Dementia Research Society: Volunteering Officer

For the past two years, I have worked with residents living with dementia in a care home as a Wellbeing and Lifestyle Assistant. I also hold certification from the Alzheimer’s Society specialising in dementia care, which has deepened my knowledge of supportive communication and the importance of community involvement.  I am standing for the position of Volunteering Officer because I am committed to improving the lives of those affected by dementia and would work to create volunteering opportunities that reflect compassion, respect, and evidence-based practice.
  

As a second-year BSc Psychology student, I have a strong interest in not only dementia care, but also in dementia research and I am keen to help members connect academic knowledge with real-world impact. By liaising with research groups, charities, and local care organisations, I plan to expand opportunities for all members to contribute meaningfully to both research and community support.
  

I hope to contribute a combination of practical care experience, academic interest and organisational commitment to help the society expand meaningul community engagement and make volunteering opportunities more accessible and welcoming to all students.

I am a second-year BSc Neuroscience student, and I am nominating myself for the position of Volunteering Officer because I believe I can bring both insight and flexibility to developing and coordinating opportunities related to dementia research, awareness, and community support.

I understand how challenging it can be to find meaningful volunteering opportunities, especially in research settings. Through proactive outreach—such as cold emailing professors and Principal Investigators—up until now, I have received a three-month research internship opportunity during the recent summer, as well as several lab visits. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of neuroscience research but also taught me how to identify and create opportunities that are not easily accessible.

Beyond research, I value the sense of connection and belonging that comes from contributing to a community. Since middle school, I have joined my school’s student bank and volunteered weekly at local animal shelters. These experiences strengthened my communication, teamwork, and organisational skills—qualities I aim to apply to this role.

Hopefully, by being a volunteering officer, I wish to make it easier for students to engage with dementia-related initiatives by building partnerships with research institutions and local charities. My goal is to ensure that every student interested in contributing to dementia research or community work can find a meaningful and accessible opportunity to do so.