At a Glance
- Tasks: Visit and engage with individuals living with dementia, helping them enjoy activities they love.
- Company: Alzheimer's Society, dedicated to supporting those affected by dementia.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- 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 reduce social isolation.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to weekly visits.
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).
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 but 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 future.
Our Values:
- Determined to make a difference: We’re passionate, we’re focused and we make a lasting impact for people affected by dementia.
- Trusted expert: We’re listening, we’re learning and we use experience and evidence.
- Better together: We’re open, we combine our strengths and we achieve more together.
- Compassionate: We’re kind, we’re honest and we don’t shy away from challenges.
Alzheimer’s Society is committed to equal opportunities. Alzheimer’s Society embraces 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.
Side by Side Volunteer - North East Lincolnshire in Brighton employer: AlzheimersSociety
Alzheimer's Society is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by dementia. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a supportive work culture, volunteers are empowered to make a difference while receiving guidance from a passionate team. Located in North East Lincolnshire, this role offers the unique opportunity to connect with the community and enrich lives, all while being part of an organisation that values compassion, diversity, and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Side by Side Volunteer - North East Lincolnshire in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Alzheimer’s Society and understand their mission. This will help you connect your passion for making a difference with their goals during 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 living with dementia.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think about times when you've made a positive impact on someone's life. This will help you illustrate your motivation and suitability for the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support! If you find the application process tricky, just contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team. They’re there to help you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Side by Side Volunteer - North East Lincolnshire in Brighton
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 passion for helping others and your motivation to make a difference in the lives of people with dementia.
Show Your Commitment:Make sure to highlight your dedication to volunteering. We’re looking for individuals who can commit to regular visits, so mention any previous volunteering experiences or how you plan to fit this role into your schedule.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role!
Reach Out for Help:If you find the online application tricky, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to support you through the process, so drop us an email or give us a call if you need assistance.
How to prepare for a job interview at AlzheimersSociety
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, think about how your role as a Side by Side volunteer can make a difference in someone's life. Be ready to share specific examples of how you can help reduce social isolation for people with dementia.
✨Show Your Interpersonal Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your strong interpersonal and listening skills. Share stories that highlight your ability to connect with others, especially those who may be vulnerable or in need of support.
✨Commitment is Key
Make sure to express your commitment to visiting the same person each week. Discuss how you plan to be flexible and patient according to their needs, showing that you understand the importance of consistency in this role.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can best contribute to the Side by Side programme.
