Side by Side befriending volunteer - Hounslow

You'll be helping someone with dementia keep enjoying the things they love and helping to reduce their feelings of isolation and loneliness. You will either visit someone with dementia at home and engage them in conversation and do activities  - or you'll accompany them out into the community - to a coffee shop for a chat, to a local singing group, a a walk in the park etc. You’ll be providing your matched person with companionship and freedom, and you’ll help them stay active, and stay positive.

The role usually involves a commitment of two to three hours once a week. We ask for a minimum commitment of six months. All volunteers will have to do three hours' online training  and have a DBS criminal record check, which we organise. No personal care is involved in the role.

What skills do I need?

Volunteers need to have patience, good listening skills, empathy and an interest in people and their lives. 

When do I need to be available?