency. Recent examples highlight the meaningful impact trustees have made:

 Recent examples include:

• Purchase of a da Vinci surgical robot
• RITA devices (reminiscence interactive therapy activities) used in our elderly care wards. This unique touch screen system is pre-loaded with entertaining content to keep patients engaged and active during their hospital experience.
•  A  VeinSight vein finder in our Sunflower Suite for cancer services, which offers a real-time digital map of a patient's veins. This innovative tool helps locate small, scarred, and difficult-to-find veins, and has been shown to enhance patient care and save valuable time for staff and patients.
• Supplies for orientation tea parties, designed to improve engagement and occupational performance for patients with dementia and delirium through a variety of activities.
• A revamped children's playroom that has been transformed into a tropical underwater sanctuary, featuring an interactive play wall.
• Music therapy resources aimed at supporting stroke patients in their recovery journey.
• Environmental improvements such as creating spaces for parents to rest and be present for their children

Before you apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a covering letter outlining their suitability for the role with reference to the person specification.

As more than one post maybe available this is a rolling recruitment campaign with each application considered on receipt.

To arrange an informal chat, contact us via the Reach platform.

Barnsley Hospice is seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to work in partnership with the CEO, provide leadership to the Board and Executive Leadership Team, and ensure that the hospice delivers its mission, vision and core values.

What will you be doing?

The Role

The role of the Chair of the Board is, in addition to sitting as a trustee, to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, guiding and supporting Trustees in fulfilling their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This includes strategic planning; risk/opportunity management; ensuring that the Board of Trustees operates within its charitable objectives; adhering to the Articles of Association; and ensuring the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

The Organisation

Barnsley Hospice is a charity that provides specialist palliative and end of life care to hundreds of local people and those close to them each year. Our main priority is to achieve the best possible quality of life for people living with a life- limiting illness, whilst supporting those close to them during the period of illness and bereavement. As a specialist care provider, the range of skills we offer include, pain and symptom management, emotional support and end of life care. The hospice currently employs about 100 people and has a team of volunteers, based both at the hospice and within our Retail Hub.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, and neurodivergent candidates, because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Barnsley Hospice.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who shares our ambitions and who has the vision and commitment to continue to take us beyond outstanding. The knowledge and skills required are:

• A broad knowledge of the health and charity sectors and current issues affecting them.
• Understanding the needs of the Barnsley community.
• A broad understanding of charity finance issues 
• Good understanding of charity governance issues
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation 
• Successful track record of achievement through their career 
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders. 

What difference will you make?

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will work in partnership with the CEO, provide leadership to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team, and ensure that the hospice delivers its mission, vision and core values.

Time Commitment

The time commitment is likely to be a minimum of 30 days per annum, and this may increase from time to time.

Before you apply

Please explain your interest in Barnsley Hospice and how your skills and experience reflect the person specification for the role.

Key Dates:

• The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 30 August 2024.
• The shortlist of candidates will be determined the following week.
• Selected candidates will have the opportunity to have informal discussions with the current Chair week commencing 9 September 2024.
• Panel interviews will take place week commencing 16 September 2024.
• The successful candidate will be invited to attend their first Board Meeting on 13 November 2024.

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.

Our partner is a small family-centred charity, working tirelessly to help fulfil the cherished dreams and aspirations of children and young people with the muscle wasting disease, Muscular Dystrophy.

They are seeking a Treasurer who has financial management experience, as well as an understanding and passion for their work, great communication skills and a real desire to make a difference to the lives of their beneficiaries.

The Treasurer, who will also be a Trustee of the organisation, will lead in maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring its continued financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are duly kept and reported on in a timely manner.

The time commitment required will be, on average, somewhere between 2-4 hours per week, with peaks and troughs of activity. The Board meets virtually for approximately 2 hours every other month.

__________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles, please visit the AfID website.

The Housekeeping Staff work as a team to ensure excellence in cleanliness and hygiene of the Hospital and public ship areas, led by the Housekeeping Team Leader.

What You Will Contribute

•Responsible for the cleanliness, disinfectant, and general tidiness of the ship’s hospital, public areas, offices, and laundry facilities.

•Empty waste baskets and dispose of trash.

•Inform the team lead of any supplies or equipment that need to be replaced or restocked.

•Keep housekeeping closets organized and stocked.

•Report routine maintenance requests as well as any breaks, damages, or safety issues to the team lead. 

•Responsible for laundry services; collection, separation, washing, drying, ironing, folding, and delivery.  (Note: hospital laundry is subject to regulated handling.)

•Clean, organize, and sanitize public areas of the vessel.

•Attend and participate in departmental devotions and all meetings called for by the community.

•Regular working hours are 8 am to 5 pm (day shift) or 7 pm to 7 am (night shift), Monday – Friday.

•All staff are subject to rotating on-call, evening, overnight, and weekend hours as needed.

•Due to ever-changing staffing levels and field service demands, all staff may be reassigned to temporarily fill other roles within the Stewards department as needed.

Parkinson's UK local groups offer friendship, support, and numerous activities for people affected by Parkinson's.

In Havering, the group is a core part of the local Parkinson's community. Joining as a branch volunteer means you will be too - meeting new people and building new relationships.

You could be putting the kettle on, to give a warm welcome to new group attendees, or making sure the group activities run smoothly - and all activities are open to you too.

This role is flexible, and be tweaked to suit the time you have to give. You could be doing any or all of the tasks on the role description. Speak to your staff contact for more detail. Our staff and existing volunteers will be there to support you every step of the way.

We are looking for Volunteers for our drop-in in Gloucester.

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.