Volunteers' Week - celebrating all of you!

Read our volunteer stories and watch our volunteer briefing special and celebration event. 

Mark Galer, a Side by Side Volunteer

The Side by Side service is all about matching volunteers with people affected by dementia.  Mark Galer, is a Side by Side Volunteer in Merton and Wandsworth. He regularly visits a man living with dementia. This is what Natasha, his daughter, had to say about Mark:

’Mark has consistently demonstrated compassion, dignity, and excellence in his role as a Side by Side volunteer. 

‘He is a genuinely kind and deeply caring individual whose approach makes a meaningful difference every day. His ability to connect with Dad is remarkable. Through patience, empathy, and respect, Mark has created a sense of comfort, trust and dignity that is truly invaluable for us to witness as a family. 

‘He takes a genuine interest in Dad’s stories, which clearly lifts Dad’s spirits and enhances his sense of self-worth. Just as importantly, Dad greatly enjoys hearing Mark’s stories too, making their time together a true exchange rather than a one-sided interaction. 

‘Although Dad can be quite serious at times, Mark brings warmth, humour, and natural wit to his visits. His ability to make Dad smile and laugh has helped build a meaningful and positive connection that we deeply appreciate.

Mark is consistently professional, and his presence reassures Dad, helping him feel safe and secure. The impact of his visits on Dad’s wellbeing and mental health has been significant, particularly in comparison to when Dad is alone at home. 

‘Dad now looks forward to Mark’s weekly visits, which have become an invaluable and much-cherished part of his routine.’

Mark says: ’I’ve personal experience of dementia in my life and helping others has always been something that I am passionate about. In this role, I’m always learning from the other persons knowledge, wisdom and experience. 

‘You get to know them on a personal level, what matters to them and the things and people that are important in their life. Hearing a different perspective and being there to offer support, kindness, reassurance and share your own experiences, is always rewarding. 

‘Doing this really is a two-way street, as I always get as much out of it from the person I visit as I give to them. I’m so grateful that what I do helps to make a positive difference.

’It's an absolute pleasure volunteering for Alzheimer's Society. I’ve met so many interesting and dedicated people over the years. The support I receive is excellent and it is a joy to feel valued.’

Jim Moss, a Group Support Volunteer at a Memory Cafe in South Shields

Jim share why he volunteers for Alzheimer’s Society:

‘My Mam lived with Alzheimer’s for the last three years of her life. 

‘Many people see the condition as robbing people of their dignity and quite tragic. Whilst this may be true for many, I just saw it as a different, later stage of her cherished, loving life. 

‘The disease brought many frustrations which manifested in her getting angry occasionally. I just saw this as her being a bit feisty to the end.

‘Because of all this I decided to volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society using my people skills gained in a variety of public and third sector posts. 

People living with the condition still have many things to offer and the Memory Cafe offers a safe, friendly environment where attendees can have a chat, cuppa, play a game or two, have a laugh and a reminisce. 

‘A win/win outcome.’

The benefits of volunteering to Jim

• Giving something back to society
• Getting a good feeling knowing you’ve made a difference
• Knowing my Mam would be pleased and proud to see me volunteering for Alzheimer’s Society

Mariette Akkermans, a Side by Side Volunteer

Mariette share why she volunteers for Alzheimer’s Society:  

‘I was lucky to be able to retire in my early sixties after a working life in health and social care.  My job had been rewarding and fulfilling, in policy and management roles with a focus on older people. In my retirement, I wanted more direct contact with people.  I needed to feel that what I did added value to their lives as well as my own.

‘I chose to volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Society because although I had relatively limited experience of close relatives living with dementia, in my working life I had come across many who were affected by the disease and were looking for information, advice, support and respite especially as statutory services were often limited or not suitable.  

‘I started off helping out at an afternoon cafe at the Merton Memory Hub in Mitcham - a space for people living with dementia and their carers to relax and share worries and experiences with others in a similar situation, where dementia was understood and people could have some fun and make friends! 

It was certainly fun for me, I got to know lots of people and was so impressed and humbled by the experiences I was able to share. I enjoyed being part of a team, working with other volunteers and staff and I liked the feeling of belonging to an organisation with a clear purpose. 

‘I met one member at the cafein 2016. She was a fiercely independent, very private, with an enquiring mind; she liked doing word puzzles and enjoyed her tea with biscuits. I got into the habit of sitting with her for a chat. She came every week, enjoyed talking to some of the other visitors, but at the same time kept herself at a distance.  

‘Then came Covid and, I started regular phone calls with members as a way of alleviating the isolation for us all. I phoned this lady every week and, over time, we became closer and our chats became longer and longer.  She was alone, with no surviving family except one niece who lived abroad. 

‘I learnt her life story gradually: she grew up during the war, was evacuated several times, left school at 14 to become an apprentice to a local tailor. She nursed both her parents, then her sister and brother, and she now found herself on her own, in her nineties with both physical and memory problems. When the Covid regulations relaxed, the Side by Side Coordinator asked me if I would like to visit her as a Side by Side volunteer and I agreed. 

‘Her mental and physical health deteriorated gradually. What shone through was her wish to remain independent, to make her own decisions, to live in her own home, the home she was born in.  

‘The Side by Side volunteering experience gave me insight into the hurdles and limitations that society presents to people living with dementia and also made me think deeply about the care and support I might need at some point in the future. 

‘This incredible lady passed away earlier this year. My time with her was very rewarding, inspiring and an enormous learning experience. It is a privilege as a volunteer to be so close to someone, to be able to support and to have some fun together. 

‘She had such a lovely sense of humour, and one of my enduring memories are the jokes we shared together about life, people, and growing old.’