**Location: **Tauranga, New Zealand Commitment: Ongoing, Wednesdays 1.30pm - 3pm, rostered if multiple applicants apply

About the Role: Alzheimers Tauranga is seeking compassionate volunteers to assist with the COGS Café Group, a social and engaging support service for individuals living with mild to moderate dementia. This group provides a vital opportunity for clients to socialise, participate in cognitive stimulation, and enjoy meaningful activities, while also offering respite to their family carers. As a volunteer, you will play a key role in facilitating group activities, fostering conversations, and supporting participants in a friendly, structured environment.

Key Responsibilities:

**Group Facilitation: **Collaborate with a small team of volunteers and a Team Leader to facilitate and support a group of up to 8-10 people living with mild to moderate dementia. **Engaging Activities: **Assist in leading various activities designed to promote cognitive stimulation and social interaction. Activities may include discussions on current events, opinion-based topics, light games, arts and crafts, puzzles, or other suitable activities. **Encouraging Participation: **Help create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere that encourages group members to engage and interact, ensuring everyone feels valued and included. Respite for Carers: Provide peace of mind to family carers by offering their loved ones an opportunity to participate in a structured and enjoyable program while they take a well-deserved break. Supportive Environment: Be a source of encouragement for participants, assisting with activities and making sure they are actively involved and supported. Who We're Looking For:

Empathetic & Patient Volunteers: We’re looking for individuals who are understanding, patient, and compassionate towards people living with dementia. Team Players: Volunteers should be able to work closely with others in a collaborative environment, supporting the Team Leader and fellow volunteers. **Creative & Engaging: **The ideal volunteer will be someone who enjoys facilitating fun, interactive activities, and is comfortable leading group conversations or games. **No Experience Required: **Experience with dementia or facilitating group activities is a bonus but not necessary. Training and guidance will be provided to ensure you are fully equipped for the role.

What You’ll Gain:

A meaningful opportunity to directly support individuals with mild to moderate dementia, helping them maintain social connections and cognitive abilities. Experience in facilitating group activities and providing social engagement for people living with dementia. Ongoing training, support, and development opportunities from Alzheimers Tauranga to help you thrive in your volunteer role. If you want to make a real difference by helping those with mild to moderate dementia maintain social connections and quality of life, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply: To apply, please visit the Alzheimers Tauranga website and head to 'get involved'.