Dementia Club Volunteer

Help people living with dementia stay connected, engaged and supported by volunteering at a new Age UK Reading MCST (Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy) Dementia Club.

MCST is an evidence-based programme recommended by NICE and used across the NHS to help people with mild to moderate dementia maintain their cognitive abilities, improve wellbeing, and stay socially connected through enjoyable group activities.

We're looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to support our MCST Facilitator in delivering fun, engaging sessions. You'll spend a few hours each week chatting with members, encouraging participation, supporting activities, and helping to create a warm, welcoming environment where people can build confidence, friendships, and enjoy meaningful social interaction.

As this is a new club, you'll have the opportunity to help create a welcoming, supportive community from the very beginning. This role involves a regular weekly commitment at the same MCST group. Consistent volunteers become a valued part of the group, helping members feel comfortable, build meaningful relationships and enjoy a familiar, supportive environment each week.

No specialist experience is needed, just patience, kindness, and a willingness to support others. Full training and ongoing support will be provided. By volunteering with us, you'll become part of a friendly, supportive team and make a genuine difference to the wellbeing, confidence and quality of life of local people living with dementia.

About Age UK Reading

Age UK Reading is an independent local charity supporting older people across Reading to live happy, healthy, and independent lives. We offer a wide range of services, including information and advice, dementia support groups, social activity groups, befriending, carers support, our Happy Feet toenail cutting service, and much more. Helping older people stay connected to their community and maintain their independence is at the heart of our organisation.

Our volunteers play a vital role in everything we do. Whether they're supporting our dementia groups, helping at social activities, providing companionship or assisting behind the scenes, they make a real difference to the lives of local older people every day. By volunteering with Age UK Reading, you'll be joining a friendly, supportive team, developing new skills, and making a lasting difference to the lives of older people in your local community.

What skills do I need?

What we're looking for:

✓ Aged 18 or over.

✓ Friendly, approachable and confident communicating with a wide range of people.

✓ Patient, compassionate and understanding, with empathy for older people living with dementia.

✓ Able to build trusting relationships and help create a warm, welcoming environment.

✓ Reliable and committed - MCST sessions rely on familiar faces and routine, so regular attendance is especially important.

✓ Willing to learn - you'll receive training and guidance on dementia awareness, safeguarding and effective communication techniques.

✓ Comfortable supporting group activities and working as part of a small, friendly team.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check. If you're successful in your application, Age UK Reading will arrange and pay for your DBS check.

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Weekly commitment every Wednesday 10.30am-1.45pm

Where does this role take place?