Volunteers' Week Interview - PramaLife Group Volunteer

For the second interview with Prama's volunteers, one of our Memory Lane group coordinators answered some questions about volunteering and her experience of supporting people in the local community.

Hi Linda, how did you get into volunteering?

I first got into volunteering through Bridget Barrett (PramaLife Poole manager). As a retired primary school teacher, I wanted to give back, using my experience of music and songs. I looked into voluntary work, and was drawn to Prama's Memory Lane group, as my mum had Alzheimer's.

How do you feel it benefits you?

Volunteering helps me to feel I am doing good. With my skillset from teaching Primary education, it was a natural progression, without going out of my comfort zone.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to volunteer?

Go for it! With Prama, there are plenty of people to talk to, if you are unsure of something or need some support. Volunteering is so worthwhile, you get so much reward out of it -absolutely go for it!

What is your favourite aspect of volunteering for Prama in particular?

Meeting lots of different people is really good! I feel that I am helping people in a vulnerable position (Memory Lane supports those with dementia and memory loss).

Can you describe a typical shift volunteering for Prama?

Kinson's Memory Lane group will be going back in June. I start by greeting attendees and then we play games. I chat to those in attendance and we might sing some songs, before we have a physical activity and then help them prepare to leave at the end of the session.