Since she started volunteering at Alzheimer's Support's Mill Street Day Club in Trowbridge, Janet feels needed again.

You don’t need to be a special kind of person to volunteer, you just need to be you and that’s enough.

“I lost my husband, my soulmate, a year ago and felt I had lost my purpose. He was a huge part of my life and left a huge void and a feeling of emptiness. Since volunteering with Alzheimer’s Support I feel needed again.”

“A friend had suggested looking at the volunteering opportunities on the Wiltshire Together website. I responded to a few, but I was a little uncertain if I would have the skills required. Once I was contacted by Annie from Alzheimer’s Support and spoke to her and Grant Newton, head of day care, they put my mind at rest. All I needed was to be me!

I just had fun at the day club

“That became even clearer the moment I arrived at the club, it was so relaxed. I just had fun while enjoying the company of the members.

 “There are some more basic tasks like helping to serve meals and lots of hot beverages and cake, of course, but nothing I wouldn’t do at home for my family and friends.

 “We play games of all sorts – I’m getting quite good at scrabble and we do puzzles and various quizzes. There is the daily fun movement to silly songs, we play darts, skittles, curling, all sorts. We talk lots too, there is such a variety of people who come to the club and they have led such interesting lives. Making a positive difference in someone’s day is extremely satisfying.

 “My sister and mum both lived with dementia in the later part of their lives. I’ve been a carer and know how important it was to get a break for both for myself and for Mum. Alzheimer’s Support provides a vital service. My family and I received wonderful support when we needed it, it’s great to be able to pass that on.

Volunteer with Alzheimer's Support

Alzheimer's Support's Day Clubs