OUR VOLUNTEERS

LISA 

Welcome to our brand new shiny website. Here’s a little explanation about how I became involved with “THE DEMENTIA MUSIC & SOCIAL CLUB”.

I have a personal connection with the devastating illness that is Dementia. My father sadly passed away in 2012 after approximately six years of gradual decline, in which I saw him revert back to a childlike state. It is a truly awful illness and affects everyone in the family. There wasn’t as much awareness and help when we needed it back then, but we did what we could to ensure my dad was happy and my mum able to cope. There were many heartbreaking times and also some funny ones.

I often danced with Dad around the coffee table in their little lounge and we sang Christmas carols in the height of Summer!!! The icing on the cake was when on one occasion I kissed him goodbye and Dad announced that I shouldn’t go yet as Colonel Gaddaffi was coming to tea!! We laughed and we cried..... You have to 😓😊.

We did recognise music as a common theme in the illness. Dad would recite all the lyrics to old songs with gusto but didn’t know what day it was or how to clean his teeth. He had vascular dementia which meant his mobility wasn’t the best and he couldn’t walk very far in the later years. What was amazing was how he could still dance. Oh how I wish the Singing for the Brain groups had been there for him and us to enjoy.

In early 2014 I joined the Alzheimer’s Society’s “Singing for the Brain” groups as a volunteer after much coaxing from my wonderful mum who had already enrolled. Having been through the dementia journey with my father I wasn’t sure at first if it was something I could do but decided to give it a go. I can honestly say it’s by far the best thing I’ve ever done and I’ve never looked back.  I completely understand and empathise with all of those currently going through it. I get such satisfaction from seeing our members become animated with the music. The transformation in them is amazing and the atmosphere is joyous and happy.

For the next five years I volunteered whenever I could alongside other paid jobs then in 2019 I became employed with the Alzheimer’s Society. I took on a temporary paid position to manage and run the clubs till the end of January 2020. Sadly the Society withdrew its funding, and it became necessary to transition the group to a self funding private concern. We could not let such a brilliant service come to a halt when we see at every session what a difference it makes to the lives of the service users. 

Then in March 2020 the Covid pandemic hit and I spent my time on the phone of FaceBook, trying to keep people connected!  We had catch-ups in the local park, small garden gatherings, online video sessions and a thankful short-lived return to clubs in September 2020.  We’ve sadly lost some very dear friends along the way, but our lives are enriched for having known them. 

In October 2022 many of us Volunteers decided to start anew with our own group. Thus, THE DEMENTIA MUSIC & SOCIAL CLUB, was born, and we are looking forward to working together to continue provide a much needed, enjoyable experience for those with Dementia and their Carers 

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,

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.

DEBBIE

I have volunteered at community groups for people with dementia for more than 7 years. 

Initially I wanted to help because when my dad was diagnosed in 2010 there was nothing like The Dementia Music and Social Club available to him, and he would have loved it. As the years have gone by I've see how much enjoyment people get from these clubs and that is a great reward for a few hours of effort every week. 

I help out with a bit of everything. Publicity, setting up the tables and chairs, serving drinks and clearing up, and lots of encouraging people to join in with the singing and dancing. We are a new club so I've also agreed to be secretary which means arranging and recording discussions by the club committee. The best thing though is joining in with everyone at the club sessions. We think of ourselves as one big family and we're having a party!  

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.

HELEN

Hi I'm Helen,

I have been working and volunteering with dementia clients since 2012. with Havering Age Concern and then with Tapestry as a companion support worker.  I retired in 2018 and started to volunteer with Havering Dementia support group held at Salvation Army Romford until lockdown.

I am very happy to be joining The Dementia Music and Social Club as a volunteer and to be with friends I have known for many years.  It is a pleasure to be with such lovely people and clients.

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. 

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.