How long and how often

Ongoing - A minimum of 6 months commitment once relevant checks have taken place

This could be during the day, evenings or weekends.

Minimum age

16

Location

Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale.

Why we need you…

Side by Side volunteers provide invaluable, person centred opportunities for people living with dementia.

You could enable someone to take part in social and recreational activities - staying connected to the things they love such as listening to music, enjoying a good conversation, keeping active in local community or leisure centre or giving someone the confidence to take part in groups. Your involvement will enable people with dementia, help them feel less isolated or lonely and focus on their individual strengths.

Have you got what it takes to help people affected by dementia?

This role will suit you if you are…

• Passionate about supporting, enabling and empowering people with dementia and have a committed, flexible approach
• Good verbal communication and listening skills, especially face to face
• Happy to volunteer individually and remotely, yet understand you are part of a larger team
• Willing to volunteer within service boundaries and to learn new skills

The impact you’ll make...

• Reduce Isolation: Your role will enable people with dementia to be less lonely or isolated
• Help people with dementia to keep doing the things they love by giving them confidence and person centred support to stay involved or find new hobbies and interests.

What’s involved?

• Providing one to one support to enable people with dementia to continue with their hobbies and interests or engage in new ones.

• Share your own skills, hobbies and interests to shape opportunities for people with dementia.
• Liaising with the Side by Side coordinator on a regular basis, including changes or concerns regarding the service user, as well as discussing your personal learning and development needs.

This role does not provide personal care, such as cleaning, washing or physical support

Have you got what it takes?

• You have desire to help people with dementia stay involved and know about, or are willing to learn about dementia and its impact on people
• Enjoy learning new things and willing to quickly undertake training (online and in person)
• Recognise the importance of making people feel valued, treat people with respect and dignity, and have the ability to connect with people based on common interests.
• Able to follow policies, procedures and guidance and can volunteer within service boundaries

What’s in it for you?

• Make a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia.

• Pioneer change and help reduce the stigma of dementia
• Develop and build on your skills and experience in Health Social Care and Community settings
• Learn new skills and enhance and expand your CV

Learning and development

• Quick access to training and development - participate within 4-6 weeks of signing up to undertake the role.  
• Access to support and on-going opportunities for personal and professional development
• Gain an understanding of dementia and access guidance via the Society’s policies and procedures.

What can you expect from us?

You will be supported by the Side by Side coordinator and/or a manager specified locally. You will receive one-to-one or group support and participate in agreed on-going support. Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our Expenses Policy, for example travel mileage.  You will agree to keep up to date with and to volunteer in line with the Alzheimer’s Society’s policies and procedures.

Does this role require a criminal records check?

 Yes

Does this role require references?

 Yes

Does this role involve driving?

 Yes