Volunteer

People volunteer for a host of reasons, some have had personal experience of living with dementia in some way, others just have time they want to give. Whatever the reason Dementia Jersey couldn’t support the people we do without the help volunteers give. Here are some thoughts from a few of our volunteers: 

Susan helps at the Walk ’n’ Talk activity on a Wednesday afternoon and chose to volunteer at Dementia Jersey as her mum had Alzheimer’s in her late 80’s. After retiring, like so many other people, Susan wanted to use the extra time she gained to give something back and Dementia Jersey seemed the perfect charity to support. Susan really enjoys “the interaction with those living with dementia, and their carers. I love listening to their stories and never cease to find it special when I catch a glint in someone’s eyes as they are talking about a particular time or memory.”

Jean first found Dementia Jersey when her late husband attended our Saturday Club. She herself attends one of our Carer Support Groups. She has helped at fundraisers and at our roadshows but more recently can be found making the tea at Musical Memories where she loves watching the happiness singing and making music can bring.

Along with another volunteer, Jane, Jackie runs Fun & Games (out East) on a Thursday afternoon. Both of Jackie’s parents had dementia and after hearing a talk about what Dementia Jersey does for people living with dementia and the support they offer their family and carers she wanted to give something back. 6 years laters she says she has really come to appreciate the great work the team does, quite often behind the scenes, and enjoys being part of that. 

Jackie’s message is a simple one – ‘Absolutely do it! It’s good to give something back to our community when we can.’