Join our Volunteer Team Today
Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Living Well with Dementia programme. They are critical to our success and bring expertise, experience and a unique perspective to the socialisation and activities component of LWwD. Volunteering is a small commitment of time —in return for making an enormous difference to a vulnerable person’s life.
Skills Required: A genuine interest in the person with dementia; good listening skills; compassion and empathy; reliability; a caring and non-judgemental approach; good sense of humour; flexibility.
Age Restriction: Volunteers must be over 18 years of age.
Time Commitment: We ask our volunteers to commit to a weekly or bi-weekly session (1-3 hours per week) for a 6-month period. Times are flexible and varied depending on the role.
Screening: Informal interview; Garda vetting, references, application form; attend initial training and induction.
Support: We endeavour to provide the support necessary to encourage and empower volunteers to make a meaningful contribution and gain significant benefits from their voluntary experience. We offer an on-going training programme which volunteers are required to attend.
Why volunteer?
- Volunteering connects you to others.
- Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
- Volunteering can advance your career.
- Volunteering brings fun and fulfilment to your life and others.
- Studies have found that when you volunteer your stress levels decreased, your immune system is strengthened, and your overall sense of life satisfaction increases
What our Volunteers have to say
My name is Con O’Connell. For the last seven and a half years I have been volunteering with LWwD. I have loved every minute of it. At the moment I spend about two hours a week helping with our bridge club. Previously I have helped with one of the choirs and done some befriending. In the future I hope to befriend again. In my experience LWwD look after their volunteers well with training and support and are very flexible as regards the time demands on their volunteers. I would highly recommend volunteering with LWwD. It is a good thing to do for the people with dementia and their families and it is extremely rewarding for the volunteers.
Con O’Connell
(Befriending & Bridge Volunteer)
I have been volunteering with Living well with Dementia for the last 9 years and have enjoyed every minute. There is always a lovely atmosphere within the group. People have made great friendships as a result. I have always got great satisfaction from helping other people and this is a wonderful setting in which to do that.
Louise Daly
(Choir Volunteer)
I retired in 2013 and I wanted to do something outside my comfort zone. I saw a Living Well notice looking for volunteers, so I applied — I had no experience or exposure to people with dementia. I help with the physical exercise class, getting the room ready, meeting and greeting people and making sure they are comfortable. It’s lovely when they arrive and recognise you and are positive about what they are doing. The coffee and chats afterwards are also great — the topics range from politics to history to sport! You realise that what you do as a volunteer matters, it makes a difference to clients and their families, even if it’s only for an hour or two.
Clare Howard
(Exercise Volunteer)
I have been a volunteer with LWwD for several years and I have found that connecting with people in a shared activity you both enjoy makes a difference to their lives. It is an easy and fulfilling way to contribute.
Maria Mc Guinn
(Bridge Volunteer)
I have been volunteering with the Living Well with Dementia choir for several years. I very much enjoy the weekly practice and get great value from the experience. The joy it brings to the people with dementia who attend the choir as well as the friendship and camaraderie with the carers and fellow volunteers make it a very special time in the week. I see volunteering as a very fulfilling part of life and would recommend it to anyone considering it.
Joe Joyce
(Choir Volunteer)