At a Glance
- Tasks: Support people affected by dementia in engaging activities and socialising in a group setting.
- Company: Join a compassionate community dedicated to making a difference for those with dementia.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and make a positive impact in your community.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering options: in-person or online groups available.
- Why this job: Be a friendly face and help create a supportive environment for those in need.
- Qualifications: Empathy, reliability, patience, and good communication skills are essential.
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 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (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 from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm. 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
Group Support Volunteer - Brighton employer: AlzheimersSociety
Contact Detail:
AlzheimersSociety 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 step into that volunteer role, do a bit of research on the charity and its mission. Understanding their values will help you connect better with the people you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about engaging with others, try chatting with friends or family about dementia. This will help you feel more comfortable when meeting new people in the group.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for someone to ask for help; take the initiative to offer support and engage with attendees. A friendly smile and a warm welcome can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve made it super easy for you to get involved. Just head over to our site, fill out the application, and let’s get you started on this rewarding journey together!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Support Volunteer - Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting people affected by dementia.
Show Your Empathy: Make sure to highlight your empathy and communication skills in your application. Share any experiences where you've helped others or made someone feel comfortable, as this is key for the role!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Mention specific qualities we’re looking for, like reliability and patience, to show you’re a perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the info you need to get started on your journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at AlzheimersSociety
✨Show Your Empathy
Make sure to highlight your ability to empathise with others during the interview. Share personal experiences or examples where you've supported someone in need, especially if it relates to dementia or similar situations.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your verbal communication skills before the interview. You want to come across as friendly and approachable, so consider role-playing with a friend to ensure you can express your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Demonstrate Reliability
Be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and commitments. Mention any previous volunteer work or group activities where you’ve shown up consistently and contributed positively to the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the group dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can best support the group.