Book Club Volunteer for residents living with dementia

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk]

Using our dementia-friendly reading books to lead and facilitate either one-to-one or small group reading activities. Our dementia teams have put together a series of appropriate reading materials that are highly engaging and memory provoking. [Employer hidden] are proud to implement new approaches to supporting people living with dementia. This role is a wonderful and rewarding role offering stimulating and enjoyable activity to our residents. What you’ll be doing in this role: • Attending each week or as arranged with the team. • Working to support the Dementia team by leading reading activities in a calming, welcoming atmosphere. • Engaging residents in reading activity and helping to build their confidence. • Greeting residents, talking to them about the material, and facilitating the sessions. • Each session is tailored and can vary dependant on the needs of each resident/session. Approximately two hours, or as works for the volunteer. Weekly, or as arranged with the team.

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What difference you will make

Often people living with reduced cognitive ability are still able to enjoy reading. In order to exercise the mind, it can be incredibly beneficial for them to participate in and enjoy regular practice at these enjoyable sessions. Supporting the teams in this role enables all residents to have the opportunity to take part in these sessions if they choose to. Volunteers will have relevant training as well as the support and guidance of our Dementia Practitioners. Each session has a clear format but may vary dependant on the need of the resident. Volunteers will be closely guided by the dementia practitioners, and full training and guidance is available.

What additional skills or experience you should have

• Good listening skills and non-verbal communication skills, empathetic and non-judgemental attitude
• Able to confidently engage with a diverse range of people and enjoy helping others
• Empathetic and understanding attitude
• An understanding of issues that affect people living with dementia.
• A calm and sensitive manner
• An open-minded, creative approach
• Patience and the ability to work at a slow pace to match residents.
• Ability to share appropriate information and follow processes
• Reliability and flexibility
• The ability to work independently (if required) but also stay within the role’s boundaries
• A ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to be flexible with required tasks

What training we will provide for you

Training is provided so volunteers can carry out their roles to the highest professional standards, develop new skills, build confidence, make new friends and take on new and increasingly responsible tasks. [Employer hidden] will provide the following training, essential for this role:  Provide you with access to a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures.  Provide Induction Training: Getting to know [Employer hidden], Communication & Disability Awareness, Boundaries & Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR.  Specialist pioneering DementiAbility training, as required.  Provide on the job induction.

What you will get out of volunteering for us

Without our volunteers, we simply couldn’t function. We absolutely depend on you. Whatever your age, disability, whether you are working, unemployed or retired, there are opportunities to help at [Employer hidden]. As well as helping others you’ll get the chance to develop skills, build confidence and make new friends.  Enhance the lives of older people, making a real difference to the Jewish Community we support.  Be part of a great team and make new friends.  Build your confidence and develop transferable skills.  Access to a comprehensive training programme designed for the social care environment.  Gain valuable experience and enhance your CV Our aim is to enable people to enjoy a first-class experience as volunteers, making the most of their skills to make an impact on the communities that [Employer hidden] serve.

Not sure which role suits you or need a little friendly help? Please contact Angie at [contact hidden] for London or Rebecca at [contact hidden] for Manchester.

Location:Various locations across [Employer hidden] resources

In-Person

Age limit:Volunteers aged 18 or over

Hours per session:Between 1 and 3 hours

Availability:Flexible OR On-going