Become a Side by Side volunteer and make a real difference to a person living with dementia
A pioneering initiative aimed at improving the lives of people living with dementia is seeking volunteers.
Alzheimer’s Society, Sefton is looking for volunteers for their innovative Side by Side project. It’s a fun, friendly, flexible service that helps people living with dementia to continue to play an active part in their community.
Side by Side aims to match volunteers with similar interests to the person they support. For example, David has vascular dementia and lives in Southport. He loves to take a stroll in the local park but has started to struggle on his own. Margaret lives in Maghull and enjoys a cup of coffee in a local café, she lives alone, recently, her Alzheimer’s has worsened and she doesn’t have the confidence to do this anymore.
Alzheimer’s Society hopes to match people like David and Margaret with volunteers who also enjoy similar interests and who could give them a helping hand. Anyone who would like to help is urged to contact Sue Rimmer, the service’s Co-ordinator by calling 07736 601305 or emailing [email protected]
Barry Lyon, Local Service Manager said “With someone in the UK developing dementia every three minutes, we need volunteers right now.”
He added “Anyone who becomes a Side by Side volunteer will make a real difference to someone with this condition – and they’ll also find it hugely rewarding.”
“Whether you’re a social butterfly, shopaholic or nature lover, we need people like you. You can volunteer on weekdays, evenings and weekends at various times – so it's a flexible way to give your time and really make a huge difference to a person's life.”
⦁ Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
⦁ Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 900,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia.
⦁ Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
⦁ The total cost of care for people with dementia in the UK is £34.7billion. This is the equivalent of more than £40,000 per person with dementia.
⦁ Alzheimer’s Society is the biggest UK dementia research charity, which funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia, and is a founding funder of the UK Dementia Research Institute.
⦁ Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
⦁ Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia.
⦁ Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting
⦁ Alzheimer’s Society provides the Dementia Connect support line (0333 150 3456)
⦁ Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc and Like us on Facebook
⦁ Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety
⦁ Download our dementia-friendly guide for tips on best practice to make sure dementia is accurately and fairly reported in the media: alzheimers.org.uk/mediaguide