Group Support Volunteer - Brighton

If you love meeting new people and want to support people affected by dementia in your area, then we may have just the volunteer role for you!

As a Group Support Volunteer, you'll support and encourage people affected by dementia to engage in activities and socialise with others in a group setting. A friendly face at the group, you'll welcome and talk to people affected by dementia to help them feel comfortable and make sure they're offered refreshments. You'll also help set up and tidy away at the end of the group.

Your involvement in this role will ensure people affected by dementia are able to meet others in a similar situation, access the support and information they need and enjoy meaningful activities.

We would like to recruit one volunteer to support an in person Peer Support Group and one volunteer to support an online Zoom Peer Support Group, although volunteers may choose to support both groups if interested.

The main qualities we are looking for are empathy, reliability, patience, and good communication skills rather than previous experience. It would be helpful if you feel confident engaging with carers and people affected by dementia in a warm and supportive way. With the in person group, Volunteers need to be comfortable helping with refreshments, welcoming attendees, and supporting a friendly group environment.

The in person Peer Support Group meets once a month on the second Thursday of each month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (Volunteer needs to arrive 15 minutes earlier 10:15 and leave 15 minutes later 12:45 for set up and clear away) at The Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, BNF 1AF.

The volunteer will help set up the group, welcome carers and attendees, and assist with making tea, coffee, and refreshments. They may also spend time chatting with group members, helping people feel comfortable and included, and supporting the facilitator to ensure the session runs smoothly.

The Online Peer Support Group meets the last Wednesday of the month via Zoom from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm. Volunteers supporting the online group would help welcome attendees into the session, support group discussions, and assist the facilitator to ensure everyone feels included and comfortable.

• You have good verbal communication and listening skills
• You enjoy meeting new people and being part of a team
• You are aware of or are willing to learn about dementia and its impact on people
• You can demonstrate empathy and compassion
• You are over the age of 16