Dementia Befriender

As well as our regular befriending service for older people, we also provide befrienders to people of all ages living with a diagnosis of mild-moderate dementia.

For a person living with dementia, staying socially active can help to improve their self-esteem and maintain memory. Volunteering to visit them in their own home once a week could make a huge difference to their quality of life.

"It means I get to spend time with people I wouldn't ordinarily meet"

This role requires:

volunteering for approximately 1 hour a week to visit a person with a mild-moderate diagnosis of dementia
a commitment to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months
a cheerful and friendly personality
good communication/listening skills
attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health & safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality and diversity

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

If you are interested in volunteering to befriend someone living with dementia, Link Age Southwark will provide extra support and training including a Dementia Friends Information session within 3 months of being matched in a befriending relationship. We will keep in touch to see how the relationship is going and will provide you with the opportunity to attend a Peer Support Group for Dementia Befrienders. It is likely that you will also be provided with contact details for family members or carers of the person you are visiting to assist with arrangements.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

How do I apply?

Complete online application form

If you would prefer, you can also download our application form here and email to [email protected]

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I've always worked in the NHS, mostly in paediatrics, and when I retired I wanted to do something equally rewarding but different so when I found that Link Age Southwark (Dulwich Helpline as it was then) was looking for befrienders for the elderly I thought this sounded exactly what I was looking for. Read more