We’re pleased to announce dates for the next online “Effective Communication Skills” course for IA members wishing to become One2One Support Volunteers. This is a voluntary role for qualifying members of IA who can listen to and support others who are going through, or have been through, surgery and have non-medical questions about living with an ileostomy or an internal pouch. 

This can be at a time when someone is feeling vulnerable, is experiencing a range of emotions and unsure what the future will look like. Similarly, it could be someone who has a list of non-medical questions and wants to speak with someone who has been through something similar. Whatever the reason for someone reaching out to IA for support, they are looking for someone who will listen to them, empathise with them and offer practical support and guidance, where necessary.

The training is instructor led, run remotely and split into a number of learning modules that offer both theory and practice-based learning so you can put your newly acquired skills into practice alongside your peers on the course. The training is an important part of becoming a One2One support volunteer and in addition to the role can help attendees to develop their skills when communicating better with others, whether in their personal life or as part of their professional career. 

To understand more about the role or read about some of IA’s existing volunteers, visit https://iasupport.org/information-support/i-want-to-speak-to-someone/. 

Please review the important information (link towards bottom of page) before completing an application form to ensure you meet eligibility criteria and are available to attend all training dates.

You will need to be available to attend the following dates and times for the online training:

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  18.30-21.30        Wednesday 27 September 2023

  09.30-12.30        Saturday 7 October 2023

  18.30-21.30        Wednesday 18 October 2023

  09.30-12.30        Saturday 28 October 2023

  18.30-21.30        Wednesday 8 November 2023

  Practice Sessions: w/c 13 and 20 November – suitable times will be agreed with you on course

  Assessment: w/c 27 November – suitable time will be agreed with you on course

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A quote from a member who has completed the course recently: “The course exceeded my expectations. I have learned a lot about effective communication skills and about our role as a one to one supporter . I thought the course was well organised and that we were all made to feel welcome and at ease with each as a group.”

If you would like to become a One2One support volunteer please download and complete an application form. If you have any further questions prior to completion please email [email protected] or [email protected].