At a Glance
- Tasks: Support uplifting singing sessions for people with dementia and help create a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join Alzheimer's Society, the UK's leading dementia charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, make meaningful connections, and contribute to a vital cause.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 3-4 hours per month on Thursday afternoons.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding role that helps people find their voice through music.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, compassion, and a desire to support others; no singing experience needed!
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 group takes place on Thursday afternoons (3-4 hours per month) from 1.30-4pm and this would be on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. The venue is Newton Leys Pavilion Furzey Way, Milton Keynes MK3 5SP.
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!
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 [email protected] or call on 0300 222 5706. Minimum age 16.
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.
Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer - Milton Keynes employer: Alzheimers Society
At Alzheimer's Society, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values compassion and community engagement. Our Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer role in Milton Keynes offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by dementia, all within a supportive and inclusive environment. With flexible volunteering hours and a focus on personal growth, you will be part of a dedicated team that fosters relationships and promotes well-being through the power of music.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer - Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Alzheimer's Society and their mission. Understanding their values will help you connect better during your interactions and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since you'll be working with individuals affected by dementia, it’s crucial to be warm and approachable. Try role-playing conversations with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity to help out during sessions, jump in. Whether it's setting up the room or encouraging participation, showing initiative can really make you stand out as a volunteer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support! If you find any part of the application process tricky, just contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team. They’re there to help you, so take advantage of that!
We think you need these skills to ace Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer - Milton Keynes
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 show your enthusiasm for helping people with dementia and your passion for music.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant experience or skills you have. Whether it’s your ability to connect with others or your organisational skills, we want to know how you can contribute to our Singing for the Brain sessions.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your points quickly and makes your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. If you hit any bumps along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support – we’re here to help you every step of the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimers Society
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer. Understand how your role contributes to creating a supportive environment for people with dementia. This will help you articulate your passion for making a difference during the interview.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Bring your fun and enthusiastic personality to the forefront! Share examples of how you've engaged with others in a supportive way, especially in group settings. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with participants and encourage them to join in the activities.
✨Prepare for Compassionate Conversations
Think about how you would approach conversations with individuals affected by dementia. Practice active listening and displaying compassion, as these are key skills for this role. You might even want to role-play with a friend to get comfortable with the types of interactions you may have.
✨Tech Savvy for Virtual Sessions
If you're applying for virtual sessions, brush up on your Zoom skills! Make sure you can navigate the platform confidently, as you'll need to support participants online. Consider doing a test run with a friend to ensure you're comfortable with all the features you'll need to use.
