Lived Experience Volunteer

To be a Lived Experience volunteer, you have either had a stroke or care for someone who has. The effects of stroke can't always be seen or understood by the people around us. We know that talking things through with someone who understands can help. This type of support involves volunteers connecting and supporting people who may have had a similar ‘lived experience’ or health condition. Sharing your experiences can really help people to understand stroke better and learn new ways to cope.

As a Lived Experience Telephone Volunteer you will make weekly 30-minute telephone calls to, a stroke survivor or carer, depending on your own ‘lived experience’ of stroke, for up to eight weeks. These calls will be on a one-to-one basis but you may support more than one person at a time. • You may also signpost or encourage people to work towards accessing other support that is available to them, e.g. My Stroke Guide, the Stroke Helpline or other online or face-to-face support available for people affected by stroke e.g. Facebook groups. • The people you will be supporting will often be in the early stages of their stroke journey (three - six months) so your ‘lived experience’ of being a stroke survivor or carer will be invaluable in helping others navigate what can be a frightening and uncertain time.

What skills do I need?

As a Lived Experience Telephone Volunteer 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. • This activity can help you develop new skills with a well-respected charity which can improve your CV and employability. • It offers you a chance to connect – on the telephone - with new people. • Many of our volunteers feel they make a difference and give something back. Training for this role: We provide all of our volunteers with training so they feel confident in the role and give the best possible support to people affected by stroke. Mandatory training that you need to undertake for this role is: • Telephone Support For People Affected By Stroke (two-hour Zoom session). • Using Your Lived Experience Effectively (45-minute Zoom session). We also offer ongoing support and expenses where appropriate

When do I need to be available?