Dementia Home / Care Home befriender

Join Us as a Dementia Volunteer! Make a Difference, One Hour at a Time

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in your community?

Homeline is a service run by The Creighton Centre, which offers long-term befriending, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness for 60+ residents living in Hammersmith and Fulham.
We're seeking compassionate, friendly volunteers from Hammersmith and Fulham to bring joy and connection to individuals living with dementia. Just one hour a week or two (or more, if you'd like!) can make a huge difference in someone's life-and yours.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Dementia Volunteer, you'll:

• Visit and spend time with someone living with dementia in their place of residence (usually weekly or fortnightly).

• Provide companionship and help combat loneliness with meaningful conversations, shared memories, or activities.

• Brighten someone's day simply by showing up and showing you care.

• To provide stimulation to your client through conversation, sensory activities and/or being a comforting presence training to be provided on sensory activity ideas .

• Role is primarily a befriending one to provide social company, however, some clients may wish going out to a café, a local class or enjoy a walk in a park.

• To accompany your client for a walk safely outdoors (where agreed in advance with Homeline staff).

• To go for a walk with a client who is wheelchair bound (where this has been agreed in advance with Homeline staff and client and Manual handling training has been provided).

• To occasionally visit clients in hospital or Care Home (where agreed beforehand with Homeline staff).

• To occasionally help clients with simple tasks e.g. posting letters, helping to read post, helping file paperwork.

• To keep in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator/Homeline staff regularly and provide monthly feedback via our online Volunteer form. If you do not have access to the internet we can arrange for you to update us via text or phone call.

• To spend a maximum of 1-2 hours with your client.

Don't worry if you're new to this! We'll provide Dementia Training to ensure you feel confident and prepared for the role.

We will provide:

• Induction training and specific dementia training prior to being matched to a Homeline member.

• We also provide ongoing training opportunities in all aspects of the befriending role.

• Introduction to your client and background information on your client.

• Regular support and supervision with the Dementia Coordinator or Volunteer Coordinator.

• Monthly newsletters.

• Regular opportunities to meet staff and other volunteers at client and volunteer social events.

• A reference after 3-6 months of volunteering with us.

• An enhanced DBS check.

• Travel expenses incurred during your volunteering on proof of a receipt.

Skills needed:

• Good listening and communication skills.

• Empathy.

• A patient, kind and caring approach.

• Outgoing friendly personality.

• Awareness of Dementia and how it affects people and a desire to learn more.

• An understanding of and commitment to our confidentiality, equal opportunities and safeguarding policies (provided during training).

Accountable to:

Dementia Coordinator / Homeline Volunteer Coordinator

Why Volunteer?

• Make a Lasting Impact: Your time and care can bring joy, reduce isolation, and improve the quality of life for someone with dementia.
• Be Part of a Community: Join a group of like-minded volunteers who share your passion for making a difference.
• Flexible Commitment: Dedicate just 1 hour a week-or more, if you're able-on your own schedule.
• Local Support: This opportunity is for Hammersmith and Fulham residents, making it easy and convenient to volunteer within your community.
• Learn and Grow: Gain valuable insights into dementia care and meaningful connections that will enrich your life.

Not Sure Yet? Join a Taster Session!

We get it-starting something new can feel like a big step. That's why we're offering:

Taster Days: Experience what volunteering is all about before committing.

Q&A Sessions: Ask questions and hear from current volunteers about their experiences.

Ready to Get Started?

If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you!

Join us in making a real difference in Hammersmith and Fulham. Together, let's bring smiles, connection, and care to those who need it most.