Do you have free time on a regular basis? Perhaps you’re thinking about becoming a volunteer? In this blog, we’re looking into volunteering in Bolton, Preston and South Ribble and how your time makes a difference to people with dementia.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a neurological condition which progresses over time. It affects a person’s brain functions, which leads to difficulties with memory, thinking and some language skills. Dementia mainly affects adults aged over 65, but people can experience the signs of dementia earlier than this.
Those who are diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65 may be told they have early-onset dementia.
Dementia is often caused by damage to brain cells, which may be a result of diseases, injuries or other issues. In most cases, dementia is not classified as a hereditary disease; however, there are some instances where it can be caused by genetic mutations which are passed down through families.
Some lifestyle factors can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia, including smoking, having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Other medical conditions can also increase the risks, including rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease.
It’s really important to follow a healthy lifestyle and to encourage others to do the same. This may reduce your chance of developing dementia and many other diseases. Read our blog on dementia jigsaws.
How can volunteering help people with dementia?
Volunteering is a very selfless thing to do and shows a deep commitment to supporting others to live and age well. That’s what we are all about at Regenerage: helping older people to live and age well in our community. We are on a mission to support as many people as we can, but it’s only possible with the help of our amazing volunteers dedicating their own time to impact someone’s life positively.
Volunteering to support someone living with dementia can be extremely rewarding for you and very helpful for them. Here are some of the most significant benefits to those living with dementia.
Gain companionship and support
When living with a disease like dementia, it’s easy to feel alone and like no one understands what you’re going through. This can often lead to increased social isolation, which can be even more difficult.
By volunteering in Bolton, Preston or South Ribble, you can build friendships with individuals, offering them a trusted person to talk to over the phone or during visits. This can really help their mental health.
Equally, it’s hard for family members and friends whose loved one is going through dementia. By offering your companionship, you can help them feel more positive about the situation.
Local community engagement
No one should have to miss out on activities they previously enjoyed because of a diagnosis. Volunteering can provide someone with the confidence they need to continue engaging with the broader community. This can often include signing up to join groups which focus on things like crafts or music.
Not only do these sessions increase confidence and enjoyment, but they also enable the individual to maintain social skills.
Boost well-being and reduce stress
It’s really important to focus on well-being when someone has been diagnosed with a condition, as it can be challenging to process. Well-being activities can be as simple as a chat or a walk, or even beginning a new project which has been adapted to suit the individual’s needs. Not only does this support people, but it also enables them to learn new skills.
Raise awareness of dementia
Similar to many other conditions, dementia is a complex one that can often be misunderstood. As a volunteer, you’ll gain firsthand experience and be able to educate others on the disease and how it affects people. You’ll also be able to reduce the stigma around it by showing people what is possible.
How can I volunteer with Regenerage?
At Regenerage, we offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities in Bolton, Preston and South Ribble, including joining our activity centres. At these centres, we welcome older people to participate in a variety of activities, including gardening, arts and crafts and reminiscence activities.
Our activity centres are:
- Lostock Hall Activity Centre, South Ribble
- Charnley Fold, Bamber Bridge: Enhanced & mainstream day support
- Withy Trees, Fulwood: Mainstream day support
These centres are open during the following times:
- Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 4:45 pm
- Friday: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Our volunteers are such an integral part of our offering, and we pride ourselves on their professionalism and caring nature. All our volunteers enjoy their rewarding roles and love making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Dementia-Friendly Well-Being Club
Additionally, we have recently started our Dementia Friendly Well-Being club, which is open to those living with dementia and their carers. The club provides activities such as low-level sports and cognitive stimulation, specifically designed for the elderly of all abilities.
All sessions take place at Lostock Hall Activity Centre, PR5 5TA. Please use the timetable below for more information.
| Day | Start date | Time (pm) |
| Tuesdays | 8th July | 12:30-2:30 |
| Thursdays | 10th July | 12:15-1:15 |
| Mondays | 21st July | 2:00-3:00 |
Other options for volunteering
Although not directly supporting those living with dementia, we do offer some alternative roles for volunteering. These include the following.
- Volunteer in our stores
- Fundraise for us
Why volunteer with us?
If you are a reliable and compassionate individual, then you should volunteer with us. We empower volunteers to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives through community engagement.
Do you have what it takes to become a dedicated volunteer for us? Contact us to find out more about our volunteering roles. We’d love to have you on the team! Complete this form to register your interest.
