Our Singing for the Brain sessions offer people affected by dementia a chance to enjoy a fun activity within a supportive environment, but we need you to help make this happen!
Singing for the Brain is a structured group session, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for people with dementia, who may attend alone or with a carer. These uplifting sessions offer the people attending an enjoyable activity, as well as the chance to socialise with other people affected by dementia.
As a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer, you’ll be welcoming and talking to people with dementia, helping them to feel at ease. You will help set up the room and tidy away at the end of the session and help prepare and distribute
refreshments as well as supporting the session facilitator by distributing materials such as songbooks. Once the singing session starts, you’ll provide encouragement to participate in the activity, and support the session facilitator with the activities, either online or in person.
Location:
The Beechwood Club,
Beechwood Road,
Fishponds
BS16 3TP
Every 1st, 3rd and 5th (if occurring) Friday of the month 1.30pm-4.00pm
Key Responsibilities and Activities:
Welcoming & Interaction: Welcoming, chatting with, and supporting people with dementia to help them feel at ease.
Session Assistance: Supporting the facilitator with activities, distributing songbooks, and facilitating refreshments.
Encouragement: Encouraging attendees to engage in singing exercises and physical movement, even if they have little or no musical experience.
Setting Up/Down: Helping to arrange the room, including moving chairs, and setting up equipment.
Required Skills and Experience:
Passion & Personality: Fun, enthusiastic, and compassionate attitude.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to connect with people, particularly those affected by dementia.
Reliability: Commitment to attending fortnightly sessions for at least 6 months.
Musical Aptitude: An interest in music is beneficial, but not essential and being a skilled singer is not required.
Commitment to Inclusion: A supportive attitude towards people with dementia and their carers.
Benefits and Training:
Training: Induction and on-the-job training are provided.
Experience: Gain valuable experience in dementia care and community support.
Reward: Making a meaningful impact by helping participants find their voice and socialize
You’ll be great for the role if:
- You have an interest in developing meaningful relationships and making a real difference.
- You want to enable people with dementia to find their voice through music in an incredibly rewarding role.
- You are fun and enthusiastic.
- You have the ability to listen and display compassion.
- If you are supporting our virtual sessions, you will need to be able to navigate effectively online and be able to use Zoom with confidence.
- Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing!
If you find completing online applications difficult, please don't let this stop you from applying....please call or email us and we can support you with the application process. You can contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected] or call on 0300 222 5706
Minimum age 16