Volunteer Guidelines

We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the group. Please 

contact oxfordaspiessite@googlemail.com if interested.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Oxford Aspies. The group is very thankful for this, and if you go on to volunteer with us, we hope you enjoy your experience.

Here are some guidelines to help with your volunteering. Please do read this document carefully as it has been written to guide you and help you and others enjoy Oxford Aspies.

SUMMARY

• • Introduce yourself as a volunteer, so people know you are one.

  • Allow group members time to think and respond when speaking with them. Aspies often need longer to process.

  • Try not to dominate the conversation.

  • Be mindful and sensitive regarding group members' sensory issues and any anxieties.

  • Facilitate interaction between group members where possible.

  • Help welcome new members into the group, and introduce them to existing group members.

  • Be mindful of group members' safety and comfort.

  • There may be times when group members may need extra support when anxious about something, e.g. catching the bus home. If possible, support them yourself, or refer to another volunteer.

  • For more information about Aspergers, and how you can help support 'Aspies' (informal for 'People with Aspergers'), see here: http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/autism-and-asperger-syndrome-an-introduction/what-is-asperger-syndrome.aspx

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IN DETAIL:

Notes about Oxford Aspies

• • Oxford Aspies is an informal social group for adults with Asperger's Syndrome/High Functioning Autism (diagnosed or undiagnosed). It is NOT a place for receiving formal advice- although members may discuss matters with peers and obtain informal advice.

  • We refer to attendees as members – although there is no formal membership.

  • The group is run by the members.

  • The group is not staffed, but volunteers help facilitate the group.

  • Volunteers are NOT responsible for the running of the group, for individual members.

  • The group meets in the Wadham Room in The Kings Arms pub, Holywell Street, Oxford, on the second and fourth Monday of every month, including Bank Holidays, although volunteers are not obliged and unlikely to attend on Bank Holidays. The room is reserved for our sole use.

  • The times of the meetings are 5:45pm – 7:45pm, and attendees can drop in anytime during this time. Occasionally attendees may arrive early and/or stay later – this is optional and done so outside of the group.

  • People sit on tables of approx. 4 – 6. There are usually approximately five tables plus a table in the far right corner of the room which is a 'Quiet Table.' The Quiet Table is for people who wish to sit quietly with no or very little conversation.

  • Some members may purchase a drink and/or food.

Asperger's Syndrome

People on the autism spectrum generally have difficulty with social situations. It would be useful for you to know some key difficulties people attending Oxford Aspies may have:

VOLUNTEERS

The main aim for volunteers attending Oxford Aspies is:

• • To facilitate socialising

  • To support members to participate in the group, and feel safe.

  • To welcome new members on arrival

  • Volunteers should aim to arrive by 6pm and generally stay until 7:30pm

Attending the group for the first time/initial meetings

• • Volunteers should aim to arrive by 6pm. Ideally you would have liaised with another volunteer and arranged to meet them at the group. This person should introduce you to some of the members – likely to be the people sitting on your table.

  • Introduce yourself as a volunteer. Note: Members may approach you and ask if you have Asperger's Syndrome or are a volunteer.

  • Feel free to purchase food and drink – in moderation.

  • Feel free to either remain on one table, or move to speak to others if appropriate.

  • If you need assistance, or have a question, ask someone to point out a fellow volunteer.

Facilitate socialising and conversation

• • The main duty of volunteers is to initiate and maintain conversation – always being sensitive to the needs of others.

  • If you are unsure if someone wishes to chat, feel free to ask them if they would like to chat.

  • Allow members time to think and respond.

  • Try not to dominate the conversation.

  • Be mindful of your volume and avoid sudden loud noise such as laughing out loud.

  • Try not to talk too fast or change conversation too much.

  • Be mindful of and sensitive of members' sensory issues and any anxieties.

  • Conversation can be based around getting to know the person (whereabouts they live, their interests, what they have been up to today etc, what they do most days (work/ college/ groups etc.); topical events (TV, sporting events, local events etc.). Some attendees come to Oxford early and do shopping and like to talk about their purchases (usually DVDs, magazines, books).

  • You may wish to tell them about something interesting you have done recently.

  • Feel free to join in conversation with people, if appropriate.

  • In the event of any language or conversation which is inappropriate, offensive, or aggressive: Please see the attached Ground rules document (refer the person to another volunteer if you are unsure).

Greeting new members

Volunteers should try to look out for new people. If someone looks unfamiliar:

• • Greet the person, ask them if they are here for Oxford Aspies,

  • Introduce yourself as a volunteer, and ask if they are expecting to meet someone here (new members have usually liaised with Sam, Nick or another volunteer, in which case you can introduce them as appropriate)

  • Suggest that they sit down.

  • Point out the 'Quiet Table' where they may sit whenever they wish.

  • Engage in general conversation.

  • It’s a good idea to show them around the main area of the pub – where to order food, drink, hot drinks, the toilets, and outside space.

  • If you know another member has similar interests or you think may be a good person to chat with the new person, explain this and OFFER to introduce them (they not wish to be introduced right away or at this session, but it’s nice for them to know).

Volunteers should maintain a professional approach and be mindful about safeguarding themselves. Here are some rules about your manner, and keeping yourself safe. These rules are generally good practice.

• • You should maintain a professional approach and professional boundaries at all times, whilst being friendly and approachable.

  • Do NOT share your home address and contact details.

  • Be very mindful of the information you share about your private life.

  • Do NOT share social media contacts with other attendees – if you receive a ‘friend request’ on social media please kindly refuse. This ensures you maintain a professional boundary.

  • You may wish to join the Oxford Aspies yahoo group – this involves providing your email address to Catherine (founding member) who will add your email address to the e-mailing list. You will receive all emails sent by attendees to the Yahoo Group (a generic email). Emails are not sent too regularly and tend to be about Oxford Aspies meetings, details of meeting up outside the group, etc. Your email will not be shown in the address line – UNLESS you send an email yourself, in which case your email address will show.

  • Do NOT meet individual attendees outside of Oxford Aspies. Occasionally the group will arrange an additional activity such as going to the cinema, a meal out or cycle ride as a group. Attendance to these are optional.

  • Please be mindful of your dress – casual clothes are fine and most people will be dressed casually. However, please ensure your clothing and behaviour is modest.

Maintaining a peaceful, enjoyable and safe environment

• • Please refer to the attached Ground Rules – everyone who attends is expected to abide by these rules.