Buddies for 'Volunteers and Dementia' project

There are over 2,000 people with dementia in the city of Groningen. Most of them live independently and eventually need help with this. Sometimes there is an informal carer nearby, sometimes not. Thanks to informal carers, professional help and volunteers, people with dementia can continue to live at home for a long time. We are looking for volunteers who want to do fun things together and support the informal carer. The visit of a volunteer gives the informal carer the opportunity to take a breather and get away from it all. The volunteer provides companionship and a listening ear, while doing things together such as:

• Taking part in fun activities.
• Socially playing a game.
• Watching pictures or reading the newspaper.
• Taking a walk together.
• Go to the shop to do some shopping.
• Biking together.

You can volunteer to mean something to care recipients and their carers.

• Interest and affinity for people with dementia and their informal carers.
• Ability to listen and patience.
• Sensitivity.
• Ability to attend training.
• Availability of 1 half-day per week or every 14 days for at least 1 year.