March of Dimes Canada (Stroke Survivors / Caregivers for Peer Support (Virtual or In-Person))

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Within MODC After Stroke, our vision is a world where everyone impacted by stroke can recover and live a life with renewed purpose and optimism and inspire others to do the same. Our Mission is to deliver person-to-person support, educational opportunities and innovative community-based programs that provide a connection to humanity, hope and life after stroke. Impact of the Role The Hospital Visitation Program connects new stroke survivors and/or caregivers in a hospital setting (acute care, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation unit) with peer volunteers who are stroke survivors themselves or caregivers of someone impacted by stroke. The volunteers who support the program have lived experience with the effects of a stroke, and utilize their experience to provide hope, encouragement, education, and emotional support to people who are beginning the recovery process. Main Responsibilities • Initiate and lead one-to-one conversations (online or in-person) with patients in a respectful, calm, and supportive manner • Encourage patients to participate and engage in conversation • Share their own stroke journey and provide hope and encouragement • Respect the nature and extent to which patients engage in conversations • Record and report volunteer hours and number visits to the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator or on VicNet on a monthly basis • Debrief with a Volunteer Engagement Coordinator on a regular basis or when needed • Introduce MODC After Stroke personalized case management program and community based peer support programs using materials provided by MODC • Adhere to all Hospital and MODC policies, procedures and guidelines including public health related guidelines • Utilize the resource “Your Stroke Journey”™ by Heart and Stroke or the Toronto Stroke Network document, “Your Guide to Stroke Recovery,” to stimulate conversation • Report on any urgent concerns regarding the patients that arise during the visit (emotional and physical health) to hospital unit staff and MODC Volunteer Engagement Coordinator • Provide hope, optimism, encouragement, and personal knowledge of stroke recovery and encourage continued contact with MODC through sharing details of the After Stroke Program and other MODC programs and services.