Volunteer for the Dementia Helpline

The freephone 24 hour Dementia Helpline takes over 4,500 calls a year from carers, relatives, friends, professionals, people with dementia and people worried they may have dementia. We rely on our team of trained volunteers to take our calls, backed up by staff. Helpline volunteers are accountable to the Helpline Manager.

We need volunteers from anywhere in Scotland who have a personal or professional interest in dementia. We provide training, support and supervision, and we pay expenses. In return we ask that volunteers offer at least one shift a fortnight.

Shifts

The Helpline operates 24 hours a day throughout the year. The shifts cover mornings, afternoons, evenings and overnights. Start and finish times can be flexible.

Basic Training

All volunteers must attend the four day Helpline Basic Training Course before they start on the line. It is held over two weekends. The course covers listening skills, taking calls, medical aspects of dementia, financial and legal issues, behaviour, getting help and much more. It is an enjoyable and participative course. Volunteers are also required to attend follow up training once they join the Helpline team.

Responsibilities

• To answer Helpline calls, providing emotional support and accurate information
• To research information required by callers
• To make an accurate record of every call and ensure any action required is passed on to the Helpline Manager
• To ensure caller confidentiality within the Helpline team
• To give reasonable notice of non-availability
• To seek back-up and support from the Helpline Manager when required
• To carry out monthly amendments provided by the Helpline Manager to the Helpline Manuals to maintain their accuracy
• To attend training sessions.

If you would like to volunteer, fill in our online volunteer application form. We will call you to discuss your application and to give you information about the next Helpline Basic Training Course.

The Dementia Helpline is a member of the Telephone Helplines Association