Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer- Fishponds

Alzheimer's Society; Bristol; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on dementia seeks a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer in Bristol. You'll facilitate engaging music sessions for individuals with dementia, fostering social connections and delivering kindness through music. This rewarding role requires enthusiasm and compassion, with no singing experience necessary. You will help create a supportive environment, assist with sessions, and promote participation among attendees. Strong online navigation skills for virtual sessions are advantageous. Minimum age is 16.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 16.
• No experience of dementia required.
• Ability to use Zoom confidently for virtual sessions.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and talk to people with dementia.
• Help set up the room and serve refreshments.
• Encourage participants during the singing sessions.

Skills

Compassion

Interest in supporting individuals with dementia

Enthusiasm

Ability to navigate online platforms

Job description

About The Role

Our Singing for the Brain sessions offer people affected by dementia a chance to enjoy a fun activity within a supportive environment, but we need you to help make this happen!

Singing for the Brain is a structured group session, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for people with dementia, who may attend alone or with a carer. These uplifting sessions offer the people attending an enjoyable activity, as well as the chance to socialise with other people affected by dementia.

As a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer, you’ll be welcoming and talking to people with dementia, helping them to feel at ease. You will help set up the room and tidy away at the end of the session and help prepare and distribute refreshments as well as supporting the session facilitator by distributing materials such as songbooks. Once the singing session starts, you’ll provide encouragement to participate in the activity, and support the session facilitator with the activities, either online or in person.

This role is to support at our Fishponds Singing for the Brain group, which meets from 1.30pm-4.00pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th (if occurring) Friday of every month at The Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3TP.

You’ll be great for the role if:

• You have an interest in developing meaningful relationships and making a real difference.
• You want to enable people with dementia to find their voice through music in an incredibly rewarding role.
• You are fun and enthusiastic.
• You have the ability to listen and display compassion.
• If you are supporting our virtual sessions, you will need to be able to navigate effectively online and be able to use Zoom with confidence.
• Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing!

Minimum age 16

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.

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.

This means ensuring our recruitment processes are barrier‑free and as inclusive as possible to everyone. We will look at making reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or long‑term condition.