YOUR VOLUNTEER

Name: Sheila King. Which organisation are you involved with?: I am involved with several organisations – Alzheimer’s Society, East Cheshire Hospice and Macclesfield hospital. What do you do there?: I am a volunteer befriender for Alzheimer’s Society and visit a person who has dementia on a fortnightly basis. The purpose of my role is to provide friendship and an opportunity to go out for a couple of hours to places such as the local garden centre or a café for afternoon tea. Since I began this role four years ago I have befriended two ladies, one of whom very much enjoys music and so I found a local music society where we could go to watch the rehearsals. The other lady has an interest in plants and flowers and we often drive to her local garden centre. We have also occasionally played Scrabble which she says helps to keep her mind active. Both ladies enjoy a good chat. They remember who I am (my face if not my name) and always give me a warm welcome and say how much they appreciate me taking the time to visit them. What does the organisation do?: Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia support and research charity, here for anyone affected by any form of dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We provide information and practical and emotional support to help people live well with dementia and we invest in world-class research with the ultimate goal of defeating it. We also campaign to improve public understanding of dementia and the devastating impact it can have and make sure it’s taken seriously and acted on by our governments. How did you become a volunteer?: My mother passed away in 2011. Both her and my grandmother had dementia and I had learned a great deal about the condition, particularly during the last few years of my mother’s life. I knew how alone family members can feel and I wanted to be able to support them by spending a little time with their loved one. I therefore discussed starting a local befriending scheme with Alzheimer’s Society and once this was established I undertook the necessary security checks and training before being assigned as a befriender. Which projects have you been involved with recently?: As well as working with Alzheimer’s Society I am also involved with a dementia carer’s project at East Cheshire Hospice where I provide support to people who are living with dementia. What do you enjoy most about doing this?: I love seeing their faces light up when I say that I’m there to take them out or just spend some time with them. People living with dementia can still gain considerable pleasure through doing various activities as long as these are carefully matched to their interests and capabilities. What is your favourite place in Macclesfield?: Mykita Dancing School. It’s where I have spent many happy hours doing ballroom and Latin dancing. It keeps your mind and body active and I would recommend it to anyone. Ideally how would you spend every day?: I love going on watercolour painting workshops; I enjoy walking with my daughter; reading in the sunshine; catching up with friends; internet surfing; but I wouldn’t want every day to be the same. What was the best holiday you have been on?: I don’t think I can really select just one. There have been various lovely holidays at different times in my life. Who would you like to invite to dinner?: No one – I don’t like cooking! If you are interested in volunteering for Alzheimer’s Society as a befriender or in another role please contact Jane Parker on 01625 503302 Email: east-cheshire@ alzheimers.org.uk Website: alzheimers.org. uk