We are looking to establish a dementia musical movement group in East Kilbride. The group will be an hour comprising of chair exercises to music, a musical activity and a cool down session. Carers are welcome to join in the fun or enjoy a cuppa in ‘The Meeting Place Café’. The group will be led by a staff member and volunteers will assist the group leader in activities, chat to group members and make them feel welcome, undertake admin tasks such as taking register, handing out paperwork as required. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are keen to help. Musical experience is not essential but will be welcomed with open arms! The club is an opportunity to help reduce loneliness and isolation, for carers to socialise and people living with dementia to benefit from the amazing power of music. In return, we will provide appropriate training and regular supervision sessions with the Dementia Services Development Officer, invitations to volunteer events and payment of reasonable expenses. This is a fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference – all help is greatly appreciated.

We are starting a monthly coffee morning for people living with dementia or memory loss and their carers, to socialise and share experiences over a cuppa. Activities like jigsaws and puzzles will be available during the session. We will also have speakers and entertainers throughout the year. The 4th Tuesday of the month (starting in September 2024 with an opening party on Wednesday 27th August)10:30am - 12:30pm. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are keen to help. The group is an opportunity to help reduce loneliness and isolation, for carers to socialise and find out useful information. There are lots of volunteering opportunities connected with this group including: • Helping members with tea and coffee; • Supporting members with the activities; • socialising with our members; and • setting up and clearing away. In return, we will provide appropriate training and regular supervision sessions with the dementia services development officer, invitations to volunteer events and payment of reasonable expenses. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute and make a real difference – all help is greatly appreciated. To register your interest email dementia.services@leap-project.co.uk or call Helen on 0141 641 5169.

A befriender will be matched with an older person (50 and over) in their area that is isolated or lonely. They will spend time with them offering companionship to build their confidence and link them back into social activities. Many of our clients have very few visitors or people to go and see them so our volunteers spend time with someone whether through a cuppa and a chat in the clients home or a walk locally, with the hope that the volunteer will improve wellbeing, alleviate loneliness and isolation. We also run local friendship groups that the client can be linked into if able to get out and about. Some of the skills we look for in a volunteer are: An empathy with older people; reliable and trustworthy; being sensitive and supportive; flexible; Having a few hours spare each week; Being friendly; Being interested in people.

A befriender will be matched with an older person (50 and over) in their local area that is isolated or lonely. They will spend time with them offering companionship to build their confidence and link them back into social activities. Many of our clients have very few visitors or people to go and see them so our volunteers spend time with someone whether through a cuppa and a chat in the clients home or a walk locally, with the hope that the volunteer will improve wellbeing, alleviate loneliness and isolation. We also run local friendship groups that the client can be linked into if able to get out and about. Some of the skills we look for in a volunteer are: An empathy with older people; reliable and trustworthy; being sensitive and supportive; flexible; Having a few hours spare each week; Being friendly; Being interested in people.