Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. Someone develops it every three minutes and there’s currently no cure.It is scary facing up to it, but as a nation we must confront the biggest health and social care challenge of our time.
40 years ago, three volunteers decided that something had to be done to provide better support for people living with dementia and their carers. Since then, every volunteer at Alzheimer’s Society has, in their own way, helped us get closer to their ambition to create a world without dementia.
Corinne Mills, People and Organisational Development Director at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Thanks to the support of our volunteers, Alzheimer’s Society is facing dementia head on. Volunteers are vital to helping us lead the way in support, society and research.
We are calling on everyone to unite. Working together we know we will achieve our vision – a world without dementia”
One key part of our work is the Side by Side service. Too many people face dementia alone and people with dementia have told us how difficult it is to find out who to turn to or where to go for vital information and support.
Our innovative Dementia Connect service will transform the support people receive and will provide the right support in the best way for each individual person.
As part of Dementia Connect, Side by Side volunteers support people with dementia to be active in their community and continue to do what they love. The service helps them to lead fulfilling lives and reduces loneliness and isolation.
Daisy, one of Alzheimer’s Society Side by Side volunteers.
Daisy is one our Side and Side volunteers who got involved in volunteering having experienced the effects of dementia within her own family and wanted to give back to others who were affected.
“Often it can be hard to see someone you love changed by dementia as your relationship is also forced to change. However, as a volunteer you get to know the person as they are now – making it a much more positive experience for both of you.
“The best thing for me about volunteering is the ability to get to know and learn from someone you might not otherwise meet. As a student it is easy to become complacent and only get to know people from the same walk of life – volunteering for me pops that bubble. I have learnt a great deal from volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Society.
“In my volunteering experience, it is the little things that make all the difference. One of my favourite experiences from volunteering was when I brought a book along to one of our meetings, which had old pictures of Bristol and the University.
“To my surprise, he took great pleasure in telling me all about the different areas and some of the moments he had had there. It was so nice to feel like I had helped him to remember something so special, and to see his face light up at something he recognised well.”
We are calling on everyone to unite. Working together we know we will achieve our vision – a world without dementia.
As well as Side by Side, we have many volunteer roles for you to choose from. No matter how much time you are able to give or where you are based, there will be something to suit you.
“From campaigning and fundraising, to delivering services and assessing applications for research funding, we would not be able to change the lives of people living with dementia without volunteers. They are the life and soul of our organisation, bringing their time, skills and passion to our cause.”Kate Adams, Head of Volunteering Development, Alzheimer’s Society
We have roles in supporting our services, fundraising and research activities as well as campaign and awareness raising roles. Find out more by visiting the Volunteer Expo.
Find out more about Alzheimer’s Society on their website.
