From now on, we’ll be asking all our volunteers to complete a short online induction. This is based on feedback from existing volunteers and recommendations from our local volunteer centre. We hope accessing these resources will help new volunteers feel better supported and equipped in their role.

Before attending a Furry Tales session as a volunteer, you must complete the following steps;

1. Watch Trinity College’s explanation on the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – essential knowledge!
2. Watch the Bookcase Analogy, by Dementia Friends. This is a simple and imaginative description of how dementia can affect someone.
3. Read the Alzheimer’s Society’s factsheet on Depression & Anxiety. This contains essential information on dementia, as well as a helpful insight into mental health issues that can affect us all.
4. Read Dementia UK’s communication tips. These are transferable to many situations and will help you feel more confident when you attend a Furry Tales session.

This will be followed up with a taster session and face-to-face training, as well as ongoing support. If you have any questions about the induction, or would like to suggest new resources, please get in touch.

On Monday 18th we held our first volunteer induction evening at the Farm’s Rural Arts Centre. We were lucky to have the excellent Clea House, of Magic Me’s Cocktails in Care Homes fame, deliver an informative session on dementia and speak to our volunteers about communicating with older people. There was plenty of discussion about using ice-breakers, body language and tone, and the importance of allowing space and silence. The therachicks and therapigs came out to say hello as Stepney City Farm’s Katharine trained volunteers on giving animal health checks. They entertained us all with their antics and allowed volunteers to get some important animal-handling experience.

It was a great evening and I’d like to thank all the volunteers who participated and also Katharine and Clea for such useful activities.