Supporting Unpaid Carers

I was at breaking point, but now I am flying again” Feedback from a carer when asked about the volunteer who rings her once a week. Living alongside a family member or friend who has dementia can be lonely and confusing,  Carers Forum match unpaid carers with volunteers who have experience of caring for someone with dementia. Our volunteers listen to carers, offer friendship and help them find answers to their questions. Volunteers mostly keep in contact with carers by phone, but they can also visit a carer in their own home or somewhere local. We provide ongoing training and support to our volunteers.

Volunteer role description

Role title: Peer Mentor and Befriender

Peer Mentors provide 1-1 support to carers. Peer Mentors visit carers or speak to them over the telephone.  

Through training and your own experience you will support unpaid carers of people with dementia. To help to prevent the carer becoming isolated you will listen and support them to access groups, services and information that might help.

This role is suitable for people who:

• Have experience of being an unpaid carer (looking after a family member or friend)
• Have compassion for others
• Enjoy being part of a team
• Have an interest in dementia