The charity has around 100 branches, all run by volunteers, who provide local support to autistic people and their families. Every branch is different and so are the activities they provide – they may run parent support groups, adult social groups, children’s activities, conferences or focus on providing information or campaigning. However, no matter how big or small, all branches are hugely valued by the people in their local area. Branches are run entirely by volunteers with advice and support from the national charity. Support groups are essential for parents and families seeking support. They provide an opportunity for families to meet others who are also living with a family member who has autism, they provide a safe environment for people with autism and their families to attend and meet and they offer an opportunity for families and individuals to share their own experience and listen to others. What you will be doing Ensuring members are informed when there are support groups meetings coming up (via official branch NAS e-mail, social media or text, for example). Advertising the support group (posters, leaflets, etc.) Attending the weekly support group sessions Sharing information (full training will be given). Signposting to other support, professionals, organisations etc. Welcoming new members. Liaising with other volunteers to ensure there is a volunteer present for the duration of the meeting. Accompanying group members in local outings. The skills you need Knowledge and experience of the autism spectrum is an advantage but not essential as we can provide training. Patience and understanding of the needs of others. Good organisational skills. The ability to see the world from a different perspective Approachable. Confident in taking the lead at introducing themselves and speaking to new people attending the group. An ability to make new people feel welcome. What's in it for you Improve support to autistic people and their families in your local area. Build up an understanding of autism by volunteering with autistic people. Access free training and learn new skills. Meet new people. A worthwhile achievement to add to your CV. Having fun whilst carrying out a valuable role. Volunteering can keep you mentally stimulated and provide you with a sense of purpose. This is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity and will allow you to make a difference to those you are supporting and their families. When and where The support groups will be held online every, approximately every 8 weeks Attendance at branch committee meetings (roughly every month - online) Home based - Ideally you will live in the Highland area. Support • Designated Senior Branch Engagement Officer to answer any queries and provide support. • Written guidance on a range of branch communications. • You must complete any requested eLearning modules before you start volunteering. Your Senior Branch Engagement Officer will explain what you need to complete. • Insurance cover for all branch activities. • Agreed expenses reimbursed for attendance at any event organised by the branch support team

Why we want you The charity has around 100 branches, all run by volunteers, who provide local support to autistic people and their families. Every branch is different and so are the activities they provide – they may run parent support groups, adult social groups, children’s activities, conferences or focus on providing information or campaigning. However, no matter how big or small, all branches are hugely valued by the people in their local area. Branches are run entirely by volunteers with advice and support from the national charity. The Branch Secretary role is important to the running of the branch as they act as a coordinator and communicator for the branch. Without these roles, we would not have as many branches as we do. What you will be doing Liaising with the Branch Chair to monitor the branch email. Checking through e-bulletins and newsletters received. Circulating information of interest to the mailing list and working with the Website Editor to ensure this information is put on the website. Taking and writing committee meeting minutes. The skills you need Can write clearly and accurately. Confident in communicating with individuals or organisations by phone or email. Confident in editing information to a suitable format which is clear and concise. What's in it for you Improve support to autistic people and their families in your local area. Build up an understanding of autism by volunteering with autistic people. Access free training and learn new skills. Meet new people. A worthwhile achievement to add to your CV. Having fun whilst carrying out a valuable role. Volunteering can keep you mentally stimulated and provide you with a sense of purpose. This is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity and will allow you to make a difference to those you are supporting and their families.

Why we want you The charity has around 100 branches, all run by volunteers, who provide local support to autistic people and their families. Every branch is different and so are the activities they provide – they may run parent support groups, adult social groups, children’s activities, conferences or focus on providing information or campaigning. However, no matter how big or small, all branches are hugely valued by the people in their local area. Branches are run entirely by volunteers with advice and support from the national charity. Social groups are a great way to give people on the autism spectrum an opportunity to improve their confidence, self-esteem and reduce isolation through spending time with others in a group setting and accessing social activities in the community. What you will be doing Ensuring members are informed when there are support groups meetings coming up (via official branch NAS e-mail, social media or text, for example). Advertising the support group (posters, leaflets, etc.) Attending the weekly support group sessions Sharing information (full training will be given). Signposting to other support, professionals, organisations etc. Welcoming new members. Liaising with other volunteers to ensure there is a volunteer present for the duration of the meeting. Accompanying group members in local outings. The skills you need Knowledge and experience of the autism spectrum is an advantage but not essential as we can provide training. Patience and understanding of the needs of others. Good organisational skills. The ability to see the world from a different perspective Approachable. Confident in taking the lead at introducing themselves and speaking to new people attending the group. An ability to make new people feel welcome. What's in it for you Improve support to autistic people and their families in your local area. Build up an understanding of autism by volunteering with autistic people. Access free training and learn new skills. Meet new people. A worthwhile achievement to add to your CV. Having fun whilst carrying out a valuable role. Volunteering can keep you mentally stimulated and provide you with a sense of purpose. This is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity and will allow you to make a difference to those you are supporting and their families. Support • Designated Senior Branch Engagement Officer to answer any queries and provide support. • Written guidance on a range of branch communications. • You must complete any requested eLearning modules before you start volunteering. Your Senior Branch Engagement Officer will explain what you need to complete. • Insurance cover for all branch activities. • Agreed expenses reimbursed for attendance at any event organised by the branch support team

We have 116 volunteer-led branches across the UK, covering almost three quarters of the country. We also have online branches for autistic people with a shared interest, identity or experience. Our hard-working volunteers run support, information and social activities for autistic adults, children and their families in their local area. They also organise and join in with fundraising and campaigning. Our branches run a huge range of activities. These groups and activities provide a friendly and safe space for parents and families seeking support. Branches always need more helping hands, so as an Ad Hoc Volunteer you can help the branch continue to provide this valuable support. Do you have a few hours a month to give to volunteering? This role can fit around your responsibilities, and you can decide when and how you would like to volunteer. There is flexibility on the amount of the time you give too. We know our volunteers have busy lives and we do our best to fit around you. The role is fully supported by the regional Senior Branch Engagement Officer and the other branch volunteers. You will receive full guidance and training for everything you’ll need to do. How you’ll hear about your application Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive notifications to the email address you apply with. Sometimes the emails we send about your application go into junk folders. We will keep in touch with you through an email address ending in @NAS.goassemble.com, do check your junk folder for confirmation of your application and other messages from us. When and where Flexible, role is on an ad hoc basis and will be as and when required for branch events. Home based (plus travel to branch activities). Support Written guidance on a range of branch activities. You must complete any requested eLearning training modules before you start volunteering. Insurance cover for all branch activities. What you will be doing Assisting at in person branch activities such as bucket collections, fundraising activities, etc. Where extra volunteers are required on the day of an event. The skills you need Knowledge and experience of the autism spectrum is an advantage but not essential as we can provide training. Good organisational skills. Confident in speaking to members of public. What's in it for you Improve support to autistic people and their families in your local area. Build up an understanding of autism by volunteering with autistic people. Access free training and learn new skills. Meet new people. A worthwhile achievement to add to your CV. Having fun whilst carrying out a valuable role. This is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity and will allow you to make a difference to those you are supporting and their families.