Organisation Name:
Aphasia Support
Organisation's Cause(s):
Disability Services
Health
Location of voluntary activity:
St Aelreds Community Centre
216 Fifth Avenue
Tang Hall
York
YO23 0PN
When are volunteers needed: Every other Wednesdays
Starting 15th October
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Befriending / Buddying
Caring
Role description:
The Role
Are you friendly and patient? Can you spare just 3 hours per month to support people with aphasia in a group setting - if so, we would love to hear from you!
Aphasia Support is a registered charity (Charity Number 1143106) who support people with aphasia to communicate with confidence. We are keen to hear from new volunteers to support our aphasia cafes which meet across Yorkshire and Lancashire. Prior experience is not necessary for this role as training and support is given.
The Aphasia Cafes are held in community venues twice a month for 1.5 hours. They are places where people with aphasia and carers can come together to meet and talk in a supported environment. All sessions are led by an experienced speech and language therapist or experienced support worker.
This role can really make a difference to someone’s life and is a great way to learn new skills and it can benefit people keen to move into healthcare related roles.
What you will do
The aphasia cafes are designed with a simple structure in mind. They are places where we encourage people with aphasia to communicate with confidence. The session leader will organise activities based on the interests of the group, but they will also allow the group to talk about whatever they want to talk about, and there will be resources made available to support conversations. It’s a supported environment where people with aphasia are encouraged and supported to communicate with confidence.
As part of this role you will:
• Attend two meetings in the month for 1.5 hours.
• Gain a strong understanding of supported conversation techniques and be able to apply the skills in a group environment with people with aphasia
• Work alongside the session lead to ensure the aphasia café is accessible to all. If a person is sat alone and not taking part in activities, please support them
• Be offered regular training to enhance and develop your skills
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
The skills you need
We’re looking for people who could spare around 3 hours per month to make a huge difference to the lives of those with aphasia. Prior experience is not necessary for this role as training and support is given, however you will need:
• Good communication skills
• Ability to be calm in the face of difficult situations and able to escalate safeguarding concerns, should they arise, to the appropriate named contact.
• Friendly, positive and patient
• Available during the day (9.30 – 3pm)
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
Short term Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
What’s in it for you?
• The volunteer role will look great on your CV, especially if you are looking to move into a healthcare related role, for example speech and language therapy.
• Excellent volunteer support and supervision
• Out of pocket expenses paid
• Knowing you are making a vital difference to the work of the team
• Develop new and existing skills, gain confidence and meet new people.
How to get involved:
Please apply via our website - https://portal.aphasiasupport.org/volunteer-application
We are working towards the volunteer induction taking place in on 18th October.
Please note the induction will be from 9am until 12.30pm on Zoom.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 30-09-2025