"I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people."

Marian, 73, has been volunteering with Age UK Barnet's dementia day club for just over a year, after retiring from the NHS and feeling like she was "put on the shelf". Having experienced watching her mother suffer early onset dementia and subsequently working on a dementia ward for a number of years, Marian is passionate about her volunteering role within the dementia day service.

"I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people through volunteering with the dementia day clubs, and I really value it my time at Age UK Barnet – it's the highlight of my week!"

"So, each week we have a topic. Recently it was befriending, I was assisting in the discussion group, and we were chatting about what people feel a friend is. There’s also a yoga session on the day I volunteer which I take part in, and I encourage people to do the same.

"At lunchtime, I sit with the clients too, as it’s important to have that proximity and have those light-hearted conversations. Even before everyone arrives in the morning, the people who are already there might play cards, do some art or just have catch ups with everyone. It’s really well run and there’s always something stimulating to do. In the afternoon, we do an art activity and cognitive stimulation with quizzes or do a carry-on story game. It’s a good way of gauging where people are at with their cognitive ability.

“One of the main challenges older people face is loneliness, even just in the community itself, people’s doors aren’t as open as they used to be, technology as well is a struggle for some people.”

"It’s a very light-hearted, friendly and warm service, equally I feel open as a volunteer to bring up any safeguarding issues to management. There’s such an array of people - like retired solicitors, there was even a music journalist. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve made friends with the other volunteers too.
"With dementia, different people need different things so some might need more stimulation than others, so sometimes we will take people aside and play a game with them, it’s important not to make assumptions and to get to know the clients for who they are.

An active retirement

"I do believe there should be courses for retired people that guide you with what your options are, because I had a very good career and have done a lot in my life, and I felt like I was not fully occupied once i retired . I wasn’t sure how I fitted into society then but I’m grateful that I’m well enough right now, and volunteering helps with that feeling of gratefulness."

“Even though I volunteer for Age UK Barnet, I do actually take part in some of the activities - myself and my friends go to the bingo once a month and the lunch club. I make use of the seated exercise service because of the problems I have with my legs - it's an excellent facility. I’ve also been awarded Attendance Allowance through the support of Age UK’s advice line which is amazing and I enter the Age UK lottery.”