To be diagnosed with dementia is devastating to the patient and their family.

But imagine how it feels to be suffering from the condition and living alone.

In2001 the Alzheimer's Society in Bradford launched a scheme called Time to Listen, helping people suffering from the disease who lived on their own.

The idea was to recruit volunteers to visit them each week for a couple of hours, to chat and help them cope.

The pilot was such a success it attracted lottery funding and is now a permanent scheme, run by Jessica Tasker at the Alzheimer's Society's North Parade offices.

"It's been proved to be an invaluable service, " says Jessica, 26. "Volunteers deal with just one person, visiting them every week and building a friendship with them.

The more they get to know them, the more they know their needs. The visits can involve going out shopping or for a walk in the park, or accompanying people on doctor's appointments."

The district-wide scheme is for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, which can be a particularly terrifying experience if you live alone.

"Some are dealing with the diagnosis, others haven't been able to retain the knowledge, " says Jessica.

"Befriending works very well for people with dementia because they often feel isolated in big groups and not valued in society. The one-to-one relationship makes them feel respected, accepted and valued. It can really help them deal with their diagnosis.

"It helps to know there's someone there to help you cope, even if it means having a cup of tea and just sitting and listening. Volunteers go through memories with people and talk about what they have achieved. It's important to keep up self-esteem.

"There are practical services around for people with dementia but often what's lacking is a sense of fun.

They need someone to be their friend, to end the isolation they can feel and to bring some fun and laughter back into their lives."

Jessica co-ordinates the befriending scheme and is responsible for the volunteers taking part. The scheme currently has 48 clients but only 11 volunteers.

"We desperately need people who can spare at least an hour a week, " says Jessica.

"It's very flexible. Some people can only do an hour but others take to the person they befriend so well they visit them two or three times a week.

"There are no age limits - we try to match people up in terms of age or interests.

Our youngest volunteer is 18 and the oldest is 65. Most people with dementia are over 65 but it can be diagnosed much earlier. It can happen to anyone."

Volunteers undergo a threeand-a-half day training programme, learning about dementia and relevant policies and procedures, developing listening and communication skills. There is ongoing support and training from the Alzheimer's Society.

"I'm in contact with all volunteers and we have regular get-togethers, " says Jessica, whose grandmother had dementia.

After graduating with a psychology degree, Jessica worked for Dewsbury Mental Health Trust before joining the Alzheimer's Society, which provides emotional and practical support for patients and their carers, last year.

She says volunteer befrienders need to be patient, nonjudgemental, reliable and committed.

"I was attracted to the role because of my grandmother's experience and also because of the befriending aspect, " she says. "It has so much to offer in terms of emotional support. Our relationships affect how we see ourselves and our experience of the world. I very much believe in communities working together and people being there for each other."

Part of Jessica's role is visiting people with dementia and she says she has learned about herself.

"I have learned to value the present moment and also that it's not what you achieve that proves your worth, but the fact that you exist, " she says.

"Befriending is incredibly rewarding - each person has something to offer the world and it is wonderful to spend time with people and help them discover their gifts. It's easy to forget how much people with dementia value a friendly face and a chat."

Anyone interested in becoming a befriending volunteer with the Time to Listen scheme can ring Jessica on (01274) 743880.