Volunteers
Are you interested in becoming a Mindsong volunteer?
What we ask of volunteers
Singing with people is a rewarding way of making a difference to the quality of life of people with dementia.
We ask for one hour a fortnight (a few groups meet weekly). We try to build groups with enough volunteers to be sustainable so that if you are away or unable to make a session, it’s not the end of the world.
You don’t have to be an amazing singer, just share a love of singing and a wish to join together in song with residents.
We provide initial training and ongoing support. You will be given a song book and an identity badge – we don’t DBS check volunteers as we don’t work alone with residents and our status as valued visitors suits what we offer.
How to get in touch
Your route to volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering, firstly thank you! Here’s what to do:
Please contact our Volunteer team. We will talk to you about your availability and match you to the most appropriate group near you.
We will provide training and resources and then introduce you to your group. We will continue to support you as you settle in and will remain in touch for as long as you are volunteering for Mindsong.
Cirencester
Bob Merrill
North Cotswolds
Kate Hicks Beach
Forest of Dean
Charles Scott
Gloucester
Jo Williams
Cheltenham
Jo Simons
South Glos
Kay Tily
Kate Hicks Beach
Director of Volunteer-Led Services
Stroud
Liz Glanfield
North Cotswolds
Susie Doogood
Firstly everyone seemed more awake when we arrived. I sat next to (resident) who was in a wheelchair rather than the soft armchair, so he was more upright and seemed more alert, if a little twitchy. He started chatting to me and, as you might expect, it was…a lot of mixed up sentences. There were lots of engineering references, maybe from his flying days – wheels, rust, new idea, etc. so, although he was engaged and telling me something, I could not wholly understand his thoughts.
We started singing. He turned and smiled. He held my hand tightly for the whole hour. He sang every lyric enthusiastically and after each song said “That was good!”. It nearly brought me to tears. It was amazing to see something switch on and maybe give his brain a relaxing period of time. I did stare anew in wonder at how good this can be.