Singing for the Brain Group Volunteer Pianist

Singing for the Brain provides a structured group session for older people with dementia who may wish to attend alone or with a carer. The service is designed around the principles of music therapy and singing and offers everyone a chance to socialise and have fun in a safe and supported environment. The Charvil Singing for the Brain group is a large, well-established and lively group which meets on Thursday mornings between 10:30am and 12noon. It's supported by a wonderful team of volunteers who come along at about 10:00am to help set up and who remain afterwards for a similar amount of time to clear away. It's held at Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane, RG10 9TR. We're looking for a pianist who can come along to accompany the singing. They will work closely with the Lead volunteer who puts together the singing programme and leads the singing on the day. In addition to playing the piano, we'd love to find someone who would be happy welcoming and chatting with people with dementia and their carers and be willing to help with whatever needs doing to ensure the session goes well. The role will suit you if you... - Can play the piano to a good standard, sufficient to be able to competently accompany a range of popular songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s - Are happy volunteering as part of a team of volunteers and staff - Have some understanding of dementia and its impact on people or if not are willing to learn - Are willing to help out where needed in the group and help ensure those who attend have an enjoyable time You don't need to be able to sing well to volunteer at the group - enthusiasm, empathy and an understanding of what the group is trying to achieve are what's most important! The impact you will make... One of the Society's most well-received services, Singing for the Brain offers a wonderful opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to get out and about, meet other people and share the enjoyment of a good old fashioned sing-along. What you need to know: We need to ensure that people living with dementia who benefit from our services are safe. In order for us to do this we interview, check and train our volunteers in on-going roles. If you have accessibility needs we'll make reasonable adjustments to enable you to volunteer. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We will make you feel welcome, included and respected because together we are united . How to apply: If you have any questions about the role or would like to apply, please contact Jane Penton, jane.penton@alzheimers.org.uk or 07540 921 221 or by post to Ardenham Court, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8HT You can also get in touch with our Volunteering Support Team on 0300 222 5706 or at volunteeringsupport@alzheimers.org.uk. We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions or feedback.