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The Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association needs at least five volunteers to maintain current services, and said those individuals could make a huge difference to some peoples' lives.
The charity "is actively recruiting new volunteers to maintain and expand its caring activities" with hopes to eventually open its centre at Delancey over weekends too.
It currently offers a number of services to those with Alzheimers and those who care for loved ones living with dementia including offering "information, advice and counselling, love and affection and social activity to both."
All of the services are free of charge, but volunteers are needed to "welcome guests, keep them company, be kind and serve tea."
The organisers say there are often signs of the gratitude from the people who use the service too which make the work so rewarding, including a recent letter.
A regular at the centre has also said, “you are my favourite place in Guernsey, my visit is the best day of the week”.
Pictured: The charity is hoping to recruit more volunteers to help centre users and their carers.
Mondays is Carers Social afternoon between 14:00 and 16:00 where volunteers offer much needed respite time with games from euchre to snooker. Wednesdays is Carer Support during the afternoon between 14:00 and 16:00 offering professional advice from all parts of the caring services, with discussion and refreshments.
The organisers said, "sometimes there are tears sometimes laughter but volunteers know that we are a lifeline to people in great need of support."
The charity's recently appointed Chairman Stephen Collas said, “I have never been anywhere which felt so safe and kindly as stepping into the old school room at Delancey where up to 30 people caring or cared for come together. It only takes moments to appreciate the lifeline role being played out here. Dementia is a journey, but not one you would ever choose to take. It gives carers support and a boost to carry on, and is something to look forward to every week.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with the Alzheimers Centre is asked to email info@alzheimers.gg or telephone 245121
The website is alzheimers.gg
Pictured top: The centre at Delancey.
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