Become a Side by Side volunteer and make a real difference to a person living with dementia

A pioneering initiative aimed at improving the lives of people living with dementia is seeking volunteers.

Alzheimer’s Society, Sefton, will be holding a volunteer recruitment event for its innovative Side by Side service in Southport on Thursday 21 February.

Side by Side is a fun, friendly, flexible volunteer-enabled service that helps people living with dementia to continue to play an active part in their community.

It aims to match volunteers with similar interests to the person they support. For example, David has vascular dementia and lives in Southport. He loves to take a stroll in the local park but has started to struggle on his own.

Alzheimer’s Society hopes to match David with someone who also enjoys walking and who could give him a helping hand.

The recruitment event takes place at the Lord Street Hotel, 178-180 Lord Street (opposite the Bold Hotel) from 11am to 12.30.

Alzheimer’s Society is urging anyone interested to come along and find out more about how they can get involved.

Bev Breen, Side by Side Co-ordinator, said “With someone in the UK developing dementia every three minutes, we need volunteers right now.

“Anyone who becomes a Side by Side volunteer will make a real difference to someone with the condition – and they’ll also find it hugely rewarding.”

She added: “Alzheimer’s Society, service users and volunteers will be available to talk to you about how you could help someone with dementia to keep doing the things they love.

“So whether you’re a social butterfly, shopaholic or nature lover, we need people like you. You can volunteer on weekdays, evenings and weekends at various times – so it’s a flexible way to give your time and really make a huge difference to a person’s life.”

If you are not able to come along on the day or would like more information, please phone 01704 539 967 or email sidebysidesefton@alzheimers.org.uk