Dementia friendship scheme
A diagnosis of dementia can come as a shock. However, there is much that you can do in the early stages that can help to make life easier and more enjoyable, both now and in the future.
It is important to carry on doing the things you enjoy, such as getting out and about, seeing people or doing something at home.
This will often be easier and more fun with someone who can help you to rebuild your confidence. Our scheme provides friendly, trained volunteers who can do just this.
What sort of things could I do?
It's up to you. You could go along together to one of our friendship groups, visit a museum or the cinema or go shopping. You could stay at home together to do some gardening, make a cake, have a chat and reminisce about earlier times.
How we work
Our project worker will first make contact and visit you. She will give you some more information about how the scheme works and find out about you and your interests.
If the scheme is right for you, she will try to find a suitable volunteer. You will then be introduced to them and they will meet with you each week to get to know you and do things together.
The project worker will always keep in contact with you and the volunteer to make sure everything is going well.
Who are our volunteers?
Friendly people who want to spend a couple of hours a week getting to know someone else and giving support to keep people active in their community. All will have had an opportunity to learn about dementia and other aspects of later life.
We take up references and Criminal Records Bureau checks. They are friends, not professional advisers or care workers and so they will not be able to give specific advice or undertake personal care tasks.
Trusting us to help you
The scheme is especially for people aged over 50 who have been diagnosed with dementia and who are considered to be at an early stage. It’s for people who would like a visit from a volunteer each week and would like to take part in social activities but need a bit of support to do so.
Our main priority is older people who live on their own in the community.
How much does it cost?
The service is completely free, though you would of course need to pay for any activities and outings you choose to do.
For more information, please contact Nichola using the details below.
Comments from a dementia friendship scheme user
'We never stop talking, we’ve got so much in common.'
Contact the dementia friendship scheme
Phone: 024 7643 3977
Email: nichola.lavin@ageukcoventry.org.uk