One of Britain’s largest volunteering charities is urgently calling for volunteers to come forward to support people living with dementia Pembrokeshire.

In Pembroke, more people are needed to support Royal Voluntary Service’s dementia service following post-lockdown reopening and new funding from the Covid-19 Support Fund.

Volunteer help is needed in a number of roles to support the charity’s Memory Lane Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group. These services are a fundamental part of the lives of the people that attend, offering them the support they need to live happy, healthy and full lives whilst staying connected to the things they love and their communities.

Local people with dementia can attend the services to socialise, take part in gentle exercise and engage in stimulating actives such as cognitive stimulation therapy. Those who attend are also able to enjoy a hot drink and a bite to eat with friends and receive judgement-free advice and support where needed.

With the help of the Covid-19 Support Fund, Royal Voluntary Service has been able to invest in its invaluable dementia support offering. The charity is opening 25 new services and is expanding and improving 30 services across Britain, including Pembroke. Help from the Covid-19 Support Fund is allowing the charity to support more people with dementia and their carers than ever before.

Volunteers are needed from Pembrokeshire to support in different roles including helping with refreshments and activities like singalongs, arts, crafts or hobbies, greeting visitors, and offering support to group attendees that might need a little more encouragement. To join the team supporting those with dementia in our local communities, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering.

Jennifer Rees, Service Manager for Royal Voluntary Service in Pembrokeshire said: “The people that we help are often telling us that they don’t know what they’d do without the support of our groups and cafés. Throughout the pandemic they deeply missed our face-to-face services and are thrilled to be joining us again in person. There is lots of demand, so we really need more volunteer support. If you have any time to spare, join our team of amazing volunteers and not only will you be making a huge difference to people affected by dementia in your community, but our roles are so rewarding that you’ll feel great about it too.”

Stephanie Kenyon, Head of Campaigns & Marketing at the Covid-19 Support Fund, said: “We are immensely proud to be supporting Royal Voluntary Service’s dementia service in Pembroke. The support of the charity is invaluable to the people it helps and we are thrilled to be aiding Royal Voluntary Service in making its care even further reaching. There are four wonderful groups across Wales that need volunteer help, and just a few hours of your time a week can make the world of difference to someone in your community living with dementia.”

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting the NHS and thousands of vulnerable people in the community.