Volunteer John Gray is hoping others follow in his footsteps by becoming a dementia companion for East Cheshire Hospice.
The retired engineer spends two hours a week going for a walk and a coffee with a dementia patient.
The Hospice needs more volunteers and John has a simple message for anyone tempted to help.
East Cheshire Hospice volunteer John Gray.
He said: “Give it a go. I find it extremely rewarding and it’s nice to give something back.”
John only started six months ago once renovations on his new home in Macclesfield were finished. He and wife Susan moved from St Helens to Macclesfield to be closer to their daughter.
He said: “When we were finally settled in the house I thought it was time I did some volunteering and contacted the Hospice.
“The man I go out with has become a friend. His short-term memory isn’t good but we manage fine and he brings his dog along. We always fit a coffee stop into our route.
“The break gives his wife who cares for him valuable respite and an opportunity to do something else for a couple of hours.
“I’d recommend getting involved and I know the Hospice are keen to recruit more dementia companions.
“The support from the Hospice is fantastic. They help you every step of the way.” John is also a ward volunteer for the charity.
Angela O’Mahony, from the Hospice volunteering team, said: “We’re looking for friendly, caring people willing to give a few hours every week to offer companionship to someone experiencing dementia. Volunteers are given full training and support.
“Caring for someone can be a tough job and wearing no matter how much we love them. Both the carer and the person experiencing dementia will benefit from a change of scene once a week.
“Every case varies with different circumstances, but it’s about connecting with that person. Our volunteers love working with people, it’s interesting and rewarding.
“We rely heavily on our volunteers and without them the Hospice wouldn’t be here.”
* Contact Angela on 01625 610364, or email angela.omahony@echospice.org.uk
National Volunteers Week has been running in the first week of June. The Hospice has a team of 375 volunteers who do a range of roles working at the charity’s headquarters and in the community.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
