Volunteer with Dementia Support

Why is volunteering important

At its core, volunteering provides an invaluable contribution to helping us continue and develop our services. We recognise and appreciate the skills, experience and enthusiasm volunteers bring. Every single one of our volunteers helps to make a big difference to the people we work with, so in return, we offer a supportive and flexible environment where volunteers can build on their skills, gain experience and achieve personal goals.

So, why volunteer for Dementia Support?

It’s a great way to:

Make a difference to other people
You can meet new people
Gain new experience
Learn new skills
Build confidence and self esteem.

What we look for in a volunteer:

Volunteers need a willingness to learn and understand Dementia and its related issues- training will be provided.
Volunteers must be flexible and adaptable.
Volunteers must have good communication skills.

Get in touch

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sylvie Johnston, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01243 888 691 or email us.

What is it like to volunteer for Dementia Support

Shaun Lyndon Smith - volunteer in our Hair Salon

Shaun is the owner of Hair at No.4 Salon in Chichester. He very kindly donates his time and expertise at our Sage House Salon on a Wednesday.

“My experience is personal as my father had dementia and sadly my mother-in-law is going through a very similar thing.
Cutting hair for people living with dementia and their carers and the happy feeling of looking good is something I can give people.
Hairdressing is an artform I can give to people and give back to the community.
I enjoy doing it and the people here are great, they always make me feel so welcome. I’ve built up a bit of a bond with some of the clients here; they all walk past and wave and say ‘hello Shaun’.
So the more I can give back, the better I feel; its great fun. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it.”

Michael Turner - volunteer art tutor

Michael is one of our original volunteers. He set up our watercolour painting classes which provide a huge therapeutic benefit for people living with dementia and their carers.

“I volunteered to create watercolour art sessions that would provide a relaxed environment where visitors could interact with others at the hub through painting.
Watercolour painting is a wonderful and relaxing pastime that takes you into another world, it creates a wonderful distraction from the problems that surround us all.
At Dementia Support I have the opportunity to pass on my passion for watercolour painting through art sessions for those with dementia but equally for their carers. It gives me immense pleasure to see incredible images being created by all the participants during our art sessions.”