Dementia volunteers needed

EAST Cheshire Hospice has made a new call for volunteers to help people with dementia.

The charity is seeking volunteers who can give a few hours each week to offer companionship for someone experiencing earlier stage dementia.

Carer Lyn Deakin, whose husband Alan has had Alzheimer’s for four years, said companions play a vital role.

Lyn, part of a steering group for the hospice’s new Community Dementia Companion Service, said: “I see a lot of highly stressed carers and they need back-up. Caring for someone takes up 24 hours a day and that respite help makes such a difference.

“Volunteers will visit people in the community, either in their own homes or accompany them on a walk, to the shops or perhaps to pursue a hobby.

“I’d encourage anyone who can help in some way to contact the hospice and there’s a particular need for more male volunteers.

“I know from our experience using the Sunflower Centre that the hospice does a fantastic job and can’t thank them enough.”

Decorator Alan Ashworth, from Macclesfield, urges other men to become volunteers as he did seven years ago. Alan said: “I know that generally there are fewer men than women involved and volunteering was the best thing I’ve done in my life.”

Claire Halsey, project lead for the Community Dementia Companion Service, said: “Caring for someone can be a tough job and wearing, no matter how much we love them.

“Both carer and the person with dementia will benefit from a change of scene once a week.

“We’re looking for friendly, caring people happy to give a few hours every week to offer companionship to someone with dementia. Volunteers will be given full training and support.”

Contact Claire on 01625 666990 or email chalsey@echospice.org. uk. The companion service runs alongside a dementia buddy project which is based solely at the Sunflower Wellbeing Centre.