Leeds charity seeks volunteers for expanded dementia service

The AVSEDplus sessions will add Friday session this October, creating more opportunities for local people living with dementia to enjoy meaningful activities, friendship and support.

Based at Greenacre Hall in Rawdon, AVSEDplus provides a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment for people living with dementia, while also offering valuable respite for family members and carers.

A spokesperson said: "Each session is carefully planned to promote wellbeing, encourage independence and reduce social isolation.

"Members enjoy a varied programme of activities including music, gentle exercise, reminiscence, arts and crafts, games, quizzes and themed events, all tailored to encourage conversation, confidence and connection.

"Working alongside fully trained and experienced specialist dementia staff, volunteers play an important role in enhancing our members' experience by providing companionship, encouragement and support throughout the day.

"For many members, AVSEDplus is much more than a day service. It is a place where friendships flourish, confidence grows and people continue to enjoy fulfilling experiences in a supportive environment.

"Families also benefit from the reassurance of knowing their loved one is spending the day with a caring team who understand the challenges of living with dementia."

The spokesperson added: "Following continued demand for places, AVSED is delighted to announce that an additional Friday session will begin in October, enabling even more local people to access the service."

The service costs £60 per day and includes a full day of personalised support, engaging activities and three hearty meals.

Members are welcomed with breakfast on arrival, enjoy a freshly prepared two-course lunch, and later in the day can relax with cakes and refreshments.

For those who qualify, attendance may be supported through Social Services funding, helping to make the service accessible to more local families.

To support this expansion, the charity is recruiting volunteers for its new Friday service and an additional volunteer on Tuesdays.

AVSED is looking for calm, compassionate and dedicated volunteers who are committed to supporting people living with dementia.

This is a regular weekly volunteering role, so the charity is looking for individuals who can become familiar, trusted faces for its members.

Ideally, applicants will have experience working with older people and the confidence to provide reassurance, encouragement and companionship in a busy day service.

By volunteering consistently, they will build meaningful relationships and, working alongside our fully trained and experienced specialist dementia staff, help enhance our members' experience while ensuring they feel safe, valued and supported.

"Volunteers are an essential part of the AVSEDplus team," added the spokesperson.

"They spend time chatting with members, supporting activities, encouraging participation, helping create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and ensuring everyone feels included throughout the day."

Volunteer hours are 10am to 4pm, with the AVSEDplus service running between 10:30am and 3:30pm, allowing time before and after each session to prepare for the day and ensure members have a smooth arrival and departure.

Gina, AVSEDplus Coordinator, who plans and leads the service, said: "Every day at AVSEDplus is built around our members.

"We take the time to get to know each person, their interests, their life stories and what brings them joy, so we can create activities that are meaningful and engaging.

"The smiles, laughter and friendships we see each week remind us just how important these opportunities are. As we open our new Friday service, we're excited to welcome even more members into our AVSEDplus family."

Michelle Murphy-Fell, Volunteer Coordinator at AVSED, added: "Our volunteers are at the heart of AVSEDplus.

"Working alongside our fully trained and experienced specialist dementia staff, they help create a calm, friendly and welcoming environment where people living with dementia can thrive.

"Whether it's sharing a conversation over breakfast, supporting an activity, or simply being there with a reassuring smile, volunteers make a genuine difference to our members' experience.

"We're looking for caring people who can join us on Fridays, as well as an additional volunteer on Tuesdays, to help us continue providing this invaluable service."

Full induction, training and ongoing support are provided, so volunteers become part of a friendly and experienced team from day one.

Anyone interested in volunteering, referring a loved one, or finding out more about AVSEDplus can contact AVSED on 0113 250 1702, email [email protected], or visit Greenacre Hall, New Road Side, Rawdon, LS19 6AS.