The national virtual peer support groups help stroke survivors and caregivers to manage the challenges of life after experiencing a stroke. These safe and welcoming online communities provide opportunities for individuals to meet others who are going through similar experiences. The group provides an opportunity for people to share personal experiences and coping strategies, and to build confidence on their journey to recovery and wellbeing. For many people, a health-related support group may fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for emotional support.
Location: Virtual (from anywhere in Canada)
Time Commitment : 4 hours per month. Minimum 6 month commitment
Tasks and Responsilbilites:- Facilitate peer support meetings that inspire and enable members to support, learn from, and get to know one another.
- Facilitate weekly online groups, actively listening and encouraging group participation
- Work in partnership with other volunteers to ensure adequate technical and participant support during sessions
- Ensure sessions are accessible, appropriate and safe
- Moderate/redirect conversations around sensitive and/ or controversial topics, or those which may generate conflict among members
- Engage individuals as unique, capable, and competent
- Disseminate relevant resources/links for program participants
- Report safety concerns that arise during the session with urgency
- Participate in MODC’s Peer Support Learning & Development program, which includes content based on the values of peer support and best practices from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Centre for Innovation in Peer Support
- Record and report volunteer hours monthly
- Debrief with Co-Facilitators and program staff after each session
Knowledge, Skills and Expereince: - Open, friendly, empathic and compassionate
- Experience in facilitating meaningful and inclusive group discussions
- Physical, cognitive and emotional endurance to actively participate in the Peer Support Learning & Development program
- Active listener with a genuine desire to understand the experiences and needs of others
- Clear, confident and professional oral and written communication skills
- Background in leading group discussions, and navigating stroke recovery systems considered an asset
- Access to suitable technology such as a laptop or desktop computer, consistent/reliable internet, and comfort and moderate experience with using the computer
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfortable engaging in videoconference sessions (i.e. Zoom, Teams, etc.)
