Dementia Café Volunteer
Dementia Cafés are an opportunity for carers of people living with dementia to socialise and share experiences.
Carers are able to share their concerns and get advice from visiting Dementia Support Advisors and Admiral Nurses over a cup of tea, while volunteers help their cared-for person with dementia with fun, creative activities.
Dementia Café Volunteer
We’re looking for warm, friendly, enthusiastic people to join our volunteering community. You don’t need any prior experience of working with people living with Dementia – we’ll give you all the training you need! All we ask is that you are kind, compassionate, sensible and patient, and want to make a real difference to the lives of people living with Dementia in Manchester.
Volunteer Role: | Dementia Café Volunteer |
Service: | Dementia Cafés |
Time: | Various, but always weekday afternoons |
Location: | |
Commitment:
| 3 hours per month |
Supported by:
| Volunteer Co-ordinator and Dementia Support Co-ordinator |
Training:
| 2-hour Induction training (compulsory) Additional training offered as appropriate
No prior experience needed
|
Travel expenses reimbursed
About us
Together Dementia Support are here to help people to live positively with Dementia in Manchester and Trafford. There are an estimated 5,000 people in Manchester currently living with Dementia. We support people to live actively, socially and positively, with support for both people living with Dementia and their loved ones.
Since being established in 2014, TDS has supported over 1,000 people living with Dementia and their loved ones. We currently have over 280 members and 300 carers who we support week in, week out, 52 weeks a year. Our dedicated team of Dementia Group Leaders and volunteers are the lifeblood of our service, working to improve physical and mental health and enable people to live positively with dementia.
For people living with dementia, we offer a range of activities such as social groups, walking groups, arts & crafts, music and games groups, as well as one-to-one at home social activity support. For carers, we provide online and in person group support, one-to-one advice and guidance, training opportunities and a friendly ear to listen.
About the role
Dementia Café volunteers help out at our monthly Dementia Cafés.
Dementia Cafes are a great opportunity for carers of people living with dementia to socialise and share their experiences with one another over a cup of tea. They are also an opportunity for carers to receive support and guidance from Dementia Support and Carer Support Advisors and Admiral Nurses, who all attend.
Carers often attend our cafes with the person they care for, and so whilst carers receive subsidised massages and access professional support, our volunteers are on the opposite side of the room, engaging those people living with dementia in conversation and activities.
Responsibilities of a Dementia Café Volunteer include:
Arriving 30 minutes before a cafe to help set up the venue – moving chairs and tables, preparing materials, checking registers, welcoming carers and members
Preparing drinks, snacks and refreshments for members – hot drinks and biscuits
Engaging with members – actively start conversations and get to know members. If you are struggling, ask more experienced volunteers or TDS staff for conversation starters or tips.
Engaging members with group activities – be patient and reassuring. Some members might struggle with, or dislike, activities. Work with them to find an activity that they enjoy.
Escorting members around the building e.g. to and from the toilets – this prevents members getting lost or confused. Note: volunteers do not provide personal care, such as feeding, help with toileting, or administering medication
Being aware and alert of your surroundings – always be mindful of possible safety hazards
Staying for 30 minutes after a group to assist with set down and tidying up
Other
Remaining in good contact with the Volunteer Co-ordinator – notifying us at least 2 days prior to the café if you’re unable to attend.