Our online supported conversation groups are for people who acquired aphasia acutely, often following a stroke or brain injury, who face barriers in attending face-to-face groups, such as location, transport and other health and social needs.
These weekly online 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 online groups and the small staff team that lead them.
This role would be assisting the Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to run an online group session on Zoom to help enhance/improve the communication skills of group members with aphasia and promote their participation in conversation, from the comfort of your own home!
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.
To be an online volunteer you will need access to a PC/laptop/tablet device with a camera and speakers and a quiet, uninterrupted space within your home. Tasks and support are similar to our in-person groups but delivered in a remote capacity, and with less of a weekly time commitment.
Full training and on-going support are given and no experience is needed.
- 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 term) and team meetings (once a term).
- To attend training sessions and refresher courses as and when required
Other volunteers.
People who have aphasia
Ongoing supervision and support
Refresher training as required
Time commitment
Minimum commitment - 3 terms ideally.
Currently running groups on a Tuesday morning and afternoon and a Thursday morning.