Xiaohongshu
Who we are?
We are a local independent charity, established in 1965, who have been supporting older people in Camden for more than 50 years. Our role is to help those over 55 stay active, connected, independent and to empower them in later life.
We deliver a Dementia Wellbeing Service that provides practical and emotional support to help older people live independently and safely at home, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.
What does the role involve?
We offer clients from the Dementia Services (befriending and wellbeing) a short performance or creative activity delivered by a volunteer visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, performer, and other creative artforms. You may choose to share a creative hobby or an art form you practice professionally or as a hobbyist.
What will you get out of it?
- An opportunity to create meaningful experiences for all
- Be part of something rewarding and fulfilling
- Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding and more
- Supervision and support
- Reimbursement of expenses
Opportunities to meet other volunteers
What are the benefits for people living with dementia?
Many of the clients we support in this service are housebound or do not have the confidence or opportunity to attend events. Some clients may be artists, performers and creatives in their own right who do not get an opportunity to engage with or experience this aspect of their lives anymore.
Giving people who are living with memory loss an opportunity to be part of creative activities is a stimulating, fun way of putting them in touch with memories, other people and the wider community.
Bringing your art form into peoples’ homes can have a huge impact on reducing isolation, encouraging connection and bring a sprinkle of joy to those living with dementia.
In this role you will:
- Share your creative talent or hobby with older people living with dementia by delivering a short performance to an older person at home or providing an opportunity for them to participate in a creative activity.
- Visit a minimum of 4 times per year for up to 1.5 hours each time, including 20/30 minutes for the performance/activity.
- Provide opportunities for connection with older people during your visit through conversation and engagement.
- Liaise with service coordinators to link with clients who have asked to receive these visits/calls.
- Provide feedback after every performance, including positive impact, improvements to the delivery of visits or concerns regarding the client.
Volunteering Manager
Clients with Dementia aged 55 and above
• Dementia Awareness – online course
• Induction session
• Data Security Awareness for Volunteers
• Safeguarding Adults for Volunteers
Time commitment
Visits will be a time agreed between you and the older person you are matched with.