Singing for the Brain Group Support Volunteer

About this role

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.

Singing for the Brain brings people affected by dementia together to sing a variety of songs they know and love, in a fun and friendly environment. We also do vocal exercises that help improve brain activity and wellbeing. Hidden in the fun are activities which build on the well-known preserved memory for song and music in the brain. Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music is especially easy to recall.

We are looking for new volunteers to support our bi-weekly Singing for the Brain group in Blaby.  The group meets every other Wednesday from 2pm – 3.30pm. Volunteers are expected to arrive 10-20 minutes prior to help setting up and stay 10-20 minutes after to help clear away.

The role will suit you if you:

•Have experience of and an interest in music and movement
•Are committed to inclusion, treating people from all backgrounds with dignity
•Have knowledge of, or a willingness to learn about, dementia and its impact on people
•Have good verbal communication skills

What skills do I need?

• Have good verbal communication and listening skills.
• Enjoy meeting new people and being part of a team.
• Are aware of or are interested in learning about dementia and its impact on people
• Can demonstrate empathy and compassion.

What you’ll be doing:

• Helping to set up the room and tidying away at the end of the group.
• Preparing and distributing refreshments.
• Welcoming and talking to people living with dementia.
• Assisting people living with dementia to engage in activities.
• This role doesn’t involve providing personal care or giving advice or guidance.

What you can expect from us:

• We will make you feel welcome, included and respected.
• You will receive one-to-one or group based support.
• You’ll have a role manager who will support you throughout your journey with us.
• Out of pocket expenses (e.g. travel) agreed before you start in line with our policy.
• We’ll keep you up to date with relevant policies and procedures that apply to your role.
• You’ll have access to learning, development and engagement opportunities for volunteers.

What we need from you: To ensure the safety and security of people with dementia we ask for:

• Two references and proof of identity.
• Essential learning to complete before starting your role will take about two and a half days.
• To put the role into practice most effectively and to ensure a consistent service for people living with dementia this role is recommended to continue for at least 3 months.
• You will need to complete an enhanced without barred list DBS or Access NI check, in line with the legal requirements. A criminal record will not necessarily stop you being able to carry out this role.

When you can volunteer

Requirements

• References needed

Location

Location Blaby & District Social Centre, Leicester Road, Blaby, Leicester, UK