VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ONEHUNGA ENLIVEN DAY CLUB PROGRAMME

The team from Presbyterian Support Northern- Auckland

Onehunga’s Day Club for older people with dementia is looking for volunteers.
The Day Club is held four days a week from Tuesday to Friday at the Onehunga Cooperating Parish Church Hall in Grey’s Ave and is run by Enliven Auckland as a community service funded by the Auckland District Health Board.
The club offers people with dementia the opportunity to socialise, have a change of scenery and take part in activities like art work, singalongs, physical exercise, watching movies, playing housie and other games.
Day Club programme participants get a home-cooked lunch which is prepared on site. They can attend up to four days a week and there is a weekly group outing to places like the Parnell Rose Gardens.
“One important aspect of our programme is that it provides a break for care givers who do such a great job of looking after people with dementia,” says Eva Tollemache, the Day Club’s team leader.
Eva says the volunteers are a huge support to the programme.
“Our volunteers can be any age – the youngest we have had was 20 and the oldest was in her 70s. We have had males and females. The important thing is that they understand dementia and are patient and compassionate. Having a good sense of humour helps too.”
The programme also has spaces for more participants.
Enliven provides home and community services for older people and those of any age who have disabilities or injuries. Its services promote independence, dignity and well being. If you are interested in volunteering for the Day Club, please contact Jess Osborne on 09 622 4782 ext 9302 or Eva Tollemache on 09 622 9696 ext 9315.