Kissing it Better

Volunteer

Whatever your talent, we need you to help make a difference. Can you sing? Create imaginative art projects? Give a relaxing hand massage? Or share stories in a way that makes older people feel special? Volunteering with KiB just might change your life.

Benefits

The framework of our supported projects boosts students’ confidence and communication skills.
University students say working with us helps them deal with the anxiety and loneliness of university life, especially in the first year.
KiB volunteers can instantly see the impact of their work, from the smiles on the faces of patients and care home residents.
Medics say KiB’s uplifting intergenerational projects are ‘integral’ to older patient’s social and emotional recovery in healthcare.

The Power of Performance

The beauty of volunteering with KiB is you can instantly see the impact of sharing your special skills, whatever they are. Music in particular has a magical effect.

Two happy elephants, one older, one younger, listening to music together

Here’s what happened at the Whittington Hospital in London, when an elderly man heard a favourite song. He hadn’t moved without a walker for days, and spent much of his time sitting silently.

Poetry also has great power, especially for older people living with dementia.

In Ipswich, ITN News covered the work of young KiB volunteers, who clearly enjoyed the experience just as much as the older people they visited.

KiB is now working to become a national centre of excellence for our expertise in mentoring musicians into healthcare. “We already have some amazingly talented young musicians from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on our mentoring project, says KiB’s Jackie Roxborough. “We want to build that base and help other musicians learn how their skills can make the world of difference to older people in healthcare.”

To get involved, contact [email protected]

Value

We’ve had overwhelming positive feedback from the schools, colleges and university departments whose students work with us on our healthcare projects. Laura Jones, Curriculum Manager at Walsall college sums sit up: “We’re enhancing the students’ time here at college ten-fold through the opportunities you give them.”

Kissing it Better in action

Credential

Daphne Papaioannou, University of Leeds

Thank you for letting me be involved in KiB this year. The experience is something that has brought me great happiness and enjoyment every week and allowed me to grow in many more ways than I ever thought it would.”
Credential

Menn Yakoub, St Aloysius College, Islington

“The overriding theme of my week of volunteering with KiB was how to think of innovative ways to improve patients’ experience, and to ensure that they are always treated with dignity and respect.”
Credential

Simon Russell, English student Exeter University

“My poetry sessions with the ladies have taught me how to love the way words sound again and, just as importantly, how to embrace old age with open arms and a graceful sense of humour.”
Credential

Sarah Watts, student beautician

“I was so nervous when I arrived but I’ve now come out of my shell. I have loved seeing the patients look so happy.”

Jill Fraser

Jill Fraser

For more information on our supported volunteering projects, contact Jill Fraser.