Become a helpline volunteer
Could you be part of our Helpline team and make a real difference to our callers?
Position requirements
We are very proud of our 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline which provides information and emotional support to people with dementia, carers, families, friends and professionals.
If you think you could you be part of our team, the position requirements are detailed below.
Are you
• Emotionally resilient?
• Honest and empathetic?
• Flexible and adaptable?
• Keen to learn something new?
• Aged 18 or over and can commit to a minimum of 8 hours per month, Alzheimer Scotland wants to hear from you!
What the role involves
• This vital role can include telephone and online support.
• Offering person-centred emotional support and information to people affected by dementia.
• Developing and maintaining knowledge on health and social care issues that relate to people living with dementia, including statutory services and welfare rights.
• Maintaining knowledge of other organisations and services that can help people living with dementia and signpost when appropriate.
• Recording information about enquiries in line with our data protection policy.
• Participate in online group learning sessions.
• Keep up to date with Alzheimer Scotland news and our work across Scotland.
What you need for this role
• Empathy, excellent listening and communication skills.
• A reliable internet connection and phone line.
• Confident and/or willing to use a computer/tablet, including Microsoft TEAMS and Outlook.
• Ability to recognise and respect the rich diversity that exists within our communities, views, attitudes and lifestyles.
• Committed to Alzheimer Scotland’s values.
• Willing to develop skills and experience.
• Participate in our Volunteer Preparation Programme and any refresher updates or ongoing learning.
• Ability to honestly reflect on practice.
• Willing to follow our guidance, feedback and implement changes to practice where necessary.
• Able to keep sensitive data safe and secure at home.
• Willing to follow our policies, procedures and guidelines.
If this sounds like a role you could commit to and enjoy, then we want to hear from you. Click the button below for a full Helpline volunteer profile and an application form that you can fill in and return to helpline@alzscot.org
Altenrantively you can click here to apply online
What our volunteers say
‘It’s nice to feel like you may have helped someone to find their way out of a difficult situation.
‘To anyone who is thinking about volunteering for Alzheimer Scotland’s Helpline, I’d say go for it.’
Colin, a volunteer for Alzheimer Scotland’s Freephone Dementia Helpline
Commitments
Whether your volunteering journey with us is long or short, we all make these commitments, so we all know what to expect.
Our Commitment:
• Welcome you as an individual.
• Offer you a role that fits with you and your life.
• Help you learn your role and support you to learn as you go.
• Value your personal contribution.
• Listen to your feedback and welcome your ideas.
• Keep you and everyone safe.
• Keep you connected and up to date.
• Reimburse your out-of-pocket expenses.
• Thank you for the impact you deliver.
Your Commitment:
• Contribute positively to the Helpline and Alzheimer Scotland’s vision for change.
• Value the diverse contribution of others.
• Respect the boundaries of your role and our code of conduct.
• Complete the necessary learning pathway for your role.
• Share your success and learning.
• Express your ideas.
• Recognise and be open about the limits of your experience and expertise.
• Keep yourself and others safe.
• Stay connected and up to date.
Frequently asked quesions
Are any checks made before I start?
As this volunteering role involves contact with vulnerable people, you will be required to complete a Disclosure Application. We will assist you with the application if required.
What sort of training is offered?
Induction training is given to increase your understanding of dementia and give you an awareness of the values and principles of Alzheimer Scotland. We aim to ensure that you feel confident in your volunteering role.
Dementia doesn’t discriminate, neither does Alzheimer Scotland
Regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, faith or belief, race or ethnicity, people are at the heart of what we do. We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including an introduction into all the areas outlined.
You will have the chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.
Becoming a Dementia Helpline Volunteer
Are you emotionally resilient, honest and empathetic, adaptable, and keen to learn something new? If you are aged 18 or over and can commit to a minimum of 8 hours per month then we want to hear from you.