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- Tasks: Support someone with dementia by engaging in activities they love and reducing their social isolation.
- Company: Join the UK's leading dementia charity, making a real difference in your community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop interpersonal skills, and make lasting connections.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering role with support from the Side by Side team.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of someone's life and help combat loneliness while learning about dementia.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to weekly visits; must be 18 or older.
Are you interested in playing a vital part in enriching the life of someone with dementia in your local area? Do you want to help to reduce the social isolation which so often accompanies a diagnosis of dementia - and make a life-changing difference? As a Side by Side volunteer, you’ll be visiting a person with dementia for a minimum of an hour each week. During your visits, you’ll be helping them to take part in activities they love, or even to try new ones, such as popping round the shops, visiting the park, going for a walk, supporting the local football team or simply staying in and looking through old photos. You’ll be visiting the same person each week and will be updating the Side by Side Coordinator and/or a lead volunteer after every visit to provide brief feedback on what took place.
You’ll be great for the role if:
- You are motivated to make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia in your local area.
- You enjoy spending time with people and have strong interpersonal and listening skills.
- You are motivated to volunteer on your own, but whilst remaining in contact & supported by the Side by Side team.
- You are able to commit to a dedicated visit every week, and can be patient and flexible according to the needs of the person you will be supporting.
- Minimum age 18.
This role will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Check from either the Disclosure and Barring Service (England & Wales), Disclosure Scotland Check (Scotland) or AccessNI (Northern Ireland).
If you require further information regarding Criminal Records Check, please contact [email protected]
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.
Side by Side Volunteer - Merton & Wandsworth employer: Alzheimers Society
Contact Detail:
Alzheimers Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Side by Side Volunteer - Merton & Wandsworth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Alzheimer's Society and understand their mission. This will help you connect your passion for volunteering with their goals during any conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interpersonal skills! Since this role is all about connecting with people, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in engaging with someone who has dementia.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out to the Volunteering Recruitment Team if you have questions or need support with the application process. They’re there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask!
✨Tip Number 4
Show your commitment! When you apply, emphasise your dedication to making a difference and your willingness to adapt to the needs of the person you'll be supporting. This will make you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Side by Side Volunteer - Merton & Wandsworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations and experiences that make you a great fit for this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your passion for volunteering with us.
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out: If you find any part of the application tricky, just give us a shout! We're here to help, so feel free to email or call us for support. Remember, applying through our website is the best way to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimers Society
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being a Side by Side volunteer involves. Familiarise yourself with the activities you might be doing and think about how you can make a difference in someone's life. This will help you answer questions more confidently and show your genuine interest.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for helping others shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your motivation to support people with dementia. This will demonstrate your commitment and make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the training process, the types of activities you might engage in, or how the team supports volunteers. Asking questions shows that you're engaged and serious about the role.
✨Highlight Your Skills
Make sure to emphasise your interpersonal and listening skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated or connected with others, especially in challenging situations. This will reassure them that you have the right qualities to support someone with dementia.