Our Singing for the Brain sessions offer people affected by dementia a chance to enjoy a fun activity within a supportive environment, but we need you to help make this happen! Singing for the Brain is a structured group session, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for people with dementia, who may attend alone or with a carer. These uplifting sessions offer the people attending an enjoyable activity, as well as the chance to socialise with other people affected by dementia. This role will take place at Merton Memory Hub - 67 Whitford Gardens CR4 4AB on Wednesdays (every week) from 1pm to 3pm. What You’ll Do: - Provide a welcoming environment by helping prepare and serve teas and coffees. Interact warmly with attendees, offering conversation, encouragement, and companionship. - Be attentive to the needs of people living with dementia, supporting them sensitively throughout the activity. - Use basic IT skills to help manage song lyrics using PowerPoint during sessions (full guidance provided). - Work proactively with the group facilitator to keep the session running smoothly. Regular Commitment We’re looking for volunteers who can support on a regular basis, ideally weekly or every other week, to help build trust, familiarity, and consistency for the people attending the group. (We understand there may be occasional weeks you cannot attend.) What We’re Looking For: - A kind, patient, and approachable attitude. - Good communication and people skills. - Comfort supporting individuals living with dementia (training/support can be provided). - Basic computer skills – especially navigating PowerPoint. - Reliability and willingness to be part of a small, supportive team. What You’ll Gain: - Experience supporting people living with dementia. - Opportunities to build confidence and skills. -The joy of seeing music bring people together. - Being part of a warm, community‑focused group. If you have any questions about the Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer, please contact Daniel Steiner on [email protected] As a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer, you’ll be welcoming and talking to people with dementia, helping them to feel at ease. You will help set up the room and tidy away at the end of the session and help prepare and distribute refreshments as well as supporting the session facilitator by distributing materials such as songbooks. Once the singing session starts, you’ll provide encouragement to participate in the activity, and support the session facilitator with the activities, either online or in person. You’ ll be great for the role if: You have an interest in developing meaningful relationships and making a real difference. You want to enable people with dementia to find their voice through music in an incredibly rewarding role. You are fun and enthusiastic. You have the ability to listen and display compassion. If you are supporting our virtual sessions, you will need to be able to navigate effectively online and be able to use Zoom with confidence. Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing! If you find completing online applications difficult, please don't let this stop you from applyingplease call or email us and we can support you with the application process. You can contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected] or call on 0300 222 5706 Minimum age 16 Keyboard Shortcuts F9 - Move focus from the edit area to the Footer Toolbar F10 - Move focus from the edit area to the first toolbar button Shift TAB - Move focus from the edit area to the last toolbar button About You About Alzheimer's Society About Alzheimer’s Society Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia. By 2025, an estimated 1 million people will be living with the condition in the UK, and many millions more carers, partners, families and friends will be affected. Dementia is a complex condition, and there’s no one-size fits all solution but until we find a cure, our aim is to transform lives today. We do this by: Providing flexible support services so that people with dementia, their carers and loved ones, can access expert advice and guidance, support through their most challenging days, and a safe space to turn when they need it. Being a force for change - using research and influencing to push for breakthroughs that will change the lives of people affected by dementia now and in future. Our Values Determined to make a difference: We're passionate, we're focused and we make a lasting impact for people affected by dementia. Trusted expert: We're listening, we're learning and we use experience and evidence. Better together: We're open, we combine our strengths and we achieve more together. Compassionate: We're kind, we're honest and we don't shy away from challenges. Equal opportunities Alzheimer’s Society is committed to equal opportunities. Alzheimer’s Society embraces diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all of our people. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do. This means ensuring our recruitment processes are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible to everyone. We will look at making reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Keyboard Shortcuts F9 - Move focus from the edit area to the Footer Toolbar F10 - Move focus from the edit area to the first toolbar button Shift TAB - Move focus from the edit area to the last toolbar button