Alisha - Dementia Befriender

We spoke with Alisha, one of our brilliant volunteers, about her experiences so far as one of our Dementia Befrienders. Alisha visits her friend once a week and offers them some social contact and company that they might not otherwise get. Over to you Alisha…

How long have you been volunteering?

I have been volunteering since A/W 2023 

What attracted you to volunteer as a dementia befriender?

What attracted me to the role is that I find older people can get "forgotten" by society, when actually, they have lived a rich life and have a lot of knowledge, stories, funny anecdotes and life experiences to share. I volunteered with Age UK Camden because they specialise in supporting older people and strive to make a real difference to their lives. This matters to me because one day we will all be old and hopefully we will have friends and family around us, but for some, they either don't have this, or their loved ones live far away, which can cause them to feel alone. I empathise with this feeling as I have felt it myself, as well as the power that having a friendly face, something to look forward to, or good company makes in lifting you up.

Are there any challenges?

Sometimes the person I visit forgets my name, and I feel a bit like a stranger but on the other hand, they always remember things I have told them previously and check-in with me on those things, which is lovely.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a dementia befriender?

If you are thinking of becoming a dementia befriender I would say, go for it. You have nothing to lose and can make a real difference to someone's day. It's also flexible, so you can do it around other commitments. The team at Age UK Camden provide ongoing support and online pre-training as well, so you're well equipped. 

What does being a dementia befriender mean to you?

Being a befriender to me means a lot. I like that I am making a positive impact through my visits, developing a friendship and seeing the person happy to see me is a great feeling. I often think about how my person is doing when I am not there and hope they are as well as can be. It is rewarding, something I look forward to each week, and I am glad I made the decision to become a dementia befriender.