The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is sending a call out to West Shore residents who want to experience the rewarding task of making a difference in peopleB次元官网网址檚 lives.

Volunteers are needed to help the society with everything from making phone calls to working as caregivers to facilitating support groups.

Volunteers are especially needed for support groups and education programs, run throughout Greater Victoria including the West Shore.

There are a few basic requirements for volunteers doing those particular roles.

The candidate must have excellent listening skills, knowledge of dementia (or a willingness to learn) and facilitation skills.

Formal or informal caregiving experience is also an asset.

More mature volunteers are ideal for the support groups.

Younger volunteers are needed for other roles, but when helping older families in need, a volunteer with life experience is more effective.

B次元官网网址淎 lot of the issues that come up can be difficult,B次元官网网址� said regional support and education co-ordinator Meriel Randerson. B次元官网网址淪o (itB次元官网网址檚 best to have) somebody who is sensitive and feels they have the confidence to deal with somebody whoB次元官网网址檚 crying and very stressed out.B次元官网网址�

West Shore residents who volunteer may not necessarily end up working on the West Shore, although the society does run programs here.

B次元官网网址淎s long as theyB次元官网网址檙e interested and willing, we have lots of different opportunities for volunteers and can offer a lot of variety and experience,B次元官网网址� First Link co-ordinator Emily Pridham said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact volunteer co-ordinator Julie Cameron at 250-382-2052 or by email at jcameron@alzheimerbc.org.

kwells@goldstreamgazette.com