Local volunteers from the National Citizens Service (NCS) have been getting to know residents at Belong Wigan, whilst gaining an understanding of what it is like to live with dementia.
Two groups of young volunteers visited the village over two weeks. Each group attended a Dementia Friends Awareness session, in which they learnt about dementia and how to support people living with the condition. The groups also spent time engaging with residents from each household at the village, with students and residents asking each other questions in a group setting.
Caroline Clifton, Belong’s Admiral Nurse, who specialises in dementia care, commented: “The NCS volunteers came away with the knowledge of how even small actions can help people living with dementia. Residents of Belong Wigan found the experience very uplifting as well.”
The NCS is a government-funded initiative for 15-17 year olds, which aims to bring together schools, community organisations, businesses and individuals and support community engagement amongst young people.
