Fifth Sense Raising Awareness Volunteers attend new online training

Ten Fifth Sense Raising Awareness Volunteers attended our new online training, designed to support them in highlighting smell and taste disorders and smell safety in their local communities.
Thanks to National Lottery Community Fund funding, the volunteers will soon hold information sessions in settings such as GP surgeries, ENT clinics, organisations for older adults, head injury charities, and educational institutions like colleges and universities.
The online training sessions began with an introduction to Fifth Sense’s work and the various resources and support we offer. Participants then learned about different types of smell loss and distortions and explored the concepts of smell and taste versus flavour.
Emphasis was also placed on smell safety, with practical advice provided on how individuals can take simple steps to live safely. This work is part of our ongoing partnership with Cadent, promoting safety awareness.
To complete their training, the volunteers took part in small group discussions about our material and how to effectively present it to others. Several of the volunteers are personally affected by smell and taste disorders, and they were encouraged to share their experiences during their presentations.
Sally Connick, Fifth Sense Community Development Officer, said: “The feedback from the volunteers who attended the training has been overwhelmingly positive, and they are all eager to organise their initial sessions.
“They told us that they now feel much more confident about delivering their presentations and that the conversations they had during the training further equipped them with insights and knowledge.”
Can you help us raise awareness of smell and taste disorders?
As a small team, Fifth Sense relies on the support and dedication of volunteers across the UK to engage communities, extend our reach, and maximise impact.
By volunteering with Fifth Sense, you can make a significant difference in raising awareness and supporting those affected by smell and taste disorders. You can help increase understanding and drive positive change.
We have a variety of flexible, voluntary roles, some requiring just a few minutes of your time each week.
To find out more, email Sally Connick on volunteering@fifthsense.org.uk or visit the volunteering page on our website.