Conversation Partner

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OFFERED BY:

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Location(s): Aspley, Basford, Berridge, Bestwood, Bilborough, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest, Castle, Clifton East, Clifton West, Dales, Hyson Green and Arboretum, Leen Valley, Lenton and Wollaton East, Mapperley, Meadows, Radford, Sherwood, St Ann's, Wollaton West, Outside of Nottingham City

Address where volunteering takes place: Duncan Macmillan House Porchester Road Nottingham NG3 6AA

How many places are on offer?

Purpose of Role:

The Conversation Partner scheme is operated by the Community Speech & Language Therapy team for people with acquired speech/ language difficulties.

In this role, people with acquired speech and language difficulties are visited in their own homes or a mutually convenient location once a week or fortnight for support with their communication, accessing opportunities for conversation and social inclusion.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

Each person has a different set of speech and language difficulties; these can include slurred speech, which is hard to understand, comprehension problems (so that it is hard for patients to make sense of spoken speech and/ or written text) and expressive difficulties (including problems with finding words, constructing sentences, writing, and spelling). People with acquired speech and language difficulties are visited in their own homes once a week for support with their communication, accessing opportunities for conversation and social inclusion.

Key Tasks are to:
Visit people in their own homes or residential unit.
Provide the person you visit with opportunities for enjoyable conversations.
A commitment to visit regularly once a week for a minimum for twelve months.
Pre-visit preparation.
Completion of regular weekly feedback.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Previous experience is not necessary, as training will be provided but this volunteer role would suit individuals who:
Have experience of volunteering/working with people acquired speech/ language difficulties.
Have an interest in the role of the Speech & Language Therapist
Have experience of working with vulnerable adults.
Are reliable and punctual.
Are able to use own initiative.
Can communicate clearly and enjoy talking to people.
Are happy to work on their own as well as in groups.
Attitudes and Values needed:
Non-Judgemental
Patience and Empathy
A good listener
Friendly and approachable
Committed to equal opportunities practice.

WHEN REQUIRED:

This grid shows when you can volunteer for this opportunity.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Are there age restrictions for this opportunity? Yes

Age Restrictions:

Aged 18 and over

Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity? No

Gender restrictions:

Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people? Yes

Disability restrictions:

How long before volunteer can expect a response?

10 days if successful and invited to interview

How long to complete training and recruitment?

1-3 months depending on time taken for DBS/References/Mandatory Training

Volunteer Expenses offered? Yes

Induction and Training offered? Yes

Support and Supervision offered? Yes

Has a risk assessment been carried out? Yes

DBS Disclosure required? Yes