Raising ADHD Awareness Through Volunteering: Dave Clarke’s Story
As ADHD Awareness Month unfolds this October, it’s important to acknowledge the volunteers who play a key role in raising awareness and providing essential support. One such volunteer is Dave Clarke, who joined ADHD Aware in 2018 and has since become a trustee, deeply involved in our mission.
Dave’s journey with ADHD Aware started with curiosity. “A friend suggested I had ADHD, and I did an online assessment,” he recalls. After seeing posters for ADHD Aware, he was interested but, in true ADHD fashion, admits, “I procrastinated going to the group, but eventually decided to go for it." From his first drop-in session, he was engaged. "I found the discussions very interesting, and I wanted to learn more.”
Dave’s involvement grew organically. He started by attending drop-ins and gradually began helping out through various announcements. “It was very grassroots,” he explains, recalling how the group promoted itself through Facebook and word of mouth. Today, as a trustee, Dave is part of the committee that oversees everything from finances to governance. He also co-facilitates two closed groups, offering tailored support for those navigating life with ADHD.
When reflecting on his favourite aspect of volunteering, Dave is drawn to the group sessions. “For me, it’s definitely the groups. I started with drop-ins, then moved on to more specialist, focused groups, eventually becoming a facilitator.” These groups provide a vital space for individuals to share their experiences and learn from one another. Dave notes, “There’s loads of stuff you might not be aware of, but just by chatting to people, it can drop in your lap.”
One particularly rewarding element of his work is hearing how the groups make a real difference in people’s lives. “For example, the closed group we run for couples—some say it saves their marriage. That’s such brilliant feedback to hear,” Dave says. But it’s not just others who benefit from the sessions. He credits volunteering with helping him grow more confident in talking about ADHD. “Over the years, I’ve found that it’s helped me overcome the hesitation, shyness, and even shame around discussing certain topics. It’s given me strength, made me feel much more self-accepting, and helped me let go of those feelings of uncertainty.”
For Dave, this personal growth is a core part of ADHD Aware’s mission. The charity advocates for open discussions about ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions, and volunteers like Dave become living examples of the impact that such conversations can have. “It’s very freeing and liberating,” he says. “You feel a lot of enjoyment and freedom from it.”
As ADHD Aware continues its work, volunteers are the driving force behind the support they offer. Dave encourages anyone thinking about volunteering to take the plunge. “At some point in someone’s past, they couldn’t swim, couldn’t cycle—they just took that leap. I’d say just do it, because you’ll be surrounded by incredibly kind, encouraging people.”
Dave’s story is a reminder of how much can be gained from both participating in and volunteering with ADHD Aware. As we mark ADHD Awareness Month, it’s clear that open, supportive environments like these help people feel more understood, less alone, and more empowered to embrace their neurodiversity.