Making their day better

From their enthusiasm, it’s clear to see that members of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s dementia respite group are loving joining in with the karaoke activity.

‘I do like the singing,’ explains Mary. ‘Some weeks we have guest speakers, and we play games, dominoes and things like that. It gets you out and you meet new people, you make new friends.’

Run by staff and volunteers of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, these dementia respite sessions offer high-quality activities every Monday afternoon at the Withywood retirement housing complex in Shrewsbury.

What’s always striking about our dementia support groups is that the staff and volunteers get as much out of it as the people they’re looking after.

Shaun is one of the younger volunteers at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin. ‘I volunteer once a week here and then once a fortnight at the group in Monkmoor,’ he says. ‘One of the reasons why I volunteer is because I wanted to learn more about dementia. It’s really interesting, and it’s so nice to be able to put a smile on people’s faces and hopefully make their day a bit better.’

‘Another reason I volunteer is I just like helping people generally. They always seem so grateful to be here. They obviously enjoy the companionship and that gives us volunteers a good feeling as well. It’s very worthwhile.’

Making the tea and plating up the biscuits alongside Shaun is fellow volunteer Jane, ‘I suppose I’ve always been keen on volunteering. When I left school, I went volunteering on the children’s ward at what was then Copthorne Hospital, and later worked on the maternity unit as an auxiliary.’

‘My dad was diagnosed with early dementia about four years ago and that got me more interested in dementia. He used to come here on a Monday. Sadly, he passed away, and I wanted to give something back to the organisation that had helped to make him happier during that time. I started here as a volunteer and I absolutely love it.’

‘The staff are so friendly. It’s like a team, and we all muck in together. Everyone enjoys it here.’

For more information on Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s dementia support, call 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk