Lauren first came to Darnall Well Being in early 2023. She knew that there was a Dementia Café in Handsworth, and got in touch with Jo at DWB initially via Father Keith at St Mary’s Church. As well as supporting the Making Memories café, she has also got involved with other dementia-related groups, including our dementia carers group and On The Plot sessions at Darnall Allotment Project.
Because she’s not in employment at the moment, Lauren felt like she needed to do something meaningful to keep her brain active. Her granddad had dementia, so she wanted to do something to help others, after seeing how it affected him. She’s found that she’s become really interested and invested in dementia, now that she’s got involved at Darnall Well Being. As a result, Lauren has nearly finished her level two dementia awareness course and is hoping to get onto level three this summer. At DWB, she has done her Dementia Friends training, and is planning to do her Dementia Stars Bronze, Silver and Gold training in the autumn, again through DWB. Lauren also did a 13 mile sponsored walk for Alzheimer’s Society in August 2024, raising £270.
Because she’s not in employment at the moment, Lauren felt like she needed to do something meaningful to keep her brain active. Her granddad had dementia, so she wanted to do something to help others, after seeing how it affected him. She’s found that she’s become really interested and invested in dementia, now that she’s got involved at Darnall Well Being. As a result, Lauren has nearly finished her level two dementia awareness course and is hoping to get onto level three this summer. At DWB, she has done her Dementia Friends training, and is planning to do her Dementia Stars Bronze, Silver and Gold training in the autumn, again through DWB.
Lauren now feels that the path she wants to take with her career will involve dementia, as she really enjoys supporting people with the illness. She has considered becoming a dementia nurse or a coordinator in a care home, once she has gained more experience through her volunteering.
“There’s that sense I’ve done something good. Before people at dementia café have sat down at the table, I’ve already got their drinks, because I know what their order is. I know they like certain cakes. It’s rewarding, more than anything. I feel like I’ve done something – it’s about helping the carers and feeling like you’re giving them a bit of support, because I know how much they actually do. They really appreciate that bit of time that they get at Café, with people looking after them for a change.”
Lauren on why she volunteers
Lauren has got to know quite a lot of new people from volunteering with DWB. She likes to see the same people come along regularly, so she can remember what they’ve already told her and pick up where they left off tailoring the conversations to what she’s already been told. Lauren also enjoys getting together with other volunteers at the group meetings we arrange. She finds it a good opportunity to find out what else is going on, outside of the dementia activities she supports.