Side by Side Volunteer - Merton & Wandsworth

Alzheimer's Society; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dementia support organization in the UK is seeking dedicated volunteers for their Side by Side program. Volunteers will provide companionship and support to individuals with dementia through weekly visits. Ideal candidates are compassionate, patient, and motivated to make a meaningful difference in their community. Join us in transforming lives and reducing isolation for those affected by dementia.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and motivated to volunteer.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills are essential.
• Ability to commit to regular weekly visits.

Responsibilities

• Visit a person with dementia weekly to engage in activities.
• Provide feedback to the Side by Side Coordinator after visits.

Skills

Motivation to make a difference

Interpersonal skills

Listening skills

Patience

Flexibility

Job description

Overview

Are you interested in playing a vital part in enriching the life of someone with dementia in your local area? Do you want to help to reduce the social isolation which so often accompanies a diagnosis of dementia - and make a life-changing difference?

As a Side by Side volunteer, you’ll be visiting a person with dementia for a minimum of an hour each week. During your visits, you’ll be helping them to take part in activities they love, or even to try new ones, such as popping round the shops, visiting the park, going for a walk, supporting the local football team or simply staying in and looking through old photos. You’ll be visiting the same person each week and will be updating the Side by Side Coordinator and/or a lead volunteer after every visit to provide brief feedback on what took place.

Interested? To apply for this role please click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page.

If you find completing online applications difficult, please don\'t let this stop you from applying. Please call or email us and we can support you with the application process. You can contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or call on 0300 222 5706.

You’ll be great for the role if:

• You are motivated to make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia in your local area
• You enjoy spending time with people and have strong interpersonal and listening skills.
• You are motivated to volunteer on your own, but whilst remaining in contact & supported by the Side by Side team.
• You are able to commit to a dedicated visit every week, and can be patient and flexible according to the needs of the person you will be supporting
• Minimum age 18

This role will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Check from either the Disclosure and Barring Service (England & Wales), Disclosure Scotland Check (Scotland) or AccessNI (Northern Ireland). If you require further information regarding Criminal Records Check, please contact [e-mail]

About Alzheimer\'s Society

Please note that all of our volunteering opportunities are based in the UK and you must be living in the UK to volunteer with us. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visa applications but are grateful for your interest in supporting us.

About Alzheimer\'s Society

Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia.

By 2025, an estimated 1 million people will be living with the condition in the UK, and many millions more carers, partners, families and friends will be affected.

Dementia is a complex condition, and there’s no one-size fits all solution but until we find a cure, our aim is to transform lives today.

We do this by:

• Providing flexible support services so that people with dementia, their carers and loved ones, can access expert advice and guidance, support through their most challenging days, and a safe space to turn when they need it.
• Being a force for change - using research and influencing to push for breakthroughs that will change the lives of people affected by dementia now and in future.

Our Values

Determined to make a difference: We\'re passionate, we\'re focused and we make a lasting impact for people affected by dementia.

Trusted expert: We\'re listening, we\'re learning and we use experience and evidence.

Better together: We\'re open, we combine our strengths and we achieve more together.

Compassionate: We\'re kind, we\'re honest and we don\'t shy away from challenges.

Equal opportunities

Alzheimer’s Society is committed to equal opportunities.

Alzheimer’s Society embraces diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all of our people. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do. We will look at making reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.