Volunteer Support Group Facilitator   
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

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
Community Health Centre Volunteer   Simcoe County 
South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre, Wasaga Beach, Health Care Services
South Georgian Bay

The South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre provides volunteer opportunities to the South Georgian Bay region.

 
Current programs offering volunteer opportunities include:  

  • mental health programs  
  • physical exercise groups  
  • nutrition education  
  • chronic disease management groups  
  •  
  • social support groups, hobbies and crafts groups, and more

Eligibility: 16 years and older

Application Process: E-mail the health centre at volunteer@sgbchc.ca, phone or apply via the website.

Supportive Care   Bruce County  Grey County 
VON Canada, Ontario Branch
Bruce and Grey Counties

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

Adult Literacy Tutor   Simcoe County 
Gateway Centre for Learning
Midland
  • Help adults with low literacy skills acquire and/or improve basic reading, writing, math and digital skills needed to function successfully in society
  • Establish a learning relationship with an assigned student(s) based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to work together to achieve identified goals
  • Plan, prepare and deliver student-centred learning activities and lessons
  • Evaluate and recognize progress towards the student’s learning goals
  • Comply with administrative requirements of the program
  • Contribute to the ongoing improvement of the program
Volunteers - Activity Assistants   Simcoe County 
Birchmere Retirement Residence
Orillia
  • 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
Communication Facilitators/Group Conversation Volunteers   Peterborough County 
March of Dimes Canada (MODC), Peterborough, Aphasia and Communication Disabilities (ACD) Program, Peterborough
Northminster United Church, 300 Sunset Boulevard Peterborough, ON K9H 5L3
Compassionate adults needed for group consultations  
* Do you have a few hours a week to have meaningful conversations in a fun, lively atmosphere?  
* Volunteers provide support to adults with communication difficulties by participating in group conversation sessions about current events, music, food, art and much more.
Support Group Co-Facilitator - Simcoe County Locations   Simcoe County 
Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, Barrie
Simcoe County

Volunteers work with Alzheimer Society Family Support Coordinators in 1) a morning Support Group, 2) an afternoon Support Group or 3) an evening Support Group, depending upon the community.

Coffee Social Volunteer   Muskoka District  Parry Sound District 
Alzheimer Society of Muskoka
Muskoka and Parry Sound

Purpose: To coordinate our weekly Coffee Social Program for caregivers and persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.  We offer this drop-in program for our clients to enjoy a time to engage with others, relax and enjoy refreshments.  If needed, a person with dementia should be accompanied by a caregiver who is responsible for their health and wellbeing.

Tasks/Responsibilities:

  • Set up table and chairs
  • Make coffee/tea, put out cookies
  • Keep record of adequate supply
  • Keep record of attendance
  • Welcome guests as they arrive
  • Distribute nametags
  • Clean and lock up building

Qualifications: Reliable, good listener, compassionate, patient, understanding, reactive to client needs. 

Time commitment: 1 day per week from either 10 am – 12 pm or 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, plus time for set up and clean up (approx. 2.5 hours). Would appreciate a 6 – 12 month commitment.

Orientation/Training: Volunteers will have the opportunity to shadow the Recreation Support Facilitator at the Coffee Social as often as required by the volunteer to feel comfortable.

Screening: Application, interview, police check, reference checks, probation, training completion is required.

Evaluation/Success measures: Success of this program is measured by attendance numbers of the group each week.

Supervision: Supervision will be by the Recreation Support Facilitator as needed.

GLA:D Program Assistants   Simcoe County 
Barrie Community Health Centre, Barrie - Huronia Rd, GLA:D Canada
  • Supportive of exercise being part of one's lifestyle

  • Familiar with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee

  • Be able to bend and squat repeatedly

  • Be able to lift exercise equipment (pedal bikes, risers, chairs)

  • Mon and Wed 1:15 to 3:45 pm and/or

  • Mon and Fri morning 8:45 to 11:15 am

  • Additional time may be helpful to assist those in need of computer registration with GLA:D Canada at BCHC

Volunteer Support Group Facilitator   Grey County 
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

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.
Volunteer Support Group Facilitator   Bruce County 
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

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