I wanted to introduce the Forget-Me-Not Service, our new hospital volunteering service to provide companionship, engagement and support for patients living with dementia.
Hospital stays can be extra challenging for people living with dementia and this new project will train volunteers to give a little time to offer a calming, friendly presence, helping to reduce feelings of confusion, loneliness and distress. It could be as simple as a kind conversation, holding someone’s hand, playing a game or reading a book. Our volunteer teams will also help to support carers and families, sharing and signposting to information, services and resources.
Our first volunteers have just begun supporting patients and my aim is to recruit and equip teams of volunteers from across the communities The Luton and Dunstable Hospital serves, raising awareness about dementia and making a significant, positive impact.
Every community and many families are affected by dementia and so I would be very grateful of any opportunities or tips in raising awareness and promoting this service among community groups in Luton. If you could keep us in mind it would be greatly appreciated.
More information can be found online (Forget-Me-Not volunteering – Charity) and I’d be very happy to deliver printed leaflets or posters to any interested groups.
Thanks and hope you have a great weekend.
Christian
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Christian Cole
Dementia Volunteer Coordinator Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Christian.Cole@ldh.nhs.uk 07823847386 01582 797357 / 01234 795801
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