Memory awareness volunteer

Our small but committed team of Memory Awareness Volunteers run one-to-one drop in sessions in GP surgeries for anyone concerned about their memory or that of a relative. They also give occasional talks to larger groups.

The team has plenty of support and training, and dedicated materials including leaflets and template talks on their three key messages:

•      When to Worry About Memory
•      Why it's good to know: the importance of getting a diagnosis
•      Living Well with Dementia.

The memory awareness project started in 2012 as part of our Comic Relief funded Early Diagnosis Campaign. In 2015 the volunteer team won the Healthier Wiltshire Award from Wiltshire Council, and the same year the project won a Timeline Award from NHS England.

What they say

My volunteer role involves providing drop-in sessions at the library in Warminster. Anyone who has worries concerning their memory can come and see me and I can provide them with information regarding the differences between normal ageing and possible dementia. I can signpost them to a dementia adviser or suggest they visit their GP. Sometimes it is a case of reassuring people they are probably going through a normal ageing process. I would definitely recommend being a memory awareness volunteer for Alzheimer’s Support. The training is brilliant, the support is always there and it is just so rewarding. I’ve gained so much knowledge and it has helped me very much, not only as a volunteer but with my own mother.

Andrea Pearce