Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer - Portsmouth

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

Job summary

A leading dementia support organization in Portsmouth is seeking a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer to engage with individuals affected by dementia. In this role, you will assist with setting up sessions, provide support during activities, and foster a welcoming environment. Ideal candidates will possess enthusiasm, compassion, and a willingness to help. This role is perfect for those looking to make a positive impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Willingness to help people and be part of a team.
• No experience in dementia or singing necessary.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and engage with people with dementia.
• Set up and tidy the venue.
• Help prepare refreshments and materials.
• Support the facilitator in activities.
• Encourage participation in the session.

Skills

Interest in developing meaningful relationships

Enthusiasm

Compassion

Ability to lift heavy objects

Navigating online platforms

Job description

Overview

Our Singing for the Brain sessions offer people affected by dementia a chance to enjoy a fun activity within a supportive environment. 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.

Where and when

This group meets at Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO2 7BT on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 10am - 12.30pm.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and engage with people with dementia, helping them feel at ease.
• Set up the room and tidy away at the end of the session.
• Prepare and distribute refreshments and assist with distributing materials (e.g., songbooks).
• Support the session facilitator by assisting with activities, either online or in person.
• Provide encouragement to participate in the activity and help run the session as needed.

What you’ll be great at

• 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 a rewarding role.
• You are fun and enthusiastic.
• You have the ability to listen and display compassion.
• If you are supporting virtual sessions, you can navigate online and use Zoom with confidence.
• Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing!

2nd & 4th Wednesday morning of the month from 10:00 - 12:30pm. This is a very friendly and welcoming group; you do not need to be able to sing well. Just be willing to help people and be part of a team. This role requires some ability to lift heavy objects like chairs and tables, so some physical strength is necessary.

How to apply

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 0300 222 5706.

Minimum age 16

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. We are unable to sponsor visa applications but are grateful for your interest in supporting us.

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: We7re passionate, we7re focused and we make a lasting impact for people affected by dementia.

Trusted expert: We7re listening, we7re learning and we use experience and evidence.

Better together: We7re open, we combine our strengths and we achieve more together.

Compassionate: We7re kind, we7re honest and we don7t 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.