Communication Service Supporter

About 30% of stroke survivors will experience communication difficulties after their stroke which can make daily living extremely challenging. Communication service supporters assist stroke survivors whose communication has been affected by their stroke to develop new strategies to aid their communication. In doing so they help people to build their confidence, achieve personal goals and promote independence.

What the role involves:

Our communication service supporters assist stroke survivors in developing their communication skills in small groups.

Who the role might suit:

• To be an effective communication service supporter you need great listening skills and be able to support people in an empathetic and non-judgemental way.
• You need to be willing to learn and use the technique, called ‘supported conversation’, that is used to support people with communication difficulties.
• If you are someone who enjoys conversation, meeting new people and likes to try new things, then this role might be a good one for you.
• Our communication service supporters also need to be able to adapt to the specific needs of the person they are working with to in order to support them in the most appropriate way.

What the role can offer you personally:

• Being a communication service supporter means you gain practical experience of working with people who have been affected by stroke, an understanding of the effects it has on them, and the challenges they face.
• As part of the role you will also learn techniques that can aid communication.
• Communication service supporters also find it to helps them develop new skills with a well-respected charity which can improve their CV and employability.
• It offers you a chance to meet new people in your community.
• Many of our communication service supporters say that this role is a great way to engage with, and support, their local community. They feel like they are making a difference and giving something back.

Training for this role:

We provide all of our communication service supporters with training so they feel confident in the role and give the best possible support to stroke survivors.

Mandatory training that you need to undertake for this role is as follows:

• The Stroke Association People Induction (2.5hrs online).
• Personal Safety for Volunteers (a two-hour online learning webinar) which is only mandatory if you are visiting stroke survivors in their homes or out in the community.

Additional learning opportunities are available to develop your skills and experience.

Where and when you would volunteer:

• The role is located in: Hertfordshire.
• You would be volunteering at: St Nicholas Church, Stevenage.
• You’ll be volunteering for one and a half hours a week (10.30am to 12noon) every week on a Wednesday in blocks of 8 sessions.