Conversation Partners

Conversation Partner

Role Description:

The Conversation Partner scheme is supported by the Community Speech & Language Therapy Stroke Team. This service works with people with acquired speech and language difficulties following a stroke.

Individuals are unique in their communication needs and profile; some have comprehension difficulties (making it hard to follow spoken language and/ or written text) and expressive difficulties (including problems with finding words, constructing sentences, writing and spelling). 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.

As a Conversation Partner Volunteer, you will be asked to:

• Visit people in their own homes or at a mutually agreed location such as a café.
• Provide the person you visit with opportunities for enjoyable, meaningful conversations.
• Commit to visiting regularly once a week/fortnight, please note that we ask for a minimum commitment of at least 6 months.
• Complete pre-visit Preparation
• Complete regular weekly feedback

As a Conversation Partner Volunteer, you will not be asked to:

• Provide Personal care such as assisting patients with the toilet.
• Deal with complaints and incidents
• Move and handle patients or non-patient heavy items.
• Complete Domestic activities (cleaning, cooking etc.)
• Provide Speech & Language Therapy

Location:

The Conversation Partner scheme is supported by the Community Speech & Language Therapy Stroke team in Nottinghamshire covering Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark, Broxtowe, Gedling, Hucknall and Rushcliffe.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

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.

What Nottinghamshire Healthcare offers volunteers:

Support

All volunteers in Nottinghamshire Healthcare are supported by a dedicated team of staff and each volunteer will have a named person within the Volunteering Team as their point of contact. If volunteers are within services, they will also have a named staff member within the service itself. We offer provide regular supervisions with each volunteer to help review their support, their training and their voluntary role. We offer reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, as detailed in expenses policy. References can also be provided after six months of volunteering.

Training & Development

We offer support in completing the National Volunteer Certificate and offer further development and training opportunities that are available.

We will offer role specific training from a Speech & Language Therapist.

You will also receive an induction to Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as well as a local induction to the service/placement location.

Community

We’re proud of our community of volunteers that we support throughout Nottinghamshire Healthcare. They are integrated into staff teams and within our services with patients and carers. Our Involvement Centres act as hubs for their work, training and events. We also offer an online NottsHC Volunteer Hub to further support and nurture our community of volunteers.

Please note:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. If successfully shortlisted for this role, you will be sent an invite to interview and links to complete an online DBS check, links to online training which must be completed before the role starts. If you had any questions about the role, the application process or about volunteering with us, get in touch and we’d be happy to help.

Below, please find below important information and interview/training dates to be aware of before applying:

• If successfully shortlisted for this role, you will be sent an invitation to interview and links to complete an online DBS check, links to online training and we will request references (to cover the past three years) which must be completed before the role starts.
• Interviews will take place via MS Teams or in person on Friday 29th September 2023.
• Mandatory Training and Induction will take place on Friday 10th November 2023 11am – 3pm – you will need to be available to attend this training in order to commence the role.

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How to Apply

New Volunteer Applicants:

All new volunteer applicants for this role must complete and return a Registration Form. Completed forms can be emailed back to the Volunteering Team Volunteering@NottsHC.nhs.uk or sent via post to the DMH Involvement Centre, Duncan MacMillan House, Porchester Road, Mapperley, Nottingham, NG3 6AA

• Volunteer Registration Form (PDF Form) (opens in new window)
• Volunteer Registration Form (Printable) (opens in new window)

 

Current Nottinghamshire Healthcare Volunteers:

If you already volunteer with us, please complete the Expression of Interest Form and return to the Volunteering Team. Completed forms can be emailed back to the Volunteering Team Volunteering@NottsHC.nhs.uk or sent to one of the Involvement Centres.

• Expression of Interest Form (PDF Form) (opens in new window)
• Expression of Interest Form (Word document) (opens in new window)