Kirrie Connections is a dementia support charity which meets regularly, as part of this they are looking for volunteers to help with a new Dementia-friendly health walk they are planning. If interested in becoming part of the team and you would like to receive some free training to become a walk leader then message them on facebook or email graham@kirrieconnections.com to find out more.

Who are we: AILN initially grew from a group of disabled people who wanted to see a change in the way that community care services were offered to people. When Direct Payments (DP) were first introduced in 2003, they were keen to promote this as an option for independent living. AILN have been providing high quality Self-Directed Support (SDS) advice and information to the people of Ayrshire for over 17 years. AILN is a peer-led, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee with charitable status. This is an exciting time to join AILN as a volunteer as we have been successful in securing 3 years of funding for a Dementia Befriending Service from the Community lottery fund. Our aim is to provide companionship to the person living with dementia and thus in turn provides respite for the unpaid carer. Purpose of the post • To provide 1-1 befriending companionship to people living with early-stage dementia. This will either be accompanying the befriendee on a walk, shopping trip, activity in the community, providing companionship in the persons home, playing scrabble etc or having a chat over the phone • To think and act responsibly and follow guidance or instructions relating to Health & Safety, equality, and diversity • To support the Befriending Coordinator by completing a feedback form after each visit with the befreindee Key duties and responsibilities: • Have a clear understanding of the aims and objectives of AILN services and activities • To successfully complete essential training for the post • Make regular weekly/fortnightly visits, telephone calls at an agreed time suitable to the person • Provide companionship and company to the person living with dementia. • Spend time chatting and getting to know the person, talking with about their current and past life experiences • Provide feedback to the Befriending Coordinator around the conversations and how the meet ups are going • Provide immediate feedback to the Coordinator or Service Manager on any issues or concerns that you become aware of Person Specification Essential Skills & Abilities: • Good telephone, verbal, and written communication skills • A good listener • Enjoy meeting new people and having conversations • Enjoy learning more about someone and their interests in their past and life history • Consistency and reliability • Understanding the need for confidentiality • Ability to work on own initiative • Empathic and understanding of the needs of those living with dementia and the demands/challenges faced by the unpaid carer. • Ability to communicate with people in a sensitive and person-centred manner, including people who require support, carers, other professionals, and members of the public • Must carry out duties of this role with due regard to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practice Desirable Experience: • Experience/knowledge of working/living with someone living dementia • Previous experience of volunteering • Hobbies/interest to share, discuss • As the project develops, the ability to work flexibly to suit the changing needs of the organisation i.e., weekend/evenings • I.T skills Other: Volunteers are advised to volunteer 2 hours a week (befriending time and filling in of feedback sheet). Befriending should be carried out by prior arrangement (volunteers able to choose hours flexibly, perhaps very occasional evening and/or weekends to suit the needs of the befriendee). What we provide: • Ongoing support, guidance, and regular supervision by the coordinator of the service • Receive formal recognition for your volunteering contribution and/or a reference which reflects positive contributions associated with your volunteering • Specialised role training to develop skills and confidence in the role • Reimbursement of agreed expenses directly related to the volunteering role • Access to the Scotland Wellbeing Hub www.wellbeinghub.scot • Feel valued, supported, and respected

Join our amazing team of Community Support Volunteers in Aberdeen and North Aberdeenshire, who support people who have had one of our conditions to develop autonomy and confidence in self-management, enabling them to fully engage with their community and activities of their choosing. The service follows a pathway from hospital to community and can be delivered in a one-to-one and/or group setting in person, virtually or via telephone. We also have opportunities for volunteers to become Walk Leaders, to safely lead community health walks either in a 1:1 or group setting, while effectively supporting people living with and at high risk of our conditions. The service can be delivered to provide person-centred support for those with a communication difficulty and/or to support an individual to achieve a specific goal. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference for people and the community. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers and all assistance is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact us at volunteering@chss.org.uk or visit our website at https://www.chss.org.uk/volunteer-with-chss to apply.

REAP is currently looking for 2 or 3 volunteers to help support upcoming gardening sessions at their Maryhill Therapeutic Garden in Elgin. Working alongside the REAP team, volunteers will help participants get involved in gardening activities, helping people to build their skills, confidence, and wellbeing. Therapeutic gardening is the use of garden space to improve and build resilience in mental health; to increase physical activity; develop social skills and encourage a healthier diet. REAP’s aim is to help participants improve their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing through gardening and socialising in a beautiful, peaceful environment. Sessions are returning soon on February 11th and will run on a weekly basis on Tuesday afternoons 2-5pm or Friday mornings 10-12:30pm. Volunteers can help people take part in various gardening activities such as sowing seeds, learning about composting and harvesting vegetables to take home. There’s also a chance to socialise during the tea breaks! Volunteers will also be supported in their development by being offered training relevant to the project. If you are a friendly, patient person, able to engage with a wide variety of people, and can volunteer outside in a practical way, have an interest in gardening ( food growing or ornamental 😊 ), or even have skills that could help build a new garden bench!) please do get in touch with REAP, who will be very happy to tell you more about how to get involved. Tel 01542 888070