Alzheimer’s: Help make a difference
ASOUTHPORT man is calling for others to make a difference by signing up to become a volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society.
Bill Watt from Ainsdale and other volunteers will be hosting a recruitment event at Alzheimer’s Society in Southport today (Thursday) and are inviting others to hear about the type of things that they do and how easy it is to get involved.
Bill who has been volunteering for a few months said: “I am a befriender for a local man in the early stages of dementia.
“We have been to the cinema, visited the garden centre and the local pub.
“I enjoy the variety of my role and feel that the man that I visit and his wife both benefit very much from my visits.
“He is a pleasure to be around and together we have a laugh.
“Before I volunteered I did have some reservations about getting involved, however, I am glad that I did as I have been given lots of support by the team at Alzheimer’s Society.”
During the recruitment event, staff and volunteers will be on hand to tell peoople more about how they could get involved and the type of things that they may be asked to do.
Volunteers are particularly needed to help support people in the early stages of dementia to participate in social activity groups and visits to the Royal Court Variety Show, Fire Station Museum and Reminiscence Walks.
Elaine Killey, Sefton befriending manager for Alzheimer’s Society said: “Our trained befrienders provide companionship and are matched with people depending on their personality and common interests.
“With the support of befrienders people with dementia are able to continue to do things they love.
“We have over 20 people on our list waiting for a volunteer befriender so there is space for people to sign up.
“Our group volunteers support staff to facilitate an enjoyable experience for people in the early stages of dementia.”
The volunteer recruitment event will take place at 10.30am until 3.30pm at Alzheimer’s Society, Suite 5, Gordon House, 3-5 Leicester Street.
Alzheimer’s Society provides a wide range of support in Sefton, where more than 4,500 people are living with dementia.
Services include singing for the brain, memory cafés, peer support groups, carer information programmes as well as the help of specialist dementia support workers.
For further information, contact Elaine Killey on 01704 439 967 or elaine. killey@alzheimers.org.uk