**Sports Enthusiast Volunteers Needed**

Sporting Memories Clubs are for anyone who enjoys talking and reminiscing about sport. Some members of the Clubs are living with dementia, depression or are isolated; others simply enjoy the opportunity to get out of the house and meet other people.  Groups will meet once a week or once a fortnight at either Skainos Day Centre, 239 Newtownards Road or at Anna House Day Centre, Dunmurry. 

Volunteering Roles available are: 

Session Facilitator 

This volunteer would understand the value of companionship and loves to talk about sport!  

What will you be doing? 

• Plan a programme of activities and ensure that the resources and equipment required are available 

• Keep records up to date 

• Ensure the smooth running of the club 

• Respect club participants’ contributions and ensure that every individual is allowed the time needed to contribute 

• Ensure that there is a comfort/ tea break for participants 

• Organise club trips when required 

• Be aware of adult support and protection issues. Ensure there is a volunteer present in the building during the session, and that participants remain safe within the club 

• Ensure that health and safety issues are addressed 

• Involve club members in decision-making 

• Attend training courses as required. 

• Meet with Age NI staff to discuss progress. 

• Advise Age NI staff if you have concerns about the running of the club or participants. 

What skills/qualities do you need? 

You will have a great sense of humour, enjoy games and quizzes and be able to connect with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. You will be able to engage and communicate sensitively with the members (some of whom may have difficulties communicating), with their partners or carers, with fellow volunteers and Sporting Memories staff. 

When? 

For this role, you should be able to volunteer once a week (or once a fortnight), for around two or three hours and enjoy working as part of a team. Full training is provided and support is available on a regular basis. 

Session Support Role 

This volunteer would assist in planning the sessions with the Session Facilitator  

What will you be doing? 

• Ensure participants are engaging with the session. 

• Assist the Session Facilitator with the running of the session. 

• Encourage participants to get involved. 

• To attend training courses as required. 

• Attend information sessions as required. 

• Advise the Volunteer Coordinator if there are concerns about the running of the session or participants. 

What will you gain? 

• Fulfilment – feel good about making a positive, life changing difference to older people 

• Learn new skills 

• Gain social interaction and a chance to develop friendships 

• Gain knowledge on available services and activities 

• Boost your CV and increase your employability 

Why do we need you? 

Age NI’s mission is – Let’s change how we age” – and we need your help now, more than ever. 

In today’s challenging times, sadly many older people feel isolated and alone, especially during the festive season. There are currently 80,000 older people living alone in Northern Ireland. Older people are especially vulnerable to the effects of loneliness and isolation, and it has been proven to have a significant and serious impact on physical, mental, and emotional health. The detrimental impact includes rapidly increased frailty, a rising risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. Loneliness can contribute to early death and this risk increases with age. 

Additional Information: 

• This role is only suitable for those 18 and over 

• This role is subject to an informal interview, enhanced Access NI check and a reference check. 

• Once all recruitment paperwork is complete volunteers will attend a training session with Sporting Memories trained facilitators. 

Ready to register? 

Contact: Val Gamble at volunteering@ageni.org or by telephoning 028 90245 729.