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Social Support Volunteers for Tuesday Centre-Based Program ACT

Dementia Australia

Logo for Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. We provide advocacy, support services, education, and information.

We are seeking volunteers to assist for our Tuesday centre-based social support program in our Griffith/Manuka location. Volunteers support Dementia Australia staff enabling clients to engage in a program tailored specifically to their areas of interest, support, and social needs. Volunteers will also accompany and assist staff during transportation services and activities. Volunteers will not be required to drive vehicles.

Social connections play an important role in maintaining cognitive function in dementia. Older adults with cognitive impairments such as dementia are at heightened risk of loneliness and depression. Often, their cognitive difficulties are related not only to memory problems but also to problems with interacting and engaging socially with others.

We hope to help people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment maintain or enhance their social engagement and quality of life by providing inclusive social activities with peers, dedicated staff and volunteers.

Volunteers are essential to the aged care system, the wider community and Dementia Australia. Volunteers can help our clients to: • live meaningful lives • have a sense of belonging and purpose • build social connections • remain living at home • reduce social isolation and loneliness • connect with the community • feel accepted and safe in their environment • improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Our Dementia Australia community will highly value your contributions of genuine connection, conversation, and compassion in improving the quality of life of people in the early stages of their diagnosis.

As a Dementia Australia volunteer, you will: • be a part of the national peak body for dementia • develop new skills and gain new experiences • have social interaction and share experiences with like-minded people • gain a better understanding of dementia and the help available • build your confidence to engage and support people living with dementia • help us achieve our vision • Dementia Australia offers our volunteers: • roles suited to your capabilities and experience • appropriate and role-specific orientation and training programs • an environment conducive to good performance, health and safety • respect, appreciation and recognition

Volunteering is a great way to get involved and make a difference by providing companionship and support to those living with Dementia.

If you have a positive, welcoming, and patient approach, with a genuine interest in others, are able to provide practical support to our clients and Dementia Australia staff, and can commit to an ongoing roster, we would love to hear from you.

Experience in supporting someone living with dementia is desirable but not essential.

Volunteers would need to: • Be over the age of 18 • Commit to an ongoing roster • Undergo an interview, reference, industry and police checks (at Dementia Australia's cost). • Participate in induction, orientation, and ongoing training sessions