A PROJECT has launched new online guidance that outlines a useful, applicable set of insights for volunteering in dementia care.

It shows volunteers have a lot to contribute to dementia care, bringing positive impacts for themselves, those living with it and carers.

Beginning in 2014, the project led by Dr Vikki McCall, lecturer in social policy and housing at the University of Stirling, has undertaken a series of investigations that has included secondary analysis, an organisational survey and 60 interviews with volunteers, volunteer organisations, people living with dementia, and carers throughout Scotland and England.

Some key implications for organisations involved in dementia care and volunteering included:

-Carers and those living with dementia should be considered as part of a package for volunteer support.

-Positive impact in the area of dementia care takes longer and volunteers need sustained support.

-Volunteers can bridge different housing settings and can be key conduits between those living with dementia, carers and the wider community.

Volunteers were seen to be an integral part of dementia care throughout Scotland and England, with many organisations noting that they could not keep their services going without volunteers.

However, recruitment of volunteers into the area of dementia care was seen by many as more difficult compared to other volunteer roles.

The project looking into the role of volunteering in dementia care was led by the University of Stirling with partners in the dementia services Development Centre (DSDC) and Volunteer Scotland.

George Thomson, CEO Volunteer Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in this work with colleagues at the University of Stirling, and others.

“With so many of our loved ones quite profoundly affected by dementia, I can think of few areas where volunteering has more immediate benefit for families across Scotland.

“Anything that we can do to understand volunteering in dementia settings and ultimately to help improve the volunteer experience, can only be a great thing.”

This research was officially launched to the sector on the June, 5 to coincide with the end of Dementia Awareness Week in Scotland and Volunteers Week.

At the event the organisations discussed the key findings and implications for policy and practice.

The project was funded by the Abbeyfield Research Foundation.

For more details visit the webpage: www.asume.co.uk