Holiday Placement Volunteers
Our new School Holiday Placements are aimed specifically at students – whilst term time can often be too busy and stressful to volunteer regularly, school holidays are the perfect opportunity to get involved with Together Dementia Support through our structured short-term volunteering placements.
Holiday Placement Volunteers
We’re looking for warm, friendly and reliable people to join our volunteering community over the summer holidays. 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:
| Holiday Placement Volunteer |
Service:
| Friendship & Activity Groups |
Dates: | School holidays (exact dates to be agreed with each applicant) |
Hours:
| Example: Up to 3 group sessions / 9 hours per week, worked between Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm Hours will be personalised and agreed with each applicant, with a minimum of 3 hours (1 group) per week of school holiday. |
Location:
| Various locations - see our Groups Page for full location info |
Supported by:
| Volunteer Co-ordinator and Dementia Support Co-ordinator |
Training:
| 2-hour Induction training (compulsory) Supported Introduction session (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 d ementia. 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 Support Co-ordinators 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
Our new Summer Placements are aimed specifically at students – whilst term time can often be too busy and stressful to volunteer regularly, summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to get involved with Together Dementia Support through our 4 or 6 week intensive volunteering placement.
It’s a great way to gain valuable work experience, boost your CV and develop your personal statement for any future study and career aspirations. It’s also an opportunity to spend your summer doing something good - to be part of our work supporting people living with Dementia in your local community.
Benefits of our placements include
Official certificate of completion and professional references provided at the end of the placement
Hands-on experience within the health and social care sector, delivering high quality Dementia support services, with further opportunity to contribute to the planning and delivery of group activities
Opportunity to develop a range of skills for personal and professional development, including confidence, communication skills and an understanding of Health & Safety and Safeguarding
A chance to develop your understanding of Dementia, including symptoms, behaviour and effects
An opportunity to meet new people and make a real difference to the lives of those living with dementia in Manchester
Role description
Holiday Placement Volunteers will help out at 3 of our Friendship & Activity Groups each week. Our groups are a great place for people living with dementia to meet new people in a fun, relaxed and social setting. Group Volunteers support our group members as they take part in gentle exercise, social games, musical activities and cognitive exercises to stay positive and healthy.
Responsibilities of a Group Volunteer include:
Arriving 30 minutes before a group to help with set up – moving chairs and tables, preparing materials, checking registers, welcoming members
Assisting/guiding members on and off the minibus, and in and out of the building
Preparing drinks, snacks and refreshments for members – hot drinks, biscuits and fruit, sandwiches
Engaging with members – actively start conversations and get to know members. If you are struggling, ask your Lead Volunteer or Dementia Support Co-ordinator (DSC) 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 are not expected nor required to provide personal care.
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 DSC and Volunteer Co-Ordinator – notifying us at least 2 days prior to the group if you’re unable to attend.
If there is opportunity to do so, volunteers are welcome to plan and lead group activities or sessions. This is not compulsory, but we love it when our volunteers share their skills and interests.
Adhering to the following Together Dementia Support policies – Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality Diversity & Inclusion, and any other policies deemed relevant.
Accessibility
This role is available as an accessible volunteering opportunity. If you have any access requirements, we’d love to have a conversation about how we can accommodate your needs and still provide a supported, enjoyable and enriching volunteering opportunity. Please get in touch.
Depending on the group/s and events you will attend as one of our Holiday Work Placement Volunteers, there will be different building and accessibility information for each venue which we can provide. All venues have step-free access, and are wheelchair accessible.