Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer - Wickford

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

Job summary

A leading dementia support organization is seeking a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer. You'll facilitate enjoyable group sessions for individuals affected by dementia, assisting with activities and encouraging participation. This role requires compassion, enthusiasm, and a willingness to support others in a fun, engaging environment. Training is provided, and minimum age is 16.

Qualifications

• Interest in developing meaningful relationships.
• Ability to listen and display compassion.
• Experience with or understanding of dementia is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and talk to people with dementia.
• Help set up the room and tidy away.
• Prepare and distribute refreshments.

Skills

Compassion

Communication

Enthusiasm

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. 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 sessions provide an enjoyable activity and the chance to socialise with others affected by dementia.

Responsibilities

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, prepare and distribute refreshments, and support the session facilitator by distributing materials such as songbooks. During the session, you’ll provide encouragement to participate and support the facilitator with the activities, either online or in person.

What makes you a good fit

• 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 navigate online and use Zoom with confidence.
• Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing.
• Minimum age 16.

Role details

I am looking for someone to support a brand new Singing for the Brain group at St Catherines Church Hall, Southend Road, Wickford, SS11 8EB, opening in October. The group will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. You will help set up the venue with chairs, make teas and coffees, give out song sheets, and generally support the group with the facilitator. You don’t need a good singing voice; enjoying music and an understanding of dementia are helpful. Some basic online training is required before starting the volunteering role.

If completing online applications is difficult, please contact us for application support. You can reach the Volunteering Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 0300 222 5706.

Minimum age

Minimum age 16.

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; 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 the future.

Our Values

• Determined to make a difference: We’re passionate, focused and we strive to make a lasting impact for people affected by dementia.
• Trusted expert: We listen, learn and use experience and evidence.
• Better together: We’re open, we combine our strengths and we achieve more together.
• Compassionate: We’re kind, honest and we don’t shy away from challenges.

Equality and Diversity

Alzheimer’s Society is committed to equal opportunities. We embrace 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.