Dementia Activity Group Volunteer

Role Details

Requres DBS:
Yes

Own Transport Required:
Yes

Disability Friendly:
Yes

Description

Volunteers are required to support the delivery of meaningful activities to a group of people living with dementia or their carers. May include small group/1:1 support.

We want to introduce group members to a diverse range of regular activities that enable them to develop and maintain their own skills, while exploring a repertoire of activities designed to provide cognitive stimulation, physical exercise and imaginative creativity. If you have a particular passion, hobby or interest that you would like to share with the group, that can also be arranged.

You may also be involved in supporting the delivery of the carer support group, which may include greeting people, making hot drinks and providing a listening ear. You may also be required to feedback any queries or requests for information.

The project aims to provide meaningful activities to enhance peoples’ social inclusion.  The group will be based in local community venues to encourage social inclusion and community development.

Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love working with the group members as no two sessions are ever the same. There is a diverse range of personalities who attend and getting to know each of them, listening to their stories, sharing activities with them, connecting with them is the most amazing feeling. You’ll leave each session knowing that what you have done in that short time has made a huge difference not only to the people living with dementia but also their carers who benefit from accessing the carer support group or respite.

Dementia Activity Groups

As a Dementia Activity Group Volunteer, you will support our team to provide welcoming, enjoyable and engaging sessions for people living with dementia.

Your role may include:

  • Welcoming group members and helping everyone feel comfortable and included.
  • Chatting with members and providing companionship during sessions.
  • Encouraging and supporting people to take part in activities at their own pace.
  • Providing one-to-one or small-group support where someone may benefit from a little additional encouragement.
  • Helping with refreshments and the practical running of sessions.
  • Supporting a wide variety of activities, which may include games, quizzes, music, creative activities, reminiscence, gentle exercise and other group activities.
  • Helping with setting up and tidying away activities and resources.
  • Working alongside staff and other volunteers to create a friendly, inclusive environment where people living with dementia can socialise, participate and enjoy themselves.

Volunteers who would like to become more involved may also have opportunities to share their own interests, skills or ideas within the groups.

No previous experience of dementia or working in health or social care is required. Guidance and support will be provided by our experienced team.

Useful skills include:

  • Good communication and listening skills.
  • An ability to engage with people in a friendly and respectful way.
  • An ability to encourage participation without putting pressure on people.
  • An understanding that everyone experiences dementia differently and should be supported as an individual.
  • An ability to adapt your communication and approach to the person and situation.
  • An ability to work as part of a team and follow appropriate safeguarding procedures and boundaries.

Previous experience of dementia, caring, community work or supporting older people can be helpful, but is not essential.

We are looking for volunteers who are:

  • Friendly, warm and approachable.
  • Patient and understanding.
  • Reliable and willing to attend regularly.
  • Respectful of people’s individual needs, choices and abilities.
  • Comfortable chatting, listening and spending time with people.
  • Encouraging without taking over.
  • Flexible and happy to get involved with different activities.
  • Inclusive and non-judgemental.
  • Willing to learn and take guidance from the Young At Heart team.

Most importantly, you don’t need to be a dementia expert. We are looking for people who genuinely enjoy spending time with others and want to help our members feel welcomed, valued and involved.

Our Thornaby Dementia Activity Groups currently take place at the LiveWell Dementia Hub:

Tuesday: 2:00pm–3:30pm
Friday: 1:00pm–2:30pm

Volunteers can support either session and are not expected to attend both.

Volunteers will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check and the required safeguarding training, and to follow Young At Heart ULO CIC’s policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding and appropriate boundaries.

We ask volunteers to attend their agreed sessions reliably and to let us know as soon as possible if they are unable to attend.

Guidance and ongoing support will be provided by the Young At Heart team.

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