Assist staff to deliver various programs such as crafts, bingo, outings and trips for adults with diverse disabilities. Please note - due to COVID, we have transitioned all in-person programs to virtual activities. When it is safe to do so, we will return to in-person programs at our Centre but at a reduced capacity. We will introduce a hybrid approach that involves in-person and virtual.

For now, we require volunteers to do:
• Telephone check-ins with our Consumers
• Organizational/administrative assistance for our Connecting with Seniors program
• Opportunity to do crafting or recipe videos for our social media outlets
• Other opportunities that can be done safely from home.

Volunteers are always needed to help with our current sports being offered: soccer, bowling, track & field, figure skating, swimming, t-ball, softball, floor hockey and golf. Please contact for information.

Welcome and walk through our visitors as we show and tell the Avro Arrow Full Scale Replica and other historical artifacts.
• Our tours are guided but with the help of QR Codes that display specific details of the artifacts.
• Give a brief history chat of the Arrow's purpose, expectations and highlights.
• Chat with our fellow visitors, bond and make new connections!

We are always looking for volunteers in Orillia (112 Norweld location) to help with:

• Cleaning
• Fostering cats
• Fundraising
• Board members

Duties may include: Busser, Usher, Greeter, Tour Guide, Children's Crafts helper or Exhibit Animator.

The facilitator will:

• Support the goals of PSSO in local communities with an emphasis on providing
  information and fellowship for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
• Attend ongoing training/education and Community of Practice meetings provided
  by PSSO to increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and to enhance
  their skills as a facilitator.
• Ensure all public notices for the group contain the group information, PSSO logo,
  and a reference to the group being a program of PSSO.
• Provide PSSO with updated group lists, including names, addresses, telephone
  numbers, and email addresses regularly.
• Provide an attendance record (First & Last Name of each participant) to PSSO
  immediately following each group session. This will be submitted using the
  volunteer portal “My Impact Page.”
• Document all hours of volunteering using the volunteer portal “My Impact Page,”
  which should include all time spent each month planning as well as group
  facilitation.
• Notify PSSO of any important information immediately as it pertains to the overall
  group or specific client participants (questions, resources, health changes, death in
  the family, etc.).

The facilitator works with the group to:

• Act in accordance with the Volunteer Code of Conduct (see page 12)
• Define the role and emphasize that the facilitator is not an expert in all things.
• Conduct group meetings in a caring, respectful, and compassionate manner.
• Promote the value of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be involved in
  making decisions about their own care.
• Establish, with input from group participants, a list of ground rules and goals for the
  group and review the list with the group on a regular basis.
• Foster an opportunity for people to interact with others dealing with similar health
  concerns and facilitate the sharing of their experience living with Parkinson’s.
• Encourage group members to participate in PSSO programs, education events, and
  fundraising events.
• Invite group participants to connect with PSSO staff and programs as necessary.
• Welcome and introduce new participants to the group, explain group guidelines such as confidentiality and help them connect with other group participants.

Group Interaction & Communication
The facilitator will:

• Ensure group participants are educated about and adhere to the confidentiality
  policy.
• Moderate the discussions in the group to ensure that all participants have an equal
  opportunity to share if they wish. This may require the facilitator to enhance their
  skills to ensure that participants that are talkative do not monopolize the
  discussion. Gently redirect attention to less vocal participants.
• Encourage a balance in discussions by encouraging the group to consider
  constructive solutions when negative issues are being addressed. Although there
  will be times when participants need to freely express and share their feelings, even
  if their tone seems negative.
• Remind the group that the symptoms, treatment, and progression of Parkinson’s
  are unique to each person, so others’ experiences may be different from one’s own.
• Strive to present information and encourage discussion that is honest while at the
  same time promotes a feeling of optimism.
• Remind participants to adopt a “consumers beware” approach to any information
  shared in the group and do their own research or speak with a medical professional
  before actin

Would you like to join a community that is helping individuals to leave poverty behind?

Led by YWCA Muskoka, Circles® Muskoka is a community collaborative committed to the reduction of poverty by harnessing the power of relationships. Circles® Muskoka helps families and individuals (Circle Leaders) living on lower income and in poverty by assisting them to increase their resources; reasons and relationships to move from surviving to thriving in their lives.

Benefits

Growing your professional network
Feeling like you are making a difference
A sense of meaning and purpose
Supporting others to reach their goals
Participating in personal development workshops
Strengthening your interpersonal and communication skills
Becoming part of a community and sharing a meal 3 evenings a month
Making new friends and having fun!

Responsibilities 

• Maintain confidentiality
• Be an active listener and offer support and encouragement when appropriate
• Provide encouragement towards meeting goals
• Build meaningful relationships with Leaders
• Share life experiences and advice when asked

Role requirements

• Attend at least one Circles meeting per month
• Pass a police background check
• Attend a Bridges out of Poverty’ workshop and Ally training session
• Being open to building friendships across economic lines

Providing companionship to Individuals with development disabilities. Going for walks/outings, playing games, listening to music, sharing interests.

Various opportunities inculding:

• Friendly visiting 

• Activity programming. ie. crafts, coffee socials, inter-generational programs 

• Student placements and internships (College/Universities) 

• Administration 

• Meal assistance 

• Pet visitor 

• Music volunteer 

• Simcoe Cycling without Age bike program
 

Volunteers will be involved in the planning, promoting and implementation or the New Horizons Seniors Program.

Make a difference in your community by becoming a VON SMART® Exercise and Falls Prevention program volunteer! 
The goal of VON’s SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)® Exercise and Falls Prevention program is to enable adults 55+ to maintain independence, improve quality of life and to ultimately promote healthy aging. This functional exercise program can be found in various communities throughout Grey-Bruce. 
 
VON SMART and Falls Prevention classes are led by volunteers who VON trains (2 days of practical plus the theory) and certify. Weekly we offer over 50 Level 1 and Level 2 classes in Grey Bruce with over 1,000 participants! We ask for a minimum commitment of 2 hours a week (one class) but have flexible schedules for those who are away for long periods of time. We are looking for volunteer instructors for both levels of classes.

Supportive care volunteers offer social and emotional support to individuals and families living with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness in Grey and Bruce counties (except Bruce Peninsula) * volunteers offer support for approximately 2-3 hours per week depending on need of individual and family and the availability of volunteers and offer respite for family caregivers and companionship to individuals and help facilitate bereavement groups * support provided in the client’s home, long term care homes and/or hospitals

Kids Help Phone’s texting service is the only free, 24/7 bilingual text line for people in Canada. The service is delivered by trained, volunteer crisis responders who work remotely. 

We are recruiting overnight and or bilingual crisis responders who will answer texts from young people looking for support in both English AND French.

The volunteer position will be remote, meaning that you can participate from anywhere in Canada as long you have a strong, reliable internet connection!  

Our volunteers need to be enthusiastic about helping people!

You can be a professional, student, teacher, retiree, or anybody else with a willingness to learn how to support people over text.  

The role of a crisis responder is to bring texters from a “hot” moment to a cool calm one, and to help them come up with a plan to stay healthy and safe.

Crisis responders are trained to do this using active listening and collaborative problem-solving.

• Special events
• Art programming
• Outings
• Friendly visiting
• Gardening
• Spiritual care
• Pet therapy visits

Volunteers will lead a gentle functional fitness program designed for community members aged 55+.

The purpose of the program is to:
• Increase and maintain strength, coordination, balance and flexibility
• Improve health and energy
• Improve mobility and independence
• Prevent falls and decrease falls risk
• Meet new people and socialize

Assists activity coordinator with different activities such as:

• Special events
• Outings
• Friendly visiting
• Other duties around residence

• In home visiting
• Telephone conservation

Assisting with client:
• Social events
• Planning crafts
• Serving refreshments
• Tidy up after events

• Running art or music programs 
• Assistance with organizing the set up and tear down of recreation activities
• Technology assistance for seniors 
• Information or educational seminars for seniors 
• Organizing tea and talk socials and word games 

• Escort residents to the hair salon within Trillium and return them to their home area
• Assist with tasks such as removing curlers
• Sweeping and other hair salon type duties

Volunteers assist with enriching the lives of our residents by supporting with:

• Events
• Snack and library trolleys
• Companion on a walk
• Helping them complete a project of their own

We are always looking for talented musicians, artist and singers s to entertain our residents.

• Cook, bake, gardening
• Activities with residence
• Supporting with activities of daily living

• Attending activities, programs, and/or events with residents
• One-on-one visits with residents; spending time chatting, playing card games, doing puzzles, crafts
• Accompanying them on walks either within the building or outdoors (weather permitting)
• Miscellaneous duties as needed

Volunteers are matched to clients who are living with a life-limiting illness. They support and comfort their client and the client's circle of support. Be it family or friends.  The goal is to be flexible and assist someone on this journey with whatever they might require. It could be physical, but usually, it is emotional support and advocacy. Once the match has been made, the client and the volunteer set a time schedule that is good for both. Visiting volunteers provide support to our clients in the comfort of the clients home, where ever that may be; their house, long-term care facility, hospital or the vulnerably housed.

Retirement Lodge Volunteers assist with activities for our residents such as:

• Friendly visits with seniors 
• Recreational activities
• Assisting at meal times
• Playing a friendly game of cards or taking a short walk 

• Provide weekly companionship to client of Breaking Down Barriers.
• Assist with activities like arts & crafts, cooking, scrapbooking, weaving and Friendship Café
• Meet for conversation, maybe go for an outing and just be a friendly face to someone who may otherwise be isolated.

Volunteers can assist with a variety of activities and programs including:  

Recreation programs (games, crafts, outdoor programs, etc.) 
Evening Bingo games
Small Group Programs (cards, reading, knitting)
Special events and Entertainment 
Special Interest Presentations
Community Bus Outings  
One to one friendly visits 
Hair dresser & In home Wellness appointments 
General office assistance
Spiritual Visits 
On call Palliative Visits 
Gardening 

Mature Adult Volunteers will assist players on the ice, supporting our Qualified, Certified coaching staff.

General Kitchen Duties

• Assisting the cook
• Preparing meals
• Baking

• One on one visiting with residents
• Supporting and/or facilitating group activities
• Reading or playing games with residents
• Meal assistance

• Participate in the operation of the shelter (shifts - evening, night, breakfast)
• Carry out the many tasks required for the seamless functioning of the shift/program.
• Interact with guests throughout the duration of the shift (unless it’s quiet/sleep hours).

• Friendly Visiting, Coffee Social 
• Knitting, Painting, Crafts 
• Scrabble Players, Bingo Caller, Pin Setters for Bowling 
• Assisting in the Dining Room and Program Set up 
• Movie Night Volunteer 
• Friendly Reminder Volunteer 
• Manicures 
• Musical Talent

• Provide companionship
• Reading
• Crafts
• Assisting in the Culinary Department.

Volunteers can assist with a variety of programs and activities including: 

• One-on-One Friendly Visiting 
• Gardening 
• Holiday Celebrations and Special Events 
• Outings  
• Card playing, Bingo and other games 
• Entertainment 
• Hairdressing & Wellness Assistance 
• Escorting Residents to in house appointments 
• Dining Assistance

Volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in assisiting with recreation programs, outings, friendly visiting, computer programs, reading programs and special events.

Leader
• Grooming and tack up of the horse
• Leading of the horse for warm-up
• Control of the horse during class
• Un-tack horse and cleanup of equipment
• Sidewalker
• Support the rider as necessary to balance
• Assist rider to complete skills as needed
• Assist leader with tack and cleanup

Support our Social Recreation Coordinator with the delivery of varied programs for people living with dementia.
• Ensure that participants are engaged
• Some light set up and clean up of the space for each program
• Training as appropriate for each course
• Volunteers participate in the activities along with the participants - It's fun!
• This program may be held virtually during the pandemic. A computer would be a requirement to volunteer in that case

• Help with the set up and clean up of refreshments, games, and activities for the program
• Assist the Minds in Motion Coordinator to ensure activity participation and socialization. This may include spending one-on-one time with participants who need extra support
• Under the direction of the Physical Activity Program Leader, provide one-on-one support to participants during the physical activity component of the program
• Assist with any other required tasks

Board Members 
Boutique Merchandising 
Breakfast Club Facilitators 
Clothing Sorter 
Committee Members 
Corporate Volunteers 
Event/Fundraising 
Professional Women's Group Facilitators 
Stylist to help suit clients,  
IT Tech 
Professional Women's Group Mentors 
 
POSITION DESCRIPTION:  
Clothing Sorter - Sort Clothes, take inventory, and organize the store. 
 
Stylists- Suit clients for their interviews (experience with Dress For Success may be needed, but will be provided). 
 
Fundraising Committee- Creating events for fundraising opportunities, or volunteering for an already planned event. 
 
IT Tech - Someone to create and maintain a social presence online to promote the organization and it's events. 
 
Hair and Make up Stylists- Help show clients what is appropriate for interviews and work when considering make up and hair. 
 
Board of Directors- Must be 18+, will sit in on the board meetings and hold an important role within the organization, for more information, contact Linda Reid, Executive Director for Dress For Success Orillia and Barrie.

• Provide companionship and friendship to an isolated senior or adult living with a disability by making at-home or over-the-phone visits on a regular basis
• Assist clients with activities that they are no longer able to do by themselves and which are of interest to the client: reading, writing, playing cards/games
• Provide a periodic monitoring of the client's well being

Two sites: Camphill Nottawasaga, near Angus and Camphill Sophia Creek in Barrie.

Camphill Sophia Creek (Barrie)

• work in the mosaic studio
• help with meal preparation in the Cafe
• assist with recreational activities, music sessions and cultural outings, Bingo events and other special events such as Fall Fairs

Camphill Nottawasaga (Angus)

• help with programs in woodworking, pottery, candlemaking, and bakery/meal preparation
• can be involved in maple syrup production, working in the vegetable gardens and caring for livestock (Highland cows horses and goats)

Both locations need volunteers to help with set-up, cash management and take-down at our Farmers Markets

Special Events and Outing Assistance

Assistance with resident In-house appointments

Assisting persons with a new spinal cord injury by offering hope and encouragement through shared personal experiences.

Bench Warmers are friendly people who allow others to engage in conversation in either parks or malls. Studies show that loneliness has the same dire consequences on physical health as smoking a pack a day! Social connection is so needed (and often lost in the shuffle of busyness and technology) and MatureMinds Friendship Bench offers an opportunity for interaction and social engagement. The implementation is simple but the results are deep and  meaningful. Volunteers will receive training in active listening, self care, mental health awareness, and ageism. After successfully completing the training, volunteers become Bench Warmers. They sit on a bench either at a park or in a mall with a sign that says "If you want to talk, I want to listen." Be part of the cure for the loneliness epidemic! Become a Bench Warmer.

Visiting residents residing in long term care, one-on-one. This can include walking with residents inside and outside the facility.

• Provide regular visits to assigned older adult clients, offering companionship, conversation & engagement in meaningful activities 
• Perform regular outbound phone calls to assigned older adult clients  
• Report any health or safety concerns to the Supervisor 
• Provide monthly activity reports to Supervisor 

One on one visiting with residents 
Supporting and/or facilitating group activities 
Reading or playing games with residents 
Meal assistance  

GrandPals are older adults (not necessarily Grandparents) who love children and want to make a difference for generations to come. GrandPals are trained in the stories they have to share over 5 weeks. After training, we connect GrandPals with a classroom where they meet with the same 2-4 students over a period of 8 weeks. The stories that GrandPals share about their own lives become part of the students' curriculum. Students capture the stories presented in written assignments as well as art projects.

Be part of a unique intergenerational initiative that connects generations through the power of storytelling. Volunteers will get 5 weeks of training and then will spend 8 weeks in an elementary school classroom sharing stories and building relationships. Volunteers must love children! For more information, a Brunch & Learn will be held on September 26 in Barrie- registration required.

• Welcome donors to hospitality area of clinic
 

• offer refreshments
 

• give information and updates to donors
 

• answer questions, thank donors and give milestone donor recognition items
 

• observe donors and watch for adverse reactions
 

• keep hospitality area in good order

As part of our vision to see persons with dementia living well and thriving, this program seeks out ways to keep a person engaged within their home, while simlutaneously providing care partners with a little bit of respite.

Volunteers will conduct 1:1 weekly meaningful and social recreation visits with persons living with dementia.  Volunteers will receive training and support from In-Home Recreation Coordinator as well as an outline of suggested activities.  They will also have flexibilty to plan activities that best meet the client's needs. 

Weekly visits are 1.5 hours in length and a 6 month committment is appreciated.

This is a volunteer opportunity with the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka for the Minds in Motion® program.

Minds in Motion® is a community-based social program that incorporates physical and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and their care partners.

• Minds in Motion® is an eight-week program delivered once weekly that combines physical activity with mental stimulation, in a social environment.
• The program is delivered at Municipal Recreation Centres, Older Adult Centres or similar multi-service centres to help normalize the experience for participants.
• The program was developed in British Columbia and results indicate improved physical and mental health for both people with dementia and their care partner.
• Minds in Motion® is not a fitness program, a social recreation program or a drop-in program.

Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Help with the set up and clean up of refreshments, games and activities for the program
• Assist the Minds in Motion® Coordinator to ensure activity participation and socialization. This may include spending one-on-one time with participants who need extra support.
• Under the direction of the Physical Activity Program Leader, provide one-on-one support to participants during the physical activity component of the program
• Assist with any other required tasks

Qualifications:

• Enjoy working with others, comfortable initiating conversation and including others
• Patient, friendly and fun; comfortable in a non-competitive, inclusive environment
• Have some experience communicating with older adults
• Be physically able to participate in the physical activity component of the program
• Commit to program at 8 week intervals
• Organized and pay attention to detail
• Reliable and able to follow instructions

Assets:

• Aware of the aging process
• Have basic knowledge and experience with dementia – training will be provided
• Experience working with persons with dementia and their care partners
• Physical activity or therapeutic recreation background

Time commitment:

• Three hours/week for eight-ten weeks:
• 30 minute set up, 2 hour program, 30 minute take down, clean up and de-brief.
• Programs run at least three times per year – trained volunteers are encouraged to return to assist with programs held throughout the year.

Orientation/training:

Volunteers will receive:

• Orientation to local Alzheimer Society and volunteer policies and procedures (approximately one hour)
• Orientation to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (approximately three hours)
• Orientation to Minds in Motion® and specific role (approximately one hour)
• Access to Society’s more advanced dementia training (if applicable)

Supervision:

There will be on site supervision and de-briefing lead by the Minds in Motion® Coordinator.

A Police Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening is required for all volunteers. For those under the age of 18, parental or guardian approval is required.

Assist with participant pre-evaluations and assessments 
Help with the set up and clean up of refreshments, games and activities 
Assist Minds in Motion Coordinator to ensure activity participation and socialization 
Under direction of the Physical Activity Program Leader, provide one-on-one support to participants during physical activity component of the program 
Assist with any other required task 
Complete a post evaluation form

• Help with the set up and clean up of the projects each week.
• Assist Art Therapist to ensure activity participation and socialization of each participant
• Under direction of the Art Therapist/Family Support Coordinator, provide one-to-one support to the participants during the creative art process.
• Assist with any other tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the program.
• At the end of the Program (June) complete an evaluation form about the volunteer role in the Quest Art School + Gallery Program.

Make a difference in the lives of our patients. Whether you want to volunteer directly with patients or support their care at RVH, we have an opportunity that is right for you.

To explore the opportunities available to volunteer in at RVH, visit this link: https://www.rvh.on.ca/careers/volunteering/volunteer-opportunities/

To fill out an application, click this link and select 'Apply to Be a Volunteer Now'. If you are a student looking to join our summer program, please select 'Join Our Summer Program'. 

Link: https://www.rvh.on.ca/careers/volunteering/

Are you a wordsmith who loves people? We are looking for older adult volunteers to help newcomers to Canada feel welcome. Help newcomers get socially connected and practice English by playing scrabble! An extensive vocabulary is not necessary (there are dictionaries for that :)) so if you are friendly and want to make a meaningful contribution by helping newcomers, this could be the club for you! Scrabble Club will last four weeks, allowing volutneers to build relationships with newcomers. 

Be a walking companion for someone living with dementia. Provide support, friendship during regularly scheduled walks.

The objective of the program is to provide mobile individuals diagnosed with Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) who are living independently in the community with activity and companionship.

Volunteers will be responsable for meeting with a clients weekly or bi-weekly to add enrichment to peoples lives. Clients are blind or have vision loss to some degree, which often requires adpaments to life. Volunteers are required to socialse with them and add normal contact back in their lives after the effects of the pandemic. They can go for walks, visit community gardens, really anything the pair would enjoy. The requirement are up to the two people who are paired. 

Support individuals with intellectual impairments by taking them to and from jobs. Monitoring them on a job once they have been trained. Reading with a group of people, assisting on outings swimming etc.

Help Senior Wish expand into Simcoe County to ensure that no senior is left isolated, alone and feeling like society has forgotten them. Help is especially needed to prepare for our Christmas Wish program starting in Sept.

The facilitator will:

• Support the goals of PSSO in local communities with an emphasis on providing
  information and fellowship for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
• Attend ongoing training/education and Community of Practice meetings provided
  by PSSO to increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and to enhance
  their skills as a facilitator.
• Ensure all public notices for the group contain the group information, PSSO logo,
  and a reference to the group being a program of PSSO.
• Provide PSSO with updated group lists, including names, addresses, telephone
  numbers, and email addresses regularly.
• Provide an attendance record (First & Last Name of each participant) to PSSO
  immediately following each group session. This will be submitted using the
  volunteer portal “My Impact Page.”
• Document all hours of volunteering using the volunteer portal “My Impact Page,”
  which should include all time spent each month planning as well as group
  facilitation.
• Notify PSSO of any important information immediately as it pertains to the overall
  group or specific client participants (questions, resources, health changes, death in
  the family, etc.).

The facilitator works with the group to:

• Act in accordance with the Volunteer Code of Conduct (see page 12)
• Define the role and emphasize that the facilitator is not an expert in all things.
• Conduct group meetings in a caring, respectful, and compassionate manner.
• Promote the value of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be involved in
  making decisions about their own care.
• Establish, with input from group participants, a list of ground rules and goals for the
  group and review the list with the group on a regular basis.
• Foster an opportunity for people to interact with others dealing with similar health
  concerns and facilitate the sharing of their experience living with Parkinson’s.
• Encourage group members to participate in PSSO programs, education events, and
  fundraising events.
• Invite group participants to connect with PSSO staff and programs as necessary.
• Welcome and introduce new participants to the group, explain group guidelines such as confidentiality and help them connect with other group participants.

Group Interaction & Communication
The facilitator will:

• Ensure group participants are educated about and adhere to the confidentiality
  policy.
• Moderate the discussions in the group to ensure that all participants have an equal
  opportunity to share if they wish. This may require the facilitator to enhance their
  skills to ensure that participants that are talkative do not monopolize the
  discussion. Gently redirect attention to less vocal participants.
• Encourage a balance in discussions by encouraging the group to consider
  constructive solutions when negative issues are being addressed. Although there
  will be times when participants need to freely express and share their feelings, even
  if their tone seems negative.
• Remind the group that the symptoms, treatment, and progression of Parkinson’s
  are unique to each person, so others’ experiences may be different from one’s own.
• Strive to present information and encourage discussion that is honest while at the
  same time promotes a feeling of optimism.
• Remind participants to adopt a “consumers beware” approach to any information
  shared in the group and do their own research or speak with a medical professional
  before acting

The facilitator will:

• Support the goals of PSSO in local communities with an emphasis on providing
  information and fellowship for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
• Attend ongoing training/education and Community of Practice meetings provided
  by PSSO to increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and to enhance
  their skills as a facilitator.
• Ensure all public notices for the group contain the group information, PSSO logo,
  and a reference to the group being a program of PSSO.
• Provide PSSO with updated group lists, including names, addresses, telephone
  numbers, and email addresses regularly.
• Provide an attendance record (First & Last Name of each participant) to PSSO
  immediately following each group session. This will be submitted using the
  volunteer portal “My Impact Page.”
• Document all hours of volunteering using the volunteer portal “My Impact Page,”
  which should include all time spent each month planning as well as group
  facilitation.
• Notify PSSO of any important information immediately as it pertains to the overall
  group or specific client participants (questions, resources, health changes, death in
  the family, etc.)

The facilitator works with the group to:

• Act in accordance with the Volunteer Code of Conduct (see page 12)
• Define the role and emphasize that the facilitator is not an expert in all things.
• Conduct group meetings in a caring, respectful, and compassionate manner.
• Promote the value of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be involved in
  making decisions about their own care.
• Establish, with input from group participants, a list of ground rules and goals for the
  group and review the list with the group on a regular basis.
• Foster an opportunity for people to interact with others dealing with similar health
  concerns and facilitate the sharing of their experience living with Parkinson’s.
  10
• Encourage group members to participate in PSSO programs, education events, and
  fundraising events.
• Invite group participants to connect with PSSO staff and programs as necessary.
• Welcome and introduce new participants to the group, explain group guidelines
  such as confidentiality and help them connect with other group participants.

Group Interaction & Communication
The facilitator will: 

• Ensure group participants are educated about and adhere to the confidentiality
  policy.
• Moderate the discussions in the group to ensure that all participants have an equal
  opportunity to share if they wish. This may require the facilitator to enhance their
  skills to ensure that participants that are talkative do not monopolize the
  discussion. Gently redirect attention to less vocal participants.
• Encourage a balance in discussions by encouraging the group to consider
  constructive solutions when negative issues are being addressed. Although there
  will be times when participants need to freely express and share their feelings, even
  if their tone seems negative.
• Remind the group that the symptoms, treatment, and progression of Parkinson’s
  are unique to each person, so others’ experiences may be different from one’s own.
• Strive to present information and encourage discussion that is honest while at the
  same time promotes a feeling of optimism.
• Remind participants to adopt a “consumers beware” approach to any information
  shared in the group and do their own research or speak with a medical professional
  before acting.