Northumberland Side by Side Service
Alzheimer’s Society’s Side by Side service has a real focus on empowering people affected by dementia. Volunteers support people living with dementia to identify their own personal talents, strengths and capabilities and help them to maintain fulfilling relationships with their peers and the wider community. Volunteers encourage people with dementia to get out and about, be active, retain old activities and take up new interests where possible.
This might be anything from taking part in a local activity and accessing universal services such as public transport, employment agencies to visiting museums, cinemas, pubs, and participating in everyday leisure pursuits.
We know that not every person with dementia will wish to be active within the community, so Side by Side volunteers will also support people with dementia who wish to take part in dementia specific activity/groups or maybe want to engage in hobbies or leisure pursuits in their own home.
The primary aim of Side by Side, however, will remain to encourage and support people with dementia to remain active within their communities.
Our volunteers are fully trained and supported by a Side by Side Coordinator.
The outcomes of the Side By Side service are to ensure:
- People with dementia have more contact and are more integrated with the wider community.
- People with dementia are involved and engaged in regular community based activity and have access to universal services in their community.
- People with dementia see an increase in their social networks.
- More people with dementia are empowered to have a voice as active citizens.
- There is a wider range of opportunities to engage in community based activity within a local area.
The Northumberland services covers all of the county.
If you would like to access the service or require any further information please contact the Side by Side Coordinators on:
01670 813255 or email sidebysidenorthumberland@alzheimers.org.uk.
