Branch Support Scheme Piloted in Leeds and Barnsley

From April 2024 Aphasia Support are launching a brand new pilot scheme to trial our ‘branch support’ model across Leeds and Barnsley.

As many of our members already know, Aphasia Support faces funding challenges for 2024. With NHS funding coming to an end, and with National Lottery funding also planned to end in 2026, we are piloting a new branch support model to ensure those living with aphasia will continue to receive the vital support they need to regain their confidence with communication into the future.

The network of branches, currently being trialled in Leeds and Barnsley, will be run by volunteers, and supported by Aphasia Support’s staff team which includes James Major as CEO, Gemma Hoyle as Speech & Language Therapist, and Hayley Lawrence as Volunteer & Group Coordinator.

Each branch will offer a range of support including one-to-one speech and language therapy via video call and regular aphasia cafes, to help people living with aphasia to work on key communication goals.

But…we need your help.

We currently need volunteers in Leeds and Barnsley to get involved and help establish the new branches.

The new ‘branch support volunteer’ role will visit new referrals and help them complete paperwork that enables them to access Aphasia Support’s services. They will also ensure the charity’s video call support is accessible for every person with aphasia, as well as supporting fundraising activities to support the branch’s operational costs.

The role requires a commitment of six to eight hours per month and full training on the condition of aphasia, communication techniques, and therapy apps will be provided upon induction.

This role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to give back to the local community and likes to speak with people, is patient and can take the time to listen to people and their challenges.

James Major, CEO of Aphasia Support, said: “Aphasia is a life-changing condition that requires ongoing care, compassion and support to improve communication and mental health outcomes.  However, without support from the National Lottery and NHS, we are having to move towards a new branch model, run with the support of local volunteers, to futureproof our services.

“One-to-one volunteers make such a huge difference to those living with communication difficulties after stroke and other brain injuries, as they can help them navigate an incredibly challenging and worrying time. Our branch support volunteers will play a vital role in helping to unlock access to our services for people with aphasia and support them on their journey to regaining confidence in communicating. It is a really rewarding role and we hope people will get in touch to find out more.”

The branch network model is being piloted in Leeds and Barnsley between April and July 2024. The plan is that from August 2024 the opportunity to create a branch of Aphasia Support will be opened up to any area of the UK.

To get involved, register as a volunteer here: https://portal.aphasiasupport.org/volunteer-application