Zest Volunteer: Deal

Bright Shadow's mission is to enable people living with dementia, and those affected by it, to live well and to thrive. We are experts in creative activities designed specifically for people with dementia to enable self-expression, social interaction and active participation. We do this in a number of ways, including our trademark Zest sessions for people living with dementia in the community.

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities and are particularly looking for someone to work with our Zest group in Deal. This role is a wonderful opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of our participants by enabling those with more complex needs to continue engaging with this close-knit group.

You will become part of a friendly team offering support and guidance, so your positive attitude is more important to us than specific experience. We offer all volunteers dementia awareness and safeguarding training, as well as requiring an enhanced DBS certificate.

Established in 2009, Bright Shadow is a creative organisation where people living with dementia and our supporters live well and enjoy making our own high quality art. We are adamant that life and fun shouldn't stop once you reach a certain age or receive a diagnosis of dementia. In all of our work we celebrate the here and now, ensuring that people with dementia enjoy a bright today and a bright tomorrow.

ROLE SUMMARY:

To support artists and the Zest Deal Coordinator in the delivery of creative sessions for people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers.

To work directly with participants with complex needs, enabling them to engage with each session.

POST REPORTS TO: Project Manager and Zest Deal Coordinator

LOCATION: The Astor Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, CT14 6AB

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer

HOURS REQUIRED: Thursdays 9:45am-12:15pm

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Understanding of or willingness to learn about living with dementia, including completing provided dementia awareness training
2. Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and empathy
3. Enthusiasm to join in with performance and arts activities such as singing, movement and story making wherever possible and assisting participants to engage fully
4. Work closely with Zest Deal Coordinator to deliver a safe and high quality experience
5. Help Zest Deal Coordinator to prepare the room before sessions and clear up at the end where necessary
6. Help Zest Deal Coordinator to prepare refreshments for participants
7. Help the Zest Deal Coordinator with the collection of evaluation information
8. Assist in documenting the sessions using photography, recording and/or film on equipment provided where necessary
9. Work within all Bright Shadow policies, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Equality and GDPR compliance.

This role is subject to the volunteer having an up to date enhanced DBS check carried out.