Established originally in February 2010, Young At Heart ULO CIC has been supporting people living with dementia and their care parners for many years and in that time has undergone many changes. As a user-led organisation, we highly value the input and feedback of the people that we work with in order to deliver a diverse variety of activities and services that can change and respond to changing group dynamics and needs.
"I am very lonely living on my own. I enjoy coming for the social side - meeting new people, having a natter and a sing-song. I look forwward all week to [it]."
"[The carers group] offers peer support, a safe space to rant and get it out of your system. We are free to socialise, drink tea, have a good laugh and do different activities. It is a reason to get dressed."
"I like that [...] has somewhere to go as a social group which is lead very well. She has made friendships [and] always comes away happy. I find the groups help to share problems and experiences of situations with each other - people who are in the same situation as us."
"I want more people to know that this group exists. I think the relaxed attitude is great for most people as it is working well."
Feedback above was gathered from group members of both the dementia activity groups and the care partner peer support groups.
Ideally, volunteers might have a general interest in any of the following areas:
- Music
- Movement to Music
- Dance
- Art
- Crafts
- Drama or theatre performance
- Cooking or baking
- Gardening
- Using Technology
- Group Games
Alternatively, let us know if you have a talent or passion that you could share with our group.
Experience of working with people experiencing memory problems or living with dementia is desireable but not essential as training and support is provided.
The qualities we do feel are essential are:
- A desire to enhance people's lives
- Confidence to support (or lead) activities
- Outgoing
- Approachable and empathis
- Adaptable
- Creative
- Good communication skills
- Realiable
- Confident
Our Opportunities
Join our Dementia Carers for their weekly peer support group. In this group you will learn about the first hand experiences of people caring for someone living with dementia and find out more about local services and opportunities for support.
If you’d like to help to collate and share information relevant to people living with dementia and their carers then this could be the role for you!
Volunteers are required to support the delivery of meaningful activities to a group of people living with dementia or their carers. May include small group/1:1 support.