Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. We provide advocacy, support services, education and information.

Our Walking Groups enable people living with dementia and a support person to be active and socially connected through a monthly walk that includes coffee, a leisurely 3-5km walk and conversation. The walking group is supported by an enthusiastic and attentive team of volunteers who provide a welcoming space for all walk participants.

Before each walk day, the walk route and coffee destination are scoped to ensure they are dementia friendly by our Program’s Volunteer Team Leader. Potential participants are referred to the program by our Social Support Coordinator.

As each person living with dementia is accompanied by a family member, friend or support worker, the volunteers are primarily there to provide conversation, social support and most importantly, assisting to foster a positive environment and enthusiasm for the active experience.

Our walks will be held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday in south east Melbourne; or monthly on the 4th Tuesday in north west Melbourne. The time commitment for either walk is 10am – 1pm. Refreshments on walk day are self funded.

If you are interested in volunteering and have the following approach and experience, it would be wonderful to hear from you:

• a warm, welcoming approach and genuine interest in others
• enjoy being active and walking in particular
• the experience of supporting someone living with dementia desirable but not essential.

To be considered for this program, Volunteers will be required to:

• undergo an interview, reference and police checks (at Dementia Australia's cost)
• participate in an induction and orientation sessions
• commit to ongoing training

For further details and next steps contact: volunteer@dementia.org.au.