Pictured below is one of our carers, Gloria, celebrating her 90th birthday. Gloria looks after her beloved husband who has Dementia, and she is pictured with one of our wonderful volunteers, Sandra, who went along to join in the fun. Sandra joined the Sitting Service as a volunteer over a year ago and she is a greatly valued member of our team. When asked why she chose to volunteer with the Sitting Service, here is what Sandra told us;
`The reason I volunteer is because from my late teens it was always my passion to help and look after others in need. I feel that volunteering brings people together and along the way you gain experience, and it helps you to grow. It is a rewarding opportunity to give up some of your free time to help a carer have some me time`.
It is thanks to volunteers like Sandra who enable individuals with a caring responsibility to take some time away from their caring role and have some much needed respite. As a volunteer sitter you would be spending time with the looked after person whilst their carer is away. You will likely to be having conversations with the cared for, making a light snack/cup of tea, watching TV together, playing cards/jigsaw etc.
Carers Trust Solihull is searching for compassionate volunteers to join our vital Sitting Service. Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of local families by simply sharing your time and conversation? Do you have a background in nursing, care work, teaching, counselling, social work, or have you been involved yourself as a Carer? In the Sitting Service, the majority of our Carers are caring for someone with a Dementia so we are hoping some very special people will come forward to be trained as a volunteer.
What you’ll do:
Visit individuals in their homes, spending time chatting, listening, and enjoying shared activities.
- Make a connection: Engage in activities they love, be it reading, playing games, sharing a cup of tea, watching a film or simply enjoying a friendly chat.
- Provide valuable respite: Give families caring for loved ones a much-needed break, knowing their loved one is in good company.
- Make a real difference: Contribute to the well-being and happiness of individuals facing isolation and loneliness.
Who are we looking for?
- Kind and empathetic: Possess a genuine warmth and passion for connecting with others.
- Great conversationalist: Enjoy engaging in friendly chats and sharing stories.
- Reliable and punctual: Commit to regular visits and maintain professional timekeeping.
- Respectful and discreet: Understand and uphold strict data protection and confidentiality procedures.
We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this role. The hours are flexible, each session is between one and three hours and negotiated between the carer and the volunteer. You can schedule your visits around your availability, making a difference while fitting volunteering into your life. Witness first-hand the difference you can make to individuals and families and experience the rewards volunteering with Carers Trust Solihull can bring.
Ready to brighten someone’s day and become a valued member of our volunteer community?
For further information about this and other volunteering opportunities with both young and older carers, please contact Anthony Hall, Volunteer Coordinator on:
0121 788 1143 | anthony.hall@solihullcarers.org
