Forget Me Not Volunteer Befriending Project

What does the FMN Project do? Volunteers offer emotional support to people who have dementia, by visiting them in a care home or hospital. The support that is offered is different for each person. Some people like the volunteer to help them to go out to places they enjoy – art galleries, shops, local parks, while others might enjoy a game of cards or looking at photos. It depends on the interest and abilities of the person with dementia. It also depends on what the volunteers feel able to do. At all times we encourage volunteers to get to know the person they are offering support to, this is done with the support of others (staff/family). We also encourage volunteers to work to their own strengths and abilities as well as focusing on what the person with dementia can still do.

Volunteers in Hospitals and AS services Gartnavel Royal (5 volunteers) Mansion House Victoria Infirmary Golden Jubilee Building links with RAH People living at home access a range of support services - singing groups to welfare rights

What Happens Next? Volunteers offer the minimal commitment of two hours per week. They attend training to ensure that they are clear and confident in their role and have some understanding of dementia. We also require that all volunteers give us two references and we apply for an enhanced disclosure prior to the volunteers going to work with people who have dementia.

What do our Volunteers think of Forget Me Not Training "Working closely with adults suffering dementia is challenging and eye opening. Despite frequent efforts to engage conversation or share an experience I felt my efforts were no use - at first. However, soon I realised just a glance, nod, or better a smile reminded meant I was appreciated. I will never forget the first time my client and I shared a laugh. Alzheimer Scotland are a very supportive organisation. I thoroughly enjoyed training and quickly found befriending work. I greatly enjoyed each visit and was impressed by the facilities and the caring nature of the staff. “ Peter McKenna Volunteer, January 2013

What skills does a volunteer need? Patience A sense of humour Communication Listening

What do families think of our Volunteers "The volunteer obviously provided a person- centred service, showing genuine interest and valuing Dad’s life and interests - an entitlement which should apply to all those with dementia. My brothers and myself all work full-time and therefore cannot visit Dad as often as we would like, so to know that the Forget-me-not project was available gave us some peace of mind, especially as it is offered so professionally and compassionately.” Christine M. Morton, Family Member March 13

Who are we Fay McCormick Volunteer Coordinator Susan Rendell Volunteer Coordinator William Platt Project Admin Nicola Cooper Project Development Contact t:

What do Care Homes think of our Volunteers “ Volunteers are always an added luxury for a care service, these wonderful people give their own time to improve the life of someone with dementia. This is great for the resident, who benefits from one- one time with a special person who is there just for them, and they bring fun, company, reassurance- whatever the person requires. The family also benefit knowing that their loved one is having some quality hours with a person who is trained and who really wants to be there. We have had the pleasure of having a few forget me not volunteers, young and not so young, male and female- and each one has brought different qualities- and all have added to the persons dementia journey.”