Volunteering for DMSC

WHO ARE WE

The Dementia Music and Social Club is not for profit community group. We are a team of volunteers
experienced in helping people living with dementia.

WHAT DO WE DO
We aim to give people diagnosed with dementia and their carers a few hours of music-themed, fun
activities in a welcoming, safe and relaxed environment where they can share their experiences and
feel supported.

HOW WE DO IT
Each club meeting is two-hours long and we have two clubs a week. Club members are welcomed with
a friendly face and refreshments. We have a master of ceremonies to get the party started with a
singalong and some solo songs from club members. This is followed by a professional singer for an hour
of dancing and more singing. Percussion instruments are available so anyone not dancing can still join
in. There is a short quiz and a free raffle. We end with the answers to the quiz.
We have lots of written information available to take away from organisations like the Alzheimer’s
Society and Dementia UK, and within the Club there is a wealth of personal experience and advice on
many of the problems or issues club members might raise.

VOLUNTEER ROLES
There are lots of things we do:
• Welcoming and talking to people living with dementia, enabling them to feel comfortable and
included.
• Collecting entry donations, completing the weekly register, writing name labels and ensuring
new members complete a registration document.
• Helping to set up the venue and tidy away at the end of the group. This can involve lifting and
moving heavy tables, crates and chairs.
• Ensuring each table has sugar, anti-bac gel, percussion instruments, Annie’s song sheets, the
quiz questions and any new information leaflets.
• Setting up the information table.
• Managing any car parking issues.
• Preparing and distributing refreshments. Clearing tables and washing up.
• Encouraging and supporting people living with dementia to participate in club activities such as
singing solo or in the group, dancing, playing instruments, the quiz and raffle.
• Giving new carers an information pack. Helping carers with information about services and
allowances that might be available to them by providing leaflets, referring them to organisations
who can help, and introducing them to other club members or volunteers who can share similar
experiences.
• Introducing singers and any special guests to the club audience. Delivering birthday
congratulations, the quiz and raffle. On their birthday members get a cake with a candle and we
all sing “Happy Birthday” to them.
• Filming the club session and posting it on Facebook.

ADDITIONAL  VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Because we are an independently run, self-funded group, there are lots more roles going on behind the
scenes:

• The management committee including the club Chair, Treasurer and Secretary
• Bank account signatories
• Debit Card holder
• Accounts
• Fundraising
• Writing thank you letters
• Weekly refreshments buying
• Online purchasing
• Venue booking
• Booking of musicians
• Health and Safety lead
• First Aiders
• Safeguarding lead
• Website development/maintenance
• Facebook management
• Club leaflet distribution
• Liaison with local dementia/community organisations
• Other online publicity
• Organising publicity events
• Organising special club events
• Sourcing leaflets from dementia organisations
• Writing the club newsletter

CLUB TIMES
MONDAYS – Set up 11.45am, club meeting 1.00 – 3.00pm, then clear up followed by 5 – 10 min feedback
session.

(We are currently looking for Volunteers to help out at our Monday venue, particularly to assist with the setting up of the tables and chairs, before clients arrive, and clearance of the tables and chairs. at the end of the session.  If you are local and can help out, please call  07721 458581  Mon-Fri. 8am - 5.30pm)

WEDNESDAYS - Set up 12.30pm, club meeting 1.30 – 3.30pm, then clear up followed by 5 – 10 min
feedback session