Social Group Volunteer - Supporting People Living with Dementia

Be a friendly, familiar face

At Dementia Tauranga's social groups, people living with dementia come together to chat, laugh, reminisce and enjoy activities in a safe, welcoming space. What makes these groups work is the people in the room - and the same faces each session.

If you are a good listener, enjoy people of all ages and stages, and can give a few hours on a regular weekday, we would love to meet you.

What the role looks like

• One regular session, weekly or fortnightly, of about 3 hours including set-up and pack-down
• Sitting with members, chatting, and taking part in the activity together
• Helping people feel included, relaxed and respected
• Working as part of a small team led by our facilitator

Our groups depend on you being there

People living with dementia notice changes in the room and in familiar faces. When a volunteer doesn't turn up without notice, it affects supervision, personal care support and the attention each person gets. That is why we ask for a regular commitment and notice when you can't make it. Consistency is part of the care we offer, not an extra.

You'll be a great fit if you can

• Commit to a regular session and give notice when you are unavailable
• Arrive on time for set-up and stay through pack-down
• Stay patient and calm, and be comfortable with repetition and changes in mood
• Get involved alongside members, rather than watch from the side
• Follow the facilitator's lead and respect group routines
• Treat every member with dignity and see the person first
• Keep information confidential
• Be open to dementia awareness training

What we offer

• Free dementia awareness training, with support from your first session
• A warm, supportive team
• Meaningful connection - many volunteers say they get as much from the groups as the members do

No experience needed. A police check is required, and we arrange it for you.

Next step

Apply here and you'll receive a link to our short registration form. Once we have it, we'll contact you within a few working days to book an interview at our office. You'll meet our activity coordinator too, who will talk you through the groups and where you might fit best.