At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Singing for the Brain sessions by welcoming participants and assisting with activities.
- Company: Join Alzheimer’s Society, a leading charity dedicated to supporting those affected by dementia.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, make meaningful connections, and contribute to a rewarding cause.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Bristol.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through music and companionship.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, compassion, and a willingness to help others; no singing skills required!
We are looking for volunteers for our Singing for the Brain groups in Bristol. 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.
Westbury-on-Trym Singing for the Brain
When: Wednesday, weekly
Session running time: 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Saint Monica Trust, Cote Lane, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3UN
Volunteer hours required: Wednesdays, 10:15am- 12:15pm
Knowle West Singing for the Brain
When: Tuesdays, weekly
Session running time: 10:30am – 12:15pm
Where: Bristol Community Links South, Langhill Avenue, Avon, Bristol, BS4 1TN
Volunteer hours required: Tuesdays, 10:15am- 12:30pm
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.
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 volunteering@alzheimers.org.uk or call on 0300 222 5706. Minimum age 16.
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.
Equal opportunities
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. This means ensuring our recruitment processes are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible to everyone. We will look at making reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.
Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer - Bristol 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 focus on compassion and community, our Singing for the Brain Support Volunteers play a vital role in creating uplifting environments where individuals can connect through music. We offer a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development, making it a rewarding place to volunteer in Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer - Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Alzheimer’s Society and their values. This will help you connect with the team during your volunteering role and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since you'll be interacting with individuals affected by dementia, it’s important to be warm and approachable. Try role-playing conversations with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the sessions! Familiarise yourself with the songbooks and materials beforehand. This way, you can support the session facilitator effectively and help create a fun atmosphere for everyone involved.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help! If you find any part of the application process tricky, just contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team. They’re there to support us, so let’s make the most of it!
We think you need these skills to ace Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer - Bristol
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 others and your passion for music.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven’t worked with dementia before, think about any experiences that showcase your compassion and ability to connect with others. Whether it’s volunteering or just being a good friend, share those stories with us!
Follow Instructions Carefully:Make sure to read the application instructions thoroughly. We appreciate attention to detail, so double-check that you’ve included everything we ask for before hitting submit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. If you hit any snags, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help – we’re here to support you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AlzheimersSociety
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer position. Understand what the sessions entail, the importance of music therapy for people with dementia, and how your role contributes to creating a supportive environment.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for helping others shine through. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your fun and enthusiastic nature, as well as your ability to connect with people on a personal level.
✨Demonstrate Compassion
Be prepared to discuss how you would approach interactions with individuals affected by dementia. Show that you can listen actively and display empathy, which is crucial in making participants feel at ease during the sessions.
✨Tech Savvy for Virtual Sessions
If you're applying for a role that may involve online sessions, be ready to talk about your experience with platforms like Zoom. Highlight your comfort with technology and your ability to assist participants in navigating virtual environments.
