Submitted on
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Make a difference to the lives of people with dementia in North Somerset
Volunteer Befrienders are needed to help support people with dementia in local communities across North Somerset. Befriending provides companionship for a person with early stage dementia and also helps them to take part in social and recreational activities.
Local charity, Alzheimer’s Society, need Befrienders to help reduce the isolation often experienced by people with dementia. No experience is necessary but a willingness to learn about dementia and it’s impact on people is needed. If you have good communication skills, can show empathy and patience then this role could be for you.
This role is flexible but we do hope that you could give a couple of hours a week or a fortnight to maintain continuity. As a Befriender you would visit a person with dementia on a regular basis which may be at home or out in the local community. The aims of the role are to build trust and to help improve well being through friendship, support and social inclusion.
Befrienders are supported by a befriending manager and are carefully matched to the individual, Becky Aldridge who has volunteered in this role for 11 months said:
‘I enjoy the sense of fulfilment I get in knowing I have made someone happy through an action which others would take for granted. I’m also surprised daily on how grateful clients and their carers are for this support. I go along once a month or more and spend time with the clients and their carers, as if they were any other close friend of mine. We get together and laugh!’
Befriending is an opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. I find that no two days are ever the same; each is filled with a new challenge and a new opportunity to
gain experience or learn new things. I would definitely recommend this experience to others. I just wish I had the money to be able to give up work and do it full time!”
If you would like to give your time, share your skills or even develop your skills more then please contact your local Volunteering Officer Tori Jones, Volunteering Officer on 07801 133 745 or tori.jones@alzheimers.org.uk. Out of pocket expenses are re-imbursed and training will be provided.
Note:
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia; more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer’s Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer’s Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
Contact: Tori Jones 07801 133 745