Dementia charity appeals for volunteers in Boston, Sleaford and Spalding to help with new service

Lincolnshire has been chosen as one of the areas for the Alzheimer’s Society’s new Side by Side service which will initially be launched in and around Boston, Sleaford and Spalding.

Gary Headland, Alzheimer’s Society Side by Side Manager for Lincolnshire said: “We are very keen to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting people with dementia. As a Side by Side volunteer, you would be helping a person with dementia to continue with a favourite hobby or interest, or even try something completely new.

“This could be anything from walking, visiting historic sites, playing an instrument, joining local groups, going to the cinema, carrying on with a sport or leisure activity, through to just going out for a cup of tea and a chat.

“The focus of Side by Side is very much on what the person with dementia wants to do. By enabling people with dementia to stay active and involved in their local community, we can really help improve their quality of life.”

The charity says volunteers will receive full training and ongoing support to help them in their role.

There are thought to be around 11,000 people living with dementia in Lincolnshire and Mr Headland said: “We hope to roll out the service across the whole of Lincolnshire in future months.”

If you are interested in helping a person with dementia live a fuller life and would like to find out more information, contact Gary Headland on 01522 692681 or 07718 322323 or [email protected]