OUR VOLUNTEERS

GEORGE  

Hi,

My first Voluntary work was many moons ago, working on a long-term Men's ward of a local Mental Health hospital. That was back in the mid-70s.

From there I worked for Mind for a good while, then for a charity that supported 'problem' youngsters.

In the early 80s I found a charity that gave support to people with a range of Anxiety Disorders and OCD, and was there for many years, as both a Volunteer and a paid development worker, until the charity had to close due to lack of government funding.

Within this time I went to University as a mature student, and after four years of hard slog, attained a Degree in Psychology (with Hons) I also have certified training in Cognitive Behavioural Psychology and Life Coaching.

Within my career in the voluntary sector, I have undertaken many hours of one-to-one counselling, constructed and facilitated a number of therapeutic Groups / Workshops, trained both Volunteers and professionals in self-help support skills, and assisted voluntary organizations giving support to people affected by a range of mental health problems, to set up and run local self-help groups, helplines. Etc.

I have also written, and self published, two practical self-help guides to help people to help themselves overcome Anxiety Conditions and lack of Self-Confidence. 

When the Anxiety charity I spent many years with had to close, I went back into non-charity work and in 1999, secured a position in the City, as a Facilities Administrator for a large security company.

I retired from there in 2016 and having lots of time on my hands, I began to look for local charity work as a Volunteer.  I found the Alzheimer's Society , and the bonus was - the work allowed me to fulfil my love of making music (I play Guitar) and singing. 

So! As a Volunteer, my role was helping to provide music session  

In October 2022 along with a number of other people, we started THE DEMENTIA MUSIC & SOCIAL CLUB, and we are looking forward to working together to provide a much needed, enjoyable experience for those with Dementia and their Carers,

CAROL

Hi all My name is Carol and I am the oldest of the volunteers and have the longest association
with Alzheimer’s clubs ( 11 years) .

My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and I cared for  him for 7 years until he passed.

We attended the clubs 3 times a week and he really enjoyed going and you could see how beneficial it was to him and other cared for and Carer’s. He always sung the opening song with a guitarist.  

After he passed I carried on attending the clubs as a volunteer. and am a Committee member.

I’m not able to dance  but I see my role as giving information to new clients and helping anyone else that has a problem.

Because I cared for my husband I am very aware of the various stages of Alzheimer’s and can discuss this with Carer’s.

At The Dementia Music & Social Club we are so lucky to have such committed volunteers who really make the clubs so welcoming to everyone.

IRENE

Hello everyone I have been a volunteer for my local Dementia support group for a number of years. .
I started my volunteering in 2010 at the Queen’s Hospital Romford on the oncology ward, I would help nurses with bed baths, feeding and talking to patients who were lonely because they had no visitors. I did this for 5 years and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I then started volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Society as a Side By Side companion.
I have had a personal connection with Dementia, my Mother in Law suffered for 11 years, 7 of which we looked after her at home. My mum had early stages and many other underlying health problems. I found out about a local Dementia group and I would take her every week which she absolutely loved. It’s amazing how music makes people suffering with this terrible disease come alive!
After loosing my mum some years ago I decided I wanted to give something back and what better way than helping out at a local Dementia support group. I am currently working for the amazing DEMENTIA MUSIC and SOCIAL CLUB, alongside a dozen or more other volunteers.

Kevin

Hi all,

I’m Kevin husband of long serving club volunteer Irene.

My first involvement with dementia came as my late mother had the disease. 

Having lost my mother I decided that a change was necessary, so I decided to volunteer for Moorfields Eye Charity. I completed all the on line training and was due to be located at Upney Moorfields clinic. However Covid then hit and I never actually got to volunteer. 

My wife said that more male volunteers were needed at her dementia club so I decided to help out. I joined in Sept 2023.

I am currently on the clubs committee and have recently become club secretary.  

JULIE 

I have worked as a volunteer within the mental health sector for 20 years. Setting up and running groups in East London, dealing with anxiety, phobias and depression. I was also a director on the board representing the groups. 

Over 5 years ago I gave up full time work in the city to take care of my mum who is having health problems. I decided on a change of direction and started working with the Alzheimer's Society. I have volunteered at various groups over that time and recently helped to set up a new venture, The Dementia Music & Social Club. I am a volunteer at our Monday club and I am also chairperson on the committee.

The club has a lovely atmosphere, Carers and cared for, dancing and singing along to the wonderful musicians there to entertain them each week, and seeing all the happy smiling faces makes it the best job in the world. Come along and join us.

CHRIS

I am retired and began volunteering for the dementia groups back in 2018.

I currently work for The Dementia Music & Social Club, mainly work in the kitchen preparing refreshments etc - I don't dance as I have two left feet!

LINDA

Hi everyone .. I have been a volunteer with my local Dementia for just over a year.

I did one session before the first lock-down and have carried on since restrictions were lifted.

There's a lovely atmosphere at The Dementia Music & Social Club, and everyone is friendly and welcoming.

My work background is Education Admin, and I've been retired for over three years. I was a volunteer ambassador for Richard House Children's Hospice a few years ago.

I saw an article by George Ward on Facebook that caught my interest, so I asked if volunteers were needed. I have no experience of working with people with Dementia, but enjoy being able to help in some small way. Long may the Dementia Music & Social Club prosper.

ADY

I have been married to my lovely husband Simon for over 26 years and we have two grown up children, Catherine 19, and Joseph 15.  I work as a nursery nurse at St. Chad's Pre school where I do singing and dancing of a different kind, which is a lot of fun.  My past jobs  include, Woolworths check out girl, receptionist, dental nurse and a serving wench! ( But we won't go into that:-)

I have a passion for the theatre and acting and spent three years on the performing arts course at Barking college.  I have performed in many productions with different companies, including 'They Shall Not Grow Old' with Mania Productions at the Edinburgh Fringe. I currently belong to Barking Music and Drama, whom I have performed with for over 30 years.

After losing  my parents in 2016 and 2017, I wanted to volunteer for something that would help me focus on others, as well as help me with my grief.  After watching a news report on the positive effects that music has on people suffering from dementia, I phoned the Alzheimer 's Society.  They put me in touch with my borough's local singing therapy group, I found it amazing to witness first hand, how spirits can be lifted and memories can be prompted, through the power of song.

I am so proud to be a part of our wonderful new group and to see how it is not only uplifting
for the sufferers, but also proves to be of invaluable support to the carers too.  Help and guidance is at hand provided by those with many years experience.  Our amazing Dementia and Social Club is a fantastic support for the dementia community.

PAM

Hello, my name is Pam, l retired several years ago after working many happy years for the London Borough of Havering at a day centre for frail elderly adults and people with dementia.
I heard about a local Dementia group Facebook and started as a volunteer in Feb 2020.
I'm so happy now, to be part of a dedicated team, volunteers for The Dementia Music & Social Club.
l help prepare the hall for when people arrive and help provide a welcoming atmosphere to all.
I enjoy chatting to people and their carers, and joining in sing-a-longs etc.
It's very rewarding to see those who attend having a good time and looking forward to coming again. 

SUE

Hello everyone,

My name is Sue, and I’ve been volunteering with The Dementia Music and Social Club for a relatively short time. My journey with the club began in July 2024 when I attended a Monday session as a service user with my lovely friend Jackie, who is a Carer for her mum, June. Shortly afterward, Jackie shared a photograph of a leaflet from the Wednesday club calling for volunteers, saying, “thought of you.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Although I’m new to volunteering with DMSC, I am not new to volunteering. In 2014, I volunteered on the Postnatal Ward at Queen’s Hospital, and since 2018, I’ve been a volunteer with Macmillan Cancer Support. My roles there have included being part of the events team and serving as a telephone buddy. However, as I also work as an early years educator, my availability is limited, and I am currently only able to attend the Monday sessions at DMSC.

My motivation for volunteering comes from deeply personal reasons. I’ve experienced the loss of loved ones to both cancer and dementia and continue to support family and friends who are navigating these challenges. Volunteering allows me to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I absolutely love music and dancing, so the club feels like a perfect fit for me. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy on the faces of the service users and to contribute to such a warm and supportive environment. I feel truly honoured and proud to be part of this fantastic organization and to work alongside such a wonderful group of people.

Thank you for welcoming me into this community.

Sue

Teresa

Hi

I’m Teresa and I started coming to the group in 2020 with my aunt Jackie known fondly as the lady in red. 

Her sister Hazel started taking her before COVID then I took over as Hazel became very poorly and couldn’t go anymore…

This is when my life changed! Coming to the club as a career was wonderful! Meeting people and meeting life long friends. I know Jackie loved it although so days was a real struggle getting her there as loved ones with dementia can relate to… I am now a volunteer and I take Ken to club as well so I get to experience both. I just love it

I first started volunteering 14yrs ago for tapestry, then singing for brain, then with you wonderful lot (DMSC) since last year. I worked for 25yrs in home care for social services and DMSC is by far the best organization  I have worked with.

KEITH

I worked from age seventeen, first in film and theatrical costumiers in production sourcing and buying/making costumes for mainly movies.
Moving on from costumes I learnt to do upholstery as an alternative job, but I missed the bright lights and stages… so I applied and secured a job working in west end productions, Cats, starlight Express, Evita, Fiddler on the
Roof, to name a few.
From theatre’s my next move was TV.
I started at LWT in February 1986 and worked on thousands of popular TV shows…. It was whilst working here that i had a massive heart attack and had to medically retire so I became a pensioner aged 43.
I was asked if I would help in coronary care unit that had saved my life. So my volunteer days began I used to encourage cardiac patients through therapy sessions to adhere to various treatments in order to learn how to regain life after after a cardiac event. As I was younger and had suffered a huge life changing illness and survived.
During my retirement my father had been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia… and my experience with this was a personal one learning and understanding as it progressed through the years until he passed.
having experienced many ups and downs in my fathers life living with this awful disease it left me feeling quite helpless until I started volunteering at the Dementia Music and social Club.