A day in the life of Hayley at YPWD

We’d like to introduce you to one of the talented members of team at Younger People with Dementia, Hayley, whose role as Assistant Project Respite Worker involves delivering a range of our workshops across Berkshire to support people diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia who use the charity’s services.

Hayley’s answered a few questions for us to give us a picture of what it’s like working for YPWD.

1. Could you tell us what you enjoy about working for YPWD?

I especially enjoy the opportunity to be as creative as possible. As a team we plan workshops to run throughout the week and the Charity is always open to new ideas which gives me the opportunity to research new venues and activities.

2. Is there a particular day in the week that you look forward to and if so why?

I really look forward to Thursdays. We gather in Newbury at the Riverside Community Centre for Games, Gifts and Gardening. The group have been preparing to go to our lovely allotment in Inkpen by planting veg, painting pots and arranging flowers.

3. What preparation do you have to do to make the workshops the success that they are?

Lots! But hard work pays off. If we’ve discovered a new venue we’d do a reccy to assess the location, write up a risk assessment and check the facilities. Then, assuming we’re happy, we do all the prep work for the workshop to create the spectacular activities we run.

4. Of all your skills, which one do you find yourself using the most at the charity?

Not sure if you’ll call it a skill, but I most certainly do a lot of talking in the charity. Whether it is conversation with the attendees, or leading a workshop with plenty of guidance, there is never a quiet moment. Communication is key to making the workshops more engaging and interesting for the attendees.

5. How many miles in a week do you find yourself travelling to attend the workshops?

I currently cover about 130 miles a week driving between Maidenhead , Newbury and the office in Wokingham.

6. What is the most inspiring thing that has come out of the workshops while you’ve been there?

When I joined the charity in August I never saw myself jumping out of a plane, but the thought of fundraising for such a positive cause and the support I received by being involved inspired me to do just that. And now I can inspire others to get involved with future fundraising.

7. Is there a particular venue that you’d say is your favourite and why?

I would say Waltham Place, near White Waltham, is my favourite venue. The rural, organic lifestyle has encouraged me to start an allotment and I can pass on great advice that we have gained from there to others.

8. What’s the most difficult question that you have been asked at one of the workshops?

I can’t say I’ve come across any difficult questions as of yet, which I’m hoping means I’m well prepared.

9. What are your hobbies or interests outside work that may surprise us?

I am a keen rock climber. I go bouldering at Oakwood climbing centre and have recently been taught how to lead climb. Oakwood is a previous venue we have used in the charity and that inspired me to give it a go. I am also green fingered and own an allotment with my partner and the goal is to grow our Christmas dinner this year.

10. If you were in charge of the world for just one day, what is the one thing you’d encourage everyone to do?

To try something completely new and out their comfort zone.