At a Glance
- Tasks: Support people affected by dementia in engaging activities and socialising in a group setting.
- Company: Join the UK's leading dementia charity, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering options: in-person or online support groups available.
- Why this job: Be a friendly face and help create a supportive community for those affected by dementia.
- Qualifications: Empathy, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn about dementia.
If you love meeting new people and want to support people affected by dementia in your area, then we may have just the volunteer role for you! As a Group Support Volunteer, you’ll support and encourage people affected by dementia to engage in activities and socialise with others in a group setting. A friendly face at the group, you’ll welcome and talk to people affected by dementia to help them feel comfortable and make sure they’re offered refreshments. You’ll also help set up and tidy away at the end of the group. Your involvement in this role will ensure people affected by dementia are able to meet others in a similar situation, access the support and information they need and enjoy meaningful activities.
We would like to recruit one volunteer to support an in-person Peer Support Group and one volunteer to support an online Zoom Peer Support Group, although volunteers may choose to support both groups if interested. The main qualities we are looking for are empathy, reliability, patience, and good communication skills rather than previous experience. It would be helpful if you feel confident engaging with carers and people affected by dementia in a warm and supportive way.
With the in-person group, Volunteers need to be comfortable helping with refreshments, welcoming attendees, and supporting a friendly group environment. The in-person Peer Support Group meets once a month on the second Thursday of each month from 10:30am to 12:30pm (Volunteer needs to arrive 15 minutes earlier 10:15 and leave 15 minutes later 12:45 for set up and clear away) at:
- The Friends Meeting House
- Ship Street
- Brighton
- BNF 1AF
The volunteer will help set up the group, welcome carers and attendees, and assist with making tea, coffee, and refreshments. They may also spend time chatting with group members, helping people feel comfortable and included, and supporting the facilitator to ensure the session runs smoothly.
The Online Peer Support Group meets the last Wednesday of the month Via Zoom 6:30pm until 8:00pm. Volunteers supporting the online group would help welcome attendees into the session, support group discussions, and assist the facilitator to ensure everyone feels included and comfortable.
You’ll be great for the role if:
- You have good verbal communication and listening skills
- You enjoy meeting new people and being part of a team
- You are aware of or are willing to learn about dementia and its impact on people
- You can demonstrate empathy and compassion
- You are over the age of 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 volunteering@alzheimers.org.uk or call on 0300 222 5706.
About Alzheimer's Society: Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be. Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
Group Support Volunteer - Brighton employer: Alzheimers Society
Contact Detail:
Alzheimers Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Support Volunteer - Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you apply, take some time to learn about Alzheimer's Society and their mission. This will help you connect with the role and show your genuine interest during any conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about engaging with people, try chatting with friends or family about dementia. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly when you meet potential team members.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your empathy! Think of examples from your life where you've shown compassion or support to others. This will help you demonstrate the qualities they're looking for in a Group Support Volunteer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. If you hit any snags, don’t hesitate to reach out for help – we’re here to support you through the process!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Support Volunteer - Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping others and your interest in supporting people affected by dementia.
Show Your Empathy: Since empathy is key for this role, make sure to highlight any experiences where you've shown understanding and compassion. Whether it’s through volunteering or just everyday interactions, we want to know how you connect with others.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and get to the point, especially when discussing your skills and experiences that relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply' button at the bottom of the page! Applying through our website is the easiest way to get your application in, and we’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimers Society
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Group Support Volunteer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as welcoming attendees and helping with refreshments. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since empathy is a key quality for this role, think of examples from your life where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to illustrate how you can connect with people affected by dementia.
✨Practice Active Listening
Good communication skills are essential, so practice active listening before your interview. This means really focusing on what others are saying and responding thoughtfully. You might even want to role-play with a friend to get comfortable with this skill.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the group dynamics or how they support volunteers. Asking insightful questions shows that you're engaged and genuinely interested in making a positive impact.