Volunteers will assist AmbaCare Solutions CIC to support people living with dementia and their friends/families/carers ‘Live Better’. We are looking for volunteers who want to support people living with dementia to address the issues which affect their wellbeing and help them gain more control of their lives. You will be a good communicator who can engage effectively, in a kind and empathetic way with people living with dementia. You will have the qualities and skills that are necessary when engaging positively with people living with dementia.
As a Dementia Pal/Buddy you will make a positive difference to people living with dementia in your community, by giving them support and advice, a listening ear, a friendly face as well as a friendly voice to chat to. You will engage with individuals to provide information, support and motivation that will enable them to ‘Live Better’ with dementia. You will have a good understanding of dementia and will know how to engage positively with people living with dementia. You will promote dignity and respect and assist with activities to maintain cognitive abilities.
To clarify - the Dementia PALs Role and Dementia Buddy Role are different. Dementia PALs have lived experience of dementia either personally or as a carer. A Dementia Buddy is someone who, although they do not have lived experience of dementia, they have both the desire and the skills to improve the lives of people living with dementia and/or their carers.
You will be allocated a ‘caseload’ who you will be expected to keep in contact with regularly. Full training and support will be provided to enable you to carry out the role effectively.
We would particularly like to hear from you if you speak one of the Asian languages as we work closely with BAME communities to raise awareness and understanding of dementia.
Hours and location are flexible as the role is currently carried out via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions.