VOLUNTEER CORNER
Side by Side is a programme run by the Alzheimer’s Society where by they try to overcome some of the loneliness that we know is so frequently felt by someone living with dementia.
We pair them up with a volunteer, on the basis of a shared interest or hobby, so that with their volunteer’s support they can continue to get out and about to do the things they love.
It’s a fun, super-flexible volunteering opportunity that brings joy into someone’s life by empowering them to continue playing an active part in their community.
Visits take place on a weekly basis and usually last for a couple of hours. Whatever the person decides they’d like to do, together you decide when and where.
The range of things you might do together is endless – from going to a local football match to catching the latest movie, from walking round the park to having a catch-up over coffee, from going shopping to visiting a museum.
Whatever you do end up doing, you can rest assured you’ll be making a genuine difference to someone.
This role will suit you if you want to support, enable and empower people with dementia. You need to be a good verbal communicator with great listening skills, especially face to face.
You’ll be happy volunteering on your own but also be happy to keep in touch with the team.
We provide all the training that you need for your role and this includes two days’ face-to-face training together with some online learning, totaling about two-and-a-half days. We provide regular on-going support and you’d be part of the UK leading charity for people affected by dementia.
Do you have a few spares hours on Mondays? Like being outdoors, being part of a team and helping people in need?
Then volunteering for the Green ‘n’ Tidy scheme could be for you! The Scheme is run by the Wokingham Volunteer Centre and provides a basic gardening service for elderly and disabled residents of Wokingham Borough who cannot maintain their own properties, do not have local family support or lack the financial resources to employ commercial companies.
This project provides basic gardening, including lawn mowing, hedge trimming and weeding, to vulnerable people in need. It enables them to remain in their own homes longer, cuts down on them being targeted by rogue traders and prevents them trying to access an unsafe garden which may lead to them falling and getting injured.
We are very keen to hear from people who would like to give some time to volunteer and help with the scheme on a week day from approximately 9am-1pm.
You do not need to be an expert gardener – you just need a few hours of spare time once a week, enjoy being outdoors, want to have fun as part of a team and would like to help people.
Contact us at The Wokingham Volunteer Centre for more information– Tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit our website www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org. uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles on offer.