Charity volunteer rewarded for work

Charity volunteer rewarded for work

4 May 2016

BALLYNAHINCH man Brendan McPoland is urging more people to get involved in their community by volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Society.

Brendan has been volunteering with the organisation for three years and during this time has been involved with various projects in the Down and Lisburn area, including fundraising, working with activity groups, befriending, driving and awareness raising.

He first became involved with the Society eight years ago when his late wife Eileen had dementia and Brendan attended Alzheimer’s Society carer support groups in Ballynahinch to get information and support. He later decided to become a volunteer.

Brendan explained when he was at the carer support group, he made such good friends that his progression to becoming a volunteer was natural.

“I wanted to return the help that the carer support groups had given me,” he continued. “When Eileen died three years ago I became a volunteer. I started as a bucket collector and progressed on to become a member of the Down and Lisburn volunteer fundraising group. Now I am also a volunteer driver and group support volunteer for the befriending service and an awareness raising volunteer with the dementia support service.”

Brendan said his favourite volunteering memory is the annual summer barbecue and quiz to which all service users are invited. He said carers, people with a diagnosis of dementia, volunteers and staff all come together for a great day of fun.

He continued: “There is, without fail, a fantastic atmosphere. Seeing everyone smiling, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company just gives me such a buzz. At the barbecue there’s always music, which we also sometimes have at our groups. Music is so important and has a tremendous power to relax. To see someone light up through music, to see their feet moving and hands clapping, to maybe even get a wee dance is magical.”

Brendan explained that in order to achieve more for people living with dementia and their families and carers, the Alzheimer’s Society needs more people to get involved with its work in Ballynahinch. 

“People appreciate your help so much; I got a huge hug from a service user last week. She told me that if I wasn’t there to pick her up she wouldn’t get out of the house. For her, it’s a brilliant opportunity to socialise.  

“For volunteers, the craic is mighty and it’s very rewarding. We all enjoy ourselves. The Society provides great support locally and holds regular events such as volunteer engagement networks, volunteer recognition events and there are always great upskilling opportunities.”

In December last year, Brendan was recognised for his enthusiasm, commitment and contribution to volunteering by Age-Friendly Belfast at their Older Volunteer Recognition Awards and received the Older Volunteer of the Year Award.

Bernadine McCrory, the Alzheimer’s Society Director of Operations in Northern Ireland, explained there are almost 20,000 people currently living with dementia in the Province. She said volunteers are vital to the organisation both by volunteering at services and by fundraising.  

She added: “The hard work of our volunteers helps us provide support services for people living with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.”

Anyone who could spare a few hours each month could volunteer with the Society. In Down and Lisburn alone there are 2,037 people living with dementia. If you would like to volunteer and get involved in your local community,  contact Martin Towers, Befriending Manager on (028) 9756 4681 or email martin.towers@alzheimers.org.uk.