‘Side by Side’ is a new Alzheimer’s Society service which helps people with dementia to keep doing the things they love and get out and about with the support of a volunteer. Like joining a local club, going to football, or just going for a stroll in the park. This extra support can make it easier for people with dementia, who sometimes feel isolated or find it difficult to leave their homes, to do things we might take for granted and feel part of their their local community. The service is highly flexible and built around the individual and their needs.
‘Side by Side’ is currently available in 35 locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimers.org.uk) is currently growing the service and working towards a situation where every person has the opportunity to access the service.
If you wish to know whether the service is available in your area, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit the ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY’S website as shown above.
The service aims to achieve the following:-
*Enabling people with dementia to lead fulfilling lives
*Reducing isolation and loneliness in people with dementia
*Ensure people with dementia are not excluded from services and activity, and are able to remain active and involved in their communities
*Empower people with dementia to identify their own solutions and responses to meet their identified needs and wishes.
*Support people with dementia to identify their own personal talents, strengths and capabilities, and what they can bring to their peers and the wider community.
*Develop and encourage community-based informal support networks for people with dementia.
*Link people with dementia and local volunteers to build networks of support and activity.