At ADSS, we rely on the compassion, commitment and energy of our volunteers to help us make a real difference in the lives of people affected by dementia across Kent and Medway.
Whether you can help with a project, give a few hours a week or want to be involved more regularly, your time and support can help provide vital companionship, activities, and practical help to those who need it most. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, and we will provide full training and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role. Together, we can make every moment count.
At ADSS, our culture is built on compassion, respect and genuine connection. We believe in creating a supportive environment where everyone: staff, volunteers and the people we support, feels valued, heard, and empowered. Our shared values guide everything we do, from the smallest act of kindness to the biggest decisions we make.
Volunteering with us has many benefits:
Sense of purpose: Helping individuals and their carers gives a strong sense of meaning and fulfilment.
Empathy and compassion: Working closely with vulnerable populations deepens emotional intelligence and understanding of others.
Mental wellbeing: Volunteering is linked to reduced stress, improved mood and lower risk of depression.
Social connections: You will meet like-minded volunteers and staff, contributing to a supportive and meaningful community.
Communication skills: You will learn to communicate clearly and compassionately, especially with those who have cognitive impairments.
Patience and resilience: Supporting people with dementia requires calmness and adaptability, which are valuable life skills.
Training opportunities: Training in dementia awareness, safeguarding, health and safety, and more.
Experience in health and social care: A great stepping stone if you are considering a career in healthcare, social work or psychology.
Support for families: You will help relieve the burden on caregivers, who often face physical and emotional exhaustion.
Raising awareness: Volunteering helps combat stigma and increase public understanding of dementia.
Enhanced services: Your contribution helps ADSS extend its reach and improve the quality of support for those living with dementia.
Stronger CV: Shows initiative, compassion and real-world experience, especially relevant for health and social care fields.
Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with professionals in healthcare, non-profit work and advocacy.
References: Reliable volunteering may lead to glowing references for jobs or academic applications.
Trustee
Trustee
Salesforce Admin Volunteer
Volunteer Videographer
Volunteer Photographer
Evaluation and Data Reporting Volunteer
Dementia Befriender
Kitchen Volunteer
Day Centre Support Volunteer (The Beacon)
Minibus Driver Volunteer
Office Administrator Volunteer
Dementia Coordinator Administrator Volunteer
Peer Support Volunteer
Singing Group Volunteer
Memory Café Volunteer
Memory Café Volunteer
Active Bodies, Active Minds Volunteer
Therapeutic Activities Volunteer
Community Outreach/ Event Support Volunteer
Garden Volunteer
Volunteer Coordinator Assistant Volunteer
Whilst volunteering with ADSS, I have gained extensive communicative skills when engaging with individuals who have dementia. I have attended both the Singing back the Memories groups, where I have at first hand seen the positive impact on individuals with dementia and their recollection. I have also been a Befriender, supporting a vulnerable person who was isolated, engaging them in meaningful activities and positively supporting them in a person-centred fashion
ADSS volunteer
I decided to become a volunteer at ADSS as I am retired and thought it would be good to offer my services. I had no experience with people with dementia, so it has all been a new experience for me. I completed the training last year and now help at the Beacon and also at a couple of drop-ins for coffee at Shorne and other village halls each month. I enjoy having contact with the people and find it a pleasure to help with the activities. The team that I am with works endlessly, taking care of the needs of the people, which vary considerably. No task seems to be too much for them.
ADSS volunteer
If you would like to volunteer, please get in touch at volunteering@alz-dem.org If you have any queries, please see our FAQs or drop us a line.