William is a 78-year-old male who was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2019. He also has the condition of COPD. He maintains good mobility and enjoys walking and particularly potting around in his shed.

He is friendly and sociable and enjoyed being a part of a bowling group but is no longer able to attend. William was formally in the Army and likes to talk about his time in service. He also expressed the need for a volunteer who was calm, easy going and patient

William was matched with Steve, himself ex- Army and one of the calmest volunteers. They have bonded well, and both enjoy each- others company. They meet weekly and trips out are designed to address William’s needs and always include a coffee and cake stop!

Steve has reported back saying that due their mutual ex services connection combined with the fact that is the sole male in the household, some of their man talk can include a more colourful language than William could use at home and William believes this helps him to maintain a degree of his former Army life and this helps with his self- worth.

Steve himself has reported back saying that he is getting a lot out of his volunteering role and he and William have become friends within the boundaries set by the society. He also states that he has learnt a lot about dementia and its effect on people’s lives and has made him a more rounded person.

To find out more to apply to become a Side by Side volunteer, please click here

*Names have been changed.