By giving your time you're helping ADS, and you're also helping the people and communities we work with. Whatever your background, experience or skills; whether you have a little or lots of time to give, volunteering can be one of the most rewarding investments you'll ever make.
You will make a difference, meet people with a common interest and make friends. With our accredited mentor training you will also gain valuable skills and qualifications which may help you in your career.
Everyone brings different skills and experiences to volunteering. Some people have had a problem themselves or have a family member or close friend who has. Others don’t but have a passion for the field and want to make a difference.
When like-minded people get together, friendships are formed.
All volunteers receive a clear role description right at the start so you will know exactly what you will be doing. There is a volunteer handbook which describes what we do, our mission and values and includes our volunteer policy and others including expenses and insurance.
If you are working directly with service users we describe this as a volunteer mentor. We offer a comprehensive training programme to all volunteer mentors. The qualifications you will gain are accredited and issued by a national awarding body.
“Without the encouragement of Lorraine [mentor] I would never have come to the group, the environment is safe and the groups have helped me develop my confidence and I have recently started computer studies course. We all seem to have a lot of fun! I understand this is early days for me, but it’s the longest I’ve been sober since the age of 16.”