Alzheimer’s Society calls for volunteers in Alzheimer’s Awareness Week

This week (6-12 July) is Alzheimer's Awareness Week in England and Wales.

Alzheimer’s is a physical disease that destroys cells in the brain and affects memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. It’s the most common form of dementia and is progressive, meaning that gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged and the symptoms become more severe.

Anyone can develop Alzheimer’s; it’s not restricted to elderly people. Current estimates are that some 417,000 people in the UK are affected and thousands of these are under the age of 65.

As the disease progresses individuals need help with all aspects of daily life and mostly it’s families that provide this care. The Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard branches of the Alzheimer’s Society run weekly drop-in sessions to give carers a much needed break, the chance to socialise, and also to talk about particular issues and difficulties they may be experiencing.

The branches are looking for volunteers to help at these sessions, which are held on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2.p.m, in the centre of Dunstable, and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2.p.m, a short walk from Leighton Buzzard town centre. They need people to assist with teas and coffees, meet and greet carers, and give a listening ear. Occasional drivers are also sought in the Leighton Buzzard area.

No specific skills are necessary, although an interest in, or understanding of, dementia or counselling skills would be useful. All volunteers receive one-day’s introductory training and further training is available.

The Leighton Buzzard branch would also like to hear from qualified therapists who can spare a couple of hours every month or two to provide additional support in the form of alternative therapies such as Reiki, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, or similar.

To find out about these or hundreds of other volunteering opportunities in the Leighton Buzzard area, contact Lucy, Rebecca or Janet at Volunteer Centre South Bedfordshire, tel. 01525 850559.