Hi, my name is Heidi and I volunteer at The Retreat Memory Café in Soundwell.  I’ve been here since October 2017 and my role involves getting the café set up, putting flowers on the table, sorting the craft activity – things like colouring or pebble painting, organising the singing activity and generally talking with everyone.

I got involved because I saw a leaflet looking for volunteers to help with the Memory Café and I thought it sounded like a really nice thing to be part of.  So I enquired – and nearly two years later, I’m still here and loving it!

I’m definitely a people person.  I love talking, listening and sharing.  I get a real feel good factor doing something that brightens up people’s lives.  Some people can get quite emotional during the sessions.  Others just want to sit and listen.  Everyone is at a different stage with their dementia but its great they feel comfortable being here.

Carers meet other carers here too and can talk about what they are going through and share advice.  This makes it a very positive place to be.  I love engaging with the whole group and knowing that even if just for a few hours they had a good time.  I learn lots too.

When I started, I had lots of support.  I had an induction at the beginning and training on specific protocols.  Winsome keeps me updated on how things are moving forward.

If someone told me they were interested in volunteering with Southern Brooks, I’d say definitely go for it.  I’ve gained so much in terms of confidence boosting, learning new skills and being able to use the creative skills I already have.  Working with people with dementia and their carers is such a positive and rewarding thing to do.  You’re helping bring people together and feel less isolated, if only for a few hours.   Seeing their faces light up when they talk about their school days or sing a song they remember is more than enough reward!