A CARMARTHENSHIRE charity is looking for kind-hearted volunteers who are willing to help people with dementia do the things they love.

Side by Side Carmarthenshire is a new free service from the Alzheimer’s Society, providing one-to one support for people with dementia to remain active and feel part of their local community.

Gwyn Augustus, manager of the Side by Side service in Carmarthenshire, said: “This new service focuses on enabling people with dementia to lead more fulfilling lives and to continue to take part in the activities that they have always enjoyed and try new ones.

“We are currently piloting this service in 17 places across the UK and are looking to expand to 26 by the beginning of next year. We need more volunteers to enable people with dementia to stay connected and help to reduce feelings of loneliness that may be felt after a diagnosis.

“By doing things like going for a walk, to a football match, or joining a local class together, our volunteers support people with dementia to take up hobbies and get out and about. What they do together is entirely based on what the person with dementia wants.” “Volunteers are crucial to the success of this service and can range from providing support once a week to once a fortnight at a time that works for the volunteer and person with dementia.

“It might be taking a walk in the park, a visit to a café or a chat over the phone, sounds simple, but it can make a huge difference to someone’s life.” added Gwyn.

The Alzheimer’s Society hope Side by Side will help grow “Dementia Friendly Communities” by building local networks for people bringing opportunity and widening what people with dementia can bring to their community, reducing stigma and social exclusion.

A recent survey by Alzheimer’s Society found 40 per cent of people with dementia in Wales, England and Northern Ireland, have felt lonely recently and the charity says there is strong evidence that life satisfaction in general for older people is positively correlated with levels of activity.

If you are interested in becoming a Side by Side volunteer, please contact Gwyn on 01269 597411 or gwyn.augustus@alzheimers.org.uk for more details.

Training will be provided so that volunteers are confident about carrying out the role. Volunteering provides a great opportunity to learn new skills, share your hobby with others and enhance your CV in addition to supporting a person to live more independently with dementia.

The Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. They rely on voluntary donations to continue their vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk