The opportunity

MND is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones. Deterioration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in arms and legs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. The effects of MND can vary enormously from person to person, however it is always fatal.

Facing a diagnosis of MND can be a frightening and isolating experiencing, which is why our Association Visitors (AVs) play such a vital role. AVs befriend people who have been diagnosed with this devastating disease by providing invaluable friendship, advice and support for people living with MND and their families, whether it be on the phone, via email or with face-to-face contact. They offer free and confidential emotional support, and information about the Association and other services that helps people to make informed choices. This helps to reduce the sense of isolation many people affected by the disease experience.

Luke Rutter has been an Association Visitor (AV) for over 15 years. I get a great deal of satisfaction from being a Visitor says Luke its our way of fighting one of the most cruel diseases theres ever been.

We need more people like Luke in order to provide the support local people need. We are asking people to donate their time to take part in this challenging and rewarding opportunity, where individuals will meet new friends, improve their CV and receive nationally recognized training.

You have to be over 18 years old in order to take up this role because of the sensitive issues and activities involved.

The organisation

We see a future world free of MND. We want to play a key role in ending MND, by funding and promoting research to find the causes of, diagnostics and effective treatment for MND. Until then, we will do all that we can to enable everyone with MND to receive the best care, achieve the highest quality of live possible and die with dignity. We will also do all that we can to support the families and carers of people with MND.

Skills/Qualifications

As a Visitor you will need to:
- have good listening and communication skills
- be able to work as part of a team and liaise with colleagues and Health and Social Care Professionals
- Be able to develop and maintain supportive relationships with people with MND and their carers whilst respecting different lifestyles
- understand the need for confidentiality
- be able to commit to a minimum of two - fours hours per week
- understand the need for, and be willing to participate in, support and supervision meetings and development opportunities and use them appropriately

Times you can volunteer:

• Monday: Morning , Afternoon , Evening
• Tuesday: Morning , Afternoon , Evening
• Wednesday: Morning , Afternoon , Evening
• Thursday: Morning , Afternoon , Evening
• Friday: Morning , Afternoon , Evening
• Saturday: Morning , Afternoon , Evening
• Sunday: Morning , Afternoon , Evening