Memory Cafe Support Volunteer

Witham Library

• Harwich Café runs on the first and third Tuesdays of the month 10:30-12:00
• West Clacton Café runs on second Tuesday of the month 10:30-12:00
• South Woodham Ferrers Café runs on first Monday of the month 10:00-11:30
• Billericay Cafe runs third Wednesday of the month 10:30-12:00
  
• Maldon Cafe runs first Thursday of the month 10:30-11.30
• Witham Library runs monthly Wednesday or Thursday

How much time would you be asked to contribute ?

Approximately two hours per month to set up, attend and close down session.

There may be some additional time to plan activities occasionally.

What will the role involve ?

 •             Meet and greet attendees in a friendly, inclusive and supportive way

•             Set up the space

•             Make teas, coffees, wash up

•             Interact and engage with attendees

•             Support attendees to participate in any activities

•             Support the group leader in the running of the session

•             Work alongside charities and organisations who will also help run the café and be on hand to offer information and advice in this informal setting

What will you get from volunteering ?

•             Satisfaction of using your time and any skills and experience you have to contribute something to the community

•             Enjoyable experience of interacting and being with those at the group

•             Satisfaction of working with other volunteers, library staff, charity staff to facilitate a community group that is impactful to those attending

•             Chance to develop your experience and skills to enhance your CV

What training and support will you receive ?

You will receive specific training for this volunteering role. The café is being set up with support from Alzheimer’s Society and other organisations. Alzheimer’s Society will give Dementia Friends training to all volunteers and also training in how to run the sessions. They (or other local organisations) will initially help run the café. There will also be support from local library staff.

What skills do I need?

• You will need to be friendly and confident 
• Able to understand the confidential nature of supporting those attending the  café  
• You will have a genuine desire to make a difference to people
• You will need an understanding of dementia and supporting anyone affected by dementia (training from Alzheimer’s Society will be available)
• Be welcoming and empathetic to people living with dementia or caring for someone living with dementia 
• Be encouraging, positive and patient 
• Willing to work as part of a team

Interests

• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Disability
• Health and Social Care
• Mental Health
• Older People

Activities

• Advice and Information
• Creativity
• General Helping
• Local Events
• Practical Skills
• Supporting Charities
• Supporting People and Befriending
• Teaching and Training