Support Group Assistant Darlington

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.