Café Ayrshire Volunteer

**Who we are**:
The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

We transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Since 1962, autistic people have turned to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

**Why we need you**

Social groups are essential for autistic adults and young people seeking support. They provide a safe opportunity for individuals with autism to socialise with others who are also autistic, share their own experiences and listen to others. They play a vital role in helping to alleviate social isolation for autistic people, improve their confidence and increase social skills.

The impact of Covid-19 restrictions have led to our groups taking place virtually as video calls

**What you will be doing**
- Attending the online social group sessions
- Supporting individuals to build their self-coping strategies and promote their self-management
- Giving all members of the group the opportunity to talk and interact if they wish to
- Help improve self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth of people at the group
- Building up positive relationships with people at the groups and other volunteers
- Keeping in touch with the group leader and notifying if you are unable to attend

**At virtual groups**
- The sessions take place on Microsoft Teams
- Monitoring the chat box and responding to questions/queries posted there
- Reading aloud comments members have posted in the chat box (as required)
- Keeping the conversation to the topic being discussed
- Supporting the group leaders in running the group smoothly

**Skills experience and qualities useful for the role (but not essential)**
- Understanding of autism (we provide training)
- Empathy and understanding
- Open-minded and willing to learn
- Good communication and Interpersonal skills
- Good level of self-awareness and own needs
- An ability to volunteer in a group setting, using initiative and common sense
- Reliable, consistent, dependable and trustworthy
- A broad range of interests would be an advantage but not essential
- You will need access to a computer/tablet, a good internet connection and a quiet space away from others in the household

**When and where**
- Virtual Groups are homebased
- We would like you to volunteer for approx. 1 hour per week at the online group
- We would also like you to be involved in preparing activities such as quizzes etc for the group this would be approx. 1 hour per week

**Support**
- Training will be provided relevant to the role, including autism awareness and Safeguarding, training will be via our e-learning modules
- You will be supported by the Social Programmes Manager and staff

**What you could get out it**
- Improve support to autistic individuals in your local area
- Access free training and learn new skills
- Meet new people
- A great opportunity to add to your CV

Whilst we are able to make reasonable adjustments for volunteers you will need to be able to volunteer independently as we are not able to offer one to one support.

You will need to live locally to be able to do this role