Support carers of people with dementia by offering a compassionate, listening ear at weekly peer groups. Help identify key concerns so we can offer better support and signposting. A reflective, non-practical role that makes a real difference.

What You'll Do: 

Are you a good listener with a compassionate heart? Would you like to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those caring for someone living with dementia, simply by being present and offering a safe, supportive space?

 

We are looking for a Dementia Carer Listening Support Volunteer to join our weekly carer peer support groups. This is not a practical or task-based role – rather, it’s an opportunity to sit alongside carers, listen attentively, and help us understand the recurring issues and challenges they face so we can provide better support.

Are you a good listener with a compassionate heart? Would you like to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those caring for someone living with dementia, simply by being present and offering a safe, supportive space?

 

We are looking for a Dementia Carer Listening Support Volunteer to join our weekly carer peer support groups. This is not a practical or task-based role – rather, it’s an opportunity to sit alongside carers, listen attentively, and help us understand the recurring issues and challenges they face so we can provide better support.

 

These groups meet on the following days:

  • Every Tuesday morning, Community Hub, Cafe In The Park, Billingham. This session is 10:30am - 12noon
  • Every Tuesday afternoon, LiveWell Hub, Thornaby. This session is 2pm - 3:30pm.
  • Every Friday afternoon, LiveWell Hub, Thornaby. This session is 1pm - 2:30pm.

 

What the Role Involves

• Attending our weekly carer peer support group and taking part as a compassionate listener

• Paying attention to recurring themes or concerns raised during conversations

• Providing a safe and non-judgmental space for carers to talk, either in a small group or 1:1 setting

• Feeding back to our team so that we can:

• Signpost carers to relevant services

• Develop resources or arrange relevant Carer Talks

• Understand the changing needs of those we support

• Helping to shape and evolve this new role with us – we welcome your input and ideas

 

What This Role Is Not

This role does not involve practical caregiving tasks, personal care, or direct support to people living with dementia. It is also not a counselling position – no qualifications or therapeutic training are required. What we value most is your ability to listen, show empathy, and help carers feel seen and heard.

Why You'll Love It: 
Why This Role Matters Carers are often carrying invisible loads. Just being heard can provide immense relief. Your presence will help reduce isolation, validate experiences, and ensure that support is more closely aligned with the real-life challenges carers face.
What You'll Learn: 
What You’ll Gain • Experience in active listening and reflective communication • Insight into the realities of caregiving and the challenges of supporting someone with dementia • A chance to contribute meaningfully to carer wellbeing • The opportunity to be part of a compassionate and supportive community  
What We're Looking For: 
Who This Role Would Suit • A student or volunteer interested in counselling, social work, community support, or dementia care • Someone with a natural ability to listen without judgment • A person who is curious about the lived experiences of carers and wants to help amplify their voices • Someone who is open-minded, emotionally mature, and able to handle sensitive topics with care
Summary
Volunteering
Mental Health
Social Care
Older People
Crisis Support
Families
Stockton
0 Weeks Minimum
2 Hours / Week
Skills you will develop: 
Active listening
Problem Solving
Communication
Crisis Management
Empathy
Requirements: 
Statement of Motivation

Similar Opportunities

 
General volunteers needed at The Hope Foundation
The Hope Foundation
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
General volunteers needed at The Hope Foundation
Volunteering
Community

We are a Middlesbrough based community charity and we care about the people in our community. We are looking for volunteers to help support us and our service users.

 
Nature Activity Leader
Saltholme
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
Nature Activity Leader
Volunteering
Young People, Animals, Environment, Families

As a Visitor Engagement Volunteer working with young people you'll be helping deliver events and activities for under 18’s, such as pond dipping, meadow sweeping and minibeast hunting.

 
House Experience Volunteer
Ormesby Hall - National Trust
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
House Experience Volunteer
Volunteering
Culture

Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Ormesby Hall to life and helping people get the best out of their day.

Related Articles

Volun-tees
Emma Nelson - School Volunteer
Volunteering has helped me progress to my Teaching Training programme.
Volun-tees
Laura talks about her volunteering with the SU
How volunteering has given Laura valuable skills and experiences.
Volun-tees
Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind volunteers
Andrea tells us more about how student volunteers have been providing support during Covid-19