Dementia NI Event Support and Awareness raising Volunteer

At our group meetings we invite external organisations and care providers along to give them a unique opportunity to seek the views and lived experiences of people with dementia. The empowerment groups and members aim to raise awareness about dementia and challenge the stigma that many people face daily. We promote more opportunities for learning for people living with dementia including developing new skills, such as learning to use tablet computers and also utilizing existing skills and knowledge that they may have. 

Where and When?

Our Empowerment groups are being developed in each health trust area across Northern Ireland.  Groups vary in frequency, depending on the area, but generally will run weekly or fortnightly, lasting 2-3 hours in duration. The groups generally take place on weekdays between 10am and 5pm. Group members also attend events, talks and meetings to raise awareness of what it is like to live with dementia and the organisation. These events may take place outside of the empowerment group hours mentioned.  

What will you be doing?

As an Event Support and Awareness Raising Volunteer you will be required to attend events on behalf of Dementia NI and to support our group members to attend public events that may be relevant. You will also play an important role in awareness raising for Dementia NI.  You will be helping to connect with the wider public and increase awareness of who we are and what we do by attending these events, carrying out leaflet and flyer drops and through word of mouth.  In doing so you will be empowering people living with dementia to live their lives to their full potential.  You will help to set up events and marketing activities, greet members of the public and other organisations and advise them of who we are and what we do.  You will ensure our members you are accompanying have a safe, positive and enjoyable time at these events. Identifying local events that Dementia NI may be interested in attending will be another part of this volunteering opportunity. (Full details will be in the Role Description)

Is this role suitable for you?

There are no specific qualifications required for joining Dementia NI as a volunteer but we do ask that you have:

• You must have: An interest in enabling and empowering people living with dementia to have their voice heard on issues that are important to them;
• An interest in volunteering to help support people living with dementia;
• You must have a knowledge of dementia and about how dementia affects the person living with a diagnosis;
• Good communication skills, be reliable, courteous and approachable;
• Good Punctuality;
• Good organisational skills;
• Understand and adhere strictly to data protection and confidentiality policies and procedures;
• A commitment to attend relevant training and learning programmes;
• A commitment to team work and be comfortable and confident in communicating with people from a wide diversity of backgrounds;
• An understanding of Dementia NI’s key policies and commitment to adhere strictly to them, in particular health & safety, data protection and confidentiality policies

How will Dementia NI support you?

• You will be reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses incurred in accordance with the Dementia NI volunteering policy.
• You will receive a relevant induction to your role and any relevant ongoing training will be provided.
• You will benefit from regular support from your role manager, in the form of one-to-one supervision. There will also be opportunities for group support from other volunteers.

How do I apply?

To apply for this opportunity or to learn more about the role, please contact Paula Canney - Empowerment Officer -  [email protected] or contact us on 02890686768