Dementia Friendly activity: Boccia

Volunteer Role Description

Age UK Berkshire offers a Boccia group in Wokingham on a weekly basis.

This is held on Tuesdays 11-12 (10.45 – 12.15) to assist with prep and clearing away).

The location is Cantley Park Pavillion, Wokingham RG40 5QG.

This may be extended to other areas in due course.

Boccia is a seated based activity for the players. Boccia is a precision ball sport which involves propelling balls as close to a white target ball called the “jack”. Two sides compete as individuals, pairs or teams of three over a set numbers of ends/rounds.

The balls are red and blue in colour and the teams are red and blue respectively. Points are awarded based on how close a team’s balls are to the “jack” compared to their opponents. A round of play lasts approximately 10 minutes depending on the number of participants and repeated several times before the final score is counted and the winning team identified.

The Boccia game is a completely inclusive sport that anyone can play, regardless of age, gender, ability or disability. The tactical nature of Boccia and the fact that players take turns to play makes teamwork a major focus. The game of Boccia provides an excellent focus for self – belief as each shot needs to be played with belief, strategy and accuracy making it a competitive game.

Main Tasks

● To assist the activities coordinator to set up the room with chairs before and after the Game.

● To welcome the players and ensure that they are comfortable.

● To assist with sign in sheet / payment.

● To assist the activity coordinator proactively with collecting the balls and distributing them to the players after each round. This requires good mobility as it is a fast moving game.

● To maintain confidentiality and security of players data. To promote a positive and up beat atmosphere throughout the session.

Qualities

● A kind, caring and friendly manner

● A desire to make a difference to the lives of the players.

● An ability to listen to, and have empathy with the players.

Experience

No previous experience is required.

The volunteer coordinator will provide on-the-job training and ongoing support. We also encourage attendance at any training sessions we organise or offer.

Although not essential, you may find it can be an advantage if you have experience of dealing with, or caring for, older or disabled people either informally (e.g. contact with or care of older family members) or formally in employment.

Reasonable travel and incidental expenses incurred during the course of volunteering will be reimbursed.

Availability

A couple of hours a week.

Formal Requirements

You will need to complete a volunteer application form. We require the names of two referees who have known you for a minimum of one year. They should not be family members, and one of these referees should have known you in a formal capacity e.g. employer or tutor.

If accepted as a volunteer, you will be required to satisfactorily pass an enhanced level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, or provide information to allow us to verify your status using the online DBS Update Service. Your disclosure of any past or spent convictions may not preclude you from volunteering with Age UK Berkshire. For more information see www.gov.uk/government/publications/basic-checks

Our Aim

We believe that helping facilitate activities can be hugely rewarding, and want our volunteers to gain experience, and be proud of what they achieve while with us. To this end, we offer ongoing support, and hope volunteers will always feel free to contact one of our team to discuss any matter that will help them during their time with us.

We organise social events for our volunteers from time to time, and always hope that volunteers can find the time to join us for these enjoyable occasions.

Volunteering opportunities with Wokingham Volunteer Centre

Age UK Berkshire – Dementia Friendly Boccia volunteer

Age UK Berkshire – Dementia Friendly Boccia volunteer

Claim "Age UK Berkshire – Dementia Friendly Boccia volunteer"

Login