Operating Guidelines for Connecting People

1. Connecting People staff and volunteers are here to listen, acknowledge anothers journey, to be non judgmental, and to offer support through the sharing of their own experience with an SCI
   
   
2. To always be positive about the future and to use positive empowering language
   
   
3. To share knowledge, experience, hope and practical ideas about living with an SCI
   
   
4. To understand and acknowledge that others with a SCI are experts of their own lives and no one else. Connecting People staff and volunteers can only share what worked for them.
   
   
5. To encourage independence and a can do attitude at all times.
   
   
6. Life is about what you can do and your abilities - not about what you cannot do and your disabilities!
   
   
7. Connecting People staff and volunteers are not expected to discuss anything that you feel uncomfortable about or have no knowledge or experience of. If Connecting People staff and volunteers are concerned at all for the physical or mental wellbeing of those they are meeting with, then they should know when to refer them to others for expert support.
   
   
8. Connecting People staff and volunteers will make regular contact in supporting others with a SCI, such as:
   • When someone is arriving home from a spinal unit we could drop round with a meal, some baking or suchlike, to let them know you are there
   • If someone is unwell to visit to see if there is anything that can be done to help out
   • Make regular phone contact
   • Make regular email contact
   • Visit regularly or meet up for a coffee
   
   
9. Connecting People staff and volunteers is about connecting and serving others, not stalking! We acknowledge and are guided by the fact that everyone has different needs and preferences about when, where and how often to connect.