Volunteer Opportunities with SayAphasia.org
SayAphasia.org is seeking volunteers! Say Aphasia is always looking to welcome new volunteers to help out at its drop-in groups to support individuals affected by aphasia; a communication disorder that can occur after a stroke or brain injury.
The charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. Say Aphasia 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 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 or use assistive technology instead of speaking.
Position Overview: Volunteers will assist in various roles either as a Support Group Assistant or Helping Hand Volunteer, helping to provide support for those living with aphasia.
What We Offer: Volunteering for the charity is very rewarding. As a volunteer, you can assist members in communicating with each other, contribute to organise activities or provide teas and coffees.
The training and support you will receive means that you can take pride in learning about a hidden disability that most of society has never heard of. By giving your time to people with aphasia, you will be directly improving their quality of life. Many group members live alone or have limited social interactions, so having a regular drop-in group with others who share their experience of aphasia greatly improves their mental health and well-being.
During this experience, you may surprise yourself by learning new things about yourself and gaining insight into how people communicate and connect when speech is lost.
Who Can Volunteer:
You will need to be available to attend the hours of your local drop-in group. Information on where our drop-in groups are run can be found here: www.sayaphasia.org/groups
The charity is looking for someone who is interested in improving the quality of life for others and is willing to learn. You will need to be prepared to adapt your communication style when speaking with people with aphasia. It is essential that you have strong communication skills and a compassionate demeanour. If you have good administration skills that would be a bonus. Being computer literate is also a bonus.
How to Get Involved: If you are interested in volunteering, please email emma@sayaphasia a copy of your CV and covering letter outlining why you wish to volunteer for us.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support individuals impacted by Aphasia.