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Volunteers

Volunteers Induction Information 

History of SWAGS+

Around 2016 there was a working age group [Affiliated to the Stroke Association] in Bury St Edmunds that was winding down and a new group emerging in Ipswich called Stroke Working Age Group Ipswich [SWAGI]. At this time funds were given to SWAGI by the Bury St Edmunds group and the new name, Stroke Working Age Group Suffolk was born.

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On 1st September 2021 SWAGS+ set up officially as a small charity after running as a community group affiliated with the Stroke Association. The ‘plus [+]’ was a signal denoting our desire to support carers and the whole family unit.

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We are considered an ‘unincorporated association’ as a community group with charitable aims [as per ‘Small Charity Constitution'] with less than £5,000 annual income. We therefore do not need to be registered with the Charities Commission, but have been registered as a small charity with HMRC for the purposes of gift aid.

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The Stroke Association provides advice and guidance for community groups through their ‘Stroke Group Network’ after disbanding their ‘affiliated groups’ certification scheme.

 

SWAGS+ Mission


Mission statement and ethos of SWAGS+ is detailed in our ‘Small Charity Constitution’ document under ‘purposes of the charity’....

‘Based in Suffolk, we provide a forum and support network, primarily for Stroke Survivors and their family/carers in the working age group. We facilitate meetings, activities and outings, relieving the sense of isolation felt by individuals and families as they come to terms with the trauma that stroke can inflict. Also, we will arrange workshops and talks pertinent and helpful to living with a stroke. We aim to promote and support the wellbeing of not just the stroke survivor but their family/carers, regardless of age.’

 

Activities provided currently as of 2025

  • Hillside Stowmarket meetings with speakers/activities [2nd Friday, monthly]

  • Sunday Social virtual meetings [weekly]

  • Walking group monthly [March-November]

  • Talk with SWAGS+ [monthly, invite only]

  • Quiz Nights on Google Meet

  • Hospital drop-in for stroke survivors and their carers at Butterfly Centre [monthly]

 

Key documents, all available on SWAGS+ website under 'Members' tab

  • Small Charity Constitution

  • SWAGS+ Rule book

  • Health and Safety Policy

  • Safeguarding Policy

  • GDPR

  • Equal Opportunities Policy

 

Confidentiality agreement to our members and fellow volunteers

Related Policy; GDPR, Safeguarding.

Volunteers and Trustees must uphold confidentiality of members personal details and any shared personal information unless a potential safeguarding concern arises. All safeguarding queries, however small or unsure you are, need to be addressed with either Safeguarding Lead, Terry or Elaine.

 

Training and support we can offer;

  • First aid training by St Johns Ambulance

  • Standard DBS check through Community Action Suffolk

  • Introduction to Safeguarding course by Community Action Suffolk

  • Group resources through Stroke Association’s ‘Stroke Group Network’ Intranet and Stroke Association publications

 

 

Roles of volunteers

Our ethos of volunteering is sharing the experience and the burden of tasks to give an enjoyable experience for everyone. To foster a supportive and caring community for stroke survivors and their carers to thrive in.

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Examples of ways you can help;

  • Listening and supporting conversation with stroke survivors at all times or as part of Talk with SWAGS+ group

  • General support for meetings, planning activities relevant to the interests of stroke survivors and their carers

  • Help with tea & Coffee, and washing up!

  • Support hosting virtual Sunday socials on Google meets

  • Support hosting virtual quiz nights preparing a round of questions, any topic you like

  • Attendance at walking groups to maintain a safe and supportive atmosphere

  • Attendance at Butterfly Centre to spread the word of community support for stroke survivors and their carers through SWAGS+ activities

  • Seeking feedback and listening to members for the purpose of improving the SWAGS+ experience

 

What do you want to gain from an experience of volunteering with SWAGS+?

 

Questions?

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Ideas or suggestions?

 

 

 

Safely supporting SWAGS+ activities as a Volunteer

 

Need to know’s

  • First Aid trained [Terry, Marie, Elaine & Georgie]

  • Fire Marshal at Hillside Community Centre [Pam]

  • Safeguarding Leads [Terry & Elaine]

  • Group Insurance, organized by Marie, checked by other Trustees

  • GDPR/data compliance [All Trustees]

 

Health and Safety Guidance for indoor activities

Be aware of fire evacuation procedure

Be aware of named first aiders

Know which trustee has contact details of attendees emergency contacts and how to contact that person

 

Health and Safety Guidance for outdoor activities

Be aware of weather prior to commencing, taking advice of any weather warnings

Be aware to any site-specific risks identified in site risk assessment

Be aware of named first aiders

Know which trustee has contact details of attendees emergency contacts and how to contact that person

©2026 by SWAGS+ (Stroke Working Age Group Suffolk+). 

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