Volunteers are needed for a new service to support people with dementia and their carers in Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Verwood and surrounding areas of the Avon Valley.

And to this end local charity Avon Valley Dementia Support (AVDS) is running a training session for befrienders on Thursday 11 August at the Victoria Rooms in Fordingbridge.

Full, professional training will be given at this special day to anyone signing up to be a befriender for the charity. Any expenses will be covered too.

Such simple activities as taking someone out for a cup of tea or a walk or just chatting to them in their own home can help the person with dementia achieve purpose, pleasure, wellbeing, and friendship. It can also provide much needed respite for the carer.

Gilda Newsham, founder of AVDS said: “Anyone who knows about dementia knows how challenging everyday activities can become. How do you go shopping if you cannot leave a loved one safely? How do you get on with household chores if the person constantly needs reassurance? The dementia journey is a long one but with a team of befrienders, we can help give the person with dementia and their carer practical and emotional support.”

The charity also wants to recruit more volunteers as befrienders to carers. Edward Newsham, co-founder said: “Dementia is not only hard on the person with dementia, but it can really take its toll on the carer too. Often a dementia carer is elderly themselves. They may suddenly find themselves trapped at home if the person with dementia was the driver of the household. There are so many ramifications for the carer. Giving them a break from the exhausting task of caring for a person with dementia is so vital.

“All we’re asking is for people to come forward who can spare an hour or two. Just that small commitment can really help improve someone’s self-confidence, emotional health and well-being.”

The charity already runs a monthly pop-up Butterfly Café with lots of dementia-friendly activities and a monthly Music for Memories Group in Fordingbridge.

Gilda Newsham said: “Since the pandemic, many people are still reluctant to come back to the groups. Please join us; we take great care that every safety aspect as directed by the Government is in place.”

To find out more, contact Edward or Gilda on 01425 473777

email: talktoAVDS@outlook.com

www.AvonValleyDementiaSupport.org