Volunteering for Memory Walk: frequently asked questions

Thank you for thinking of volunteering with us. Our amazing volunteers are essential to making sure we can run our Memory Walks and we'd love to have you on board!

To register, visit our Find a walk page to see your nearest event. Select the event you want to volunteer at and scroll down the page to find the 'volunteer' button. Click this and simply fill in our registration form. We will then be in touch via email closer to the event day with all the information you will need.

At the event roles are split into those based on the event site or on the route. 

On the event site, roles include selling merchandise, manning the Information and Memory Tag gazebos, and handing out medals to all our amazing walkers.

Our route volunteers support as marshals, making sure the walkers are safe on route and heading in the right direction, as well as keeping them motivated with big cheers!

This is just a snapshot of the types of tasks that volunteers are allocated by the event manager on event day. The event manager will always try to match you with the preferred role you indicated on your sign-up form, however we appreciate your flexibility where possible. 

Most of our volunteers will be needed between 08:30 and 14:30 at Memory Walk, but this may change depending on the timings of each event, especially if an event is due to start earlier or later than usual.

Keep an eye on your inbox for an email with full timings from our team before the event.

You will receive updates from the Memory Walk team in the lead up to the event which will provide you with everything you need to know before event day, so keep an eye on your inbox and double-check your junk-mail folder.

These updates include information about what time to arrive, where to go, and what to expect at the event. We may also contact you by phone or text message in case we need to update you with vital information.

When you arrive at the walk, your event manager will sign you in, allocate you a role and give you all the equipment you need. You'll then receive a briefing with your fellow volunteers which will cover what to expect, safety information and everything else you need to know about your volunteer role.

All the specific volunteering equipment you need, including a radio and hi-vis vest, will be provided to you on the day. So, please just bring your enthusiasm and the below provisions to ensure you have a comfortable and fun experience!

Please check the weather forecast and wear suitable clothes and footwear. Some volunteers find that a foldable camping chair can be useful, especially if you are out on the route or need a rest from standing.

At most events we will give you a food and drink voucher which can be redeemed with the on-site caterers, but we would also recommend that you bring some snacks to keep you going. To help us be more green, please do bring your own water bottle. We will have water stations on the event site where you can refill your bottle.

Information about what to bring will also be sent out to you via email shortly before event day.

We have raised millions of pounds over the years at our walks. Without the support of our generous volunteers, the Memory Walks would not be able to take place, and we would not be able to raise vital funds for people affected by dementia.

At the event you have the chance to meet new and like-minded people whilst having a great day out. You can be part of an amazing atmosphere of people coming together and walking for a future where dementia no longer devastates lives. 

Volunteering at events also provides you with new skills and experiences to take into your personal and professional life. If you are volunteering as part of a scheme, we can also certify these hours towards your award.

We try to make our volunteering experiences as accessible as possible. However, please bear in mind that as Memory Walk is an outdoor event, there may be factors such as the terrain and the weather which could affect the accessibility of each event.

It is useful to let us know in advance if you have any access needs so that we can try to assess the suitability of the event site and the volunteer roles available, and so that the event manager can try to ensure that you are as comfortable in your role as possible on the day. 

If you are considering volunteering, or have already signed up, and have any event specific questions, our lovely Supporter Care team will be happy to help. You can contact them on 0300 330 5452 or by using our online form.

Alternatively, you can let us know on your volunteer registration form about any access needs, in the section about medical conditions/disabilities, or you can speak to your event manager on the day, if you wish to.  

Even if you have volunteered before, or already volunteer for Alzheimer's Society, you still need to sign-up online for each event. This is essential for us, as we need to make sure we have the most up to date details, such as your emergency contact details, and the correct email address to communicate with you.

We understand that sometimes things crop up which mean you can no longer volunteer at the event. If this is the case, just contact us using our online form with your full name, postcode, and the name of the event you were due to volunteer at.

You can also phone us on 0300 330 5452 and speak to our lovely Supporter Care team to let us know. 

If you are part of a team, or want to volunteer with a friend, we would love for you to bring them along – the more the merrier! All you need to do is sign up individually, via the online form, and make sure to mention who you’re volunteering with in the 'volunteer with a friend' box.

On the day, your event manager will always try to keep you together in groups of at least two so you can enjoy volunteering together.

Youth Groups are welcome to volunteer, as long as they have a leader over the age of 18 to supervise them at the event.

The leader must first sign up using the online form, and write the name of the Youth Group, and the approximate number of youth volunteers in the 'volunteer with a friend' box (e.g. Durham Scouts x10). This helps the event manager know how many additional volunteers to expect at the event.

After this, please forward your confirmation of registration using our online contact form, to highlight that you've signed up a Youth Group. If there are any changes to the number of volunteers you’re bringing, then please do email again to confirm.

If you are aged between 16-17 on the day of the event, please seek permission of your legal parent or guardian before registering to volunteer. You can then sign up online to volunteer, using the standard volunteer registration form. When you fill  out the registration form, there will be a link to a Young Volunteer's consent form which your parent or guardian will need to complete on your behalf.

Children under 16 can volunteer if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times at the event. The parent or guardian must sign up as normal using the online volunteer registration form, noting in the 'volunteer with a friend' box that a child will be present and add their age.