Memory Singers Choir Leader and Pianist

Volunteer role: Memory Singers Choir Leader and Pianist

Responsible to: Dementia Activities Co-ordinator

Time commitment: Once a fortnight on Wednesdays from 2pm-3pm. Attendance of volunteer support meetings and all our volunteer roles are from Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. We are closed at weekends, public holidays and over the Christmas period.

Location: United Reform Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY.

Memory Singers Choir: The Memory Singers choir is for people with memory problems and their carers. Providing an opportunity to sing, have fun and socialise.

Role Summary: As a a Choir Lead and pianist for the Memory Singers Dementia Choir, your musical skills and compassionate approach will help foster social interaction, improve well-being, and enhance the quality of life for choir members through the power of music.

What will I be involved in?

• Lead fortnightly choir sessions, engaging participants in singing and musical activities. Select appropriate songs that resonate with choir members, considering their backgrounds and preferences. Arrange and modify music as needed to suit the vocal abilities of participants.
• Encourage participation and engagement from all choir members, adapting activities to meet the varying needs of individuals with dementia. Prepare and practice songs in advance to ensure smooth and confident accompaniment.
• Create an inclusive and welcoming environment where all participants feel valued and encouraged to express themselves. Build rapport with choir members and their caregivers and working closely with the Dementia Activities Co-ordinator and other volunteers to plan and coordinate sessions or events.
• Be aware of the emotional and physical needs of participants and adapt sessions accordingly. Utilise non-verbal communication to help members who may have difficulty expressing themselves.
• Recognising and celebrating the achievements of choir members, fostering a sense of accomplishment
• Successfully complete online training courses for Age UK Bromley and Greenwich volunteers.
• Participate in volunteer support meetings with the Dementia Activities Co-ordinator and any training on safeguarding adults and appropriate boundaries.
• At all times work in accordance with the organisation’s policies regarding Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Confidentiality & Data Protection. Lone working.
• Represent the professional standards of Age UK Bromley and Greenwich and ensure that you wear your volunteer id badge whilst volunteering.

What skills and qualities will I need to have?

• Proficient piano skills and a good understanding of vocal music. An interest in the therapeutic benefits of music.
• Excellent communication skills, with a compassionate and patient demeanour.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to build a rapport with choir members and their caregivers, providing support as needed.
• Being able to maintain client confidentiality, understand the importance of keeping within the parameters of the role and have a good understanding of GDPR and Data Protection.

Benefits of getting involved:

• Being part of a team who are passionate about helping clients to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals living with dementia.
• Opportunity to develop your musical and leadership skills.
• Ongoing support and role training with feedback given.
• Opportunities for networking with other volunteers and being part of a wider volunteer team.
• Awareness of Age UK Bromley and Greenwich social events, services, and projects

Other information: Prospective volunteers will complete a recruitment process and be required to provide details of two references and agree to submit details for and undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check. All our volunteer roles are 18+, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Age UK Bromley & Greenwich will reimburse all expenditure reasonably incurred. Receipts to be provided with expenditure claims.