About The Role Help us to extend our reach! We are here for anyone affected by dementia and are keen to reach people in all communities, including those who may be more at risk of isolation through language, accessibility needs, identity or background. You'll play a crucial role in building and strengthening community links and raising awareness of the services we have available. You'll take part in events and talk to groups to raise awareness of dementia and to identify people affected by dementia who can share their dementia story with their wider community as well as with us. You'll also signpost people to access our services. Interested? To apply for this role please click on the 'Apply' button at the bottom of the page. You'll be great for the role if: You have a confident and friendly approach and are committed to including people from all backgrounds, treating them with dignity and as individuals. You have a good knowledge and understanding of your local community. You have excellent communication skills and are able to talk to a variety of audiences. The ability to communicate in languages other than English is not essential but may be helpful. You are over the age of 18. If you find completing online applications difficult, please don't let this stop you from applying. Please call or email us and we can support you with the application process. You can contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team by emailing or call on . About Alzheimer's Society Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be. Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.
Jul 09, 2026
Full time
About The Role Help us to extend our reach! We are here for anyone affected by dementia and are keen to reach people in all communities, including those who may be more at risk of isolation through language, accessibility needs, identity or background. You'll play a crucial role in building and strengthening community links and raising awareness of the services we have available. You'll take part in events and talk to groups to raise awareness of dementia and to identify people affected by dementia who can share their dementia story with their wider community as well as with us. You'll also signpost people to access our services. Interested? To apply for this role please click on the 'Apply' button at the bottom of the page. You'll be great for the role if: You have a confident and friendly approach and are committed to including people from all backgrounds, treating them with dignity and as individuals. You have a good knowledge and understanding of your local community. You have excellent communication skills and are able to talk to a variety of audiences. The ability to communicate in languages other than English is not essential but may be helpful. You are over the age of 18. If you find completing online applications difficult, please don't let this stop you from applying. Please call or email us and we can support you with the application process. You can contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team by emailing or call on . About Alzheimer's Society Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be. Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.
Alzheimer's Society in Cannock is searching for a community outreach volunteer to help extend their reach and raise awareness about dementia services. You will engage with various community groups, participate in events, and help identify individuals affected by dementia. The ideal candidate will have a friendly approach, excellent communication skills, and a good understanding of their local community. No prior experience is necessary. Get involved with a leading charity that is dedicated to changing lives.
Jul 09, 2026
Full time
Alzheimer's Society in Cannock is searching for a community outreach volunteer to help extend their reach and raise awareness about dementia services. You will engage with various community groups, participate in events, and help identify individuals affected by dementia. The ideal candidate will have a friendly approach, excellent communication skills, and a good understanding of their local community. No prior experience is necessary. Get involved with a leading charity that is dedicated to changing lives.
Alzheimer's Society is looking for a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer in Beaconsfield. This role involves setting up and supporting structured music therapy sessions aimed at helping people with dementia. Volunteers will welcome attendees, prepare refreshments, and encourage participation in the activities. If you have a passion for supporting others and have a positive and fun demeanor, this rewarding opportunity allows you to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
Jul 07, 2026
Full time
Alzheimer's Society is looking for a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer in Beaconsfield. This role involves setting up and supporting structured music therapy sessions aimed at helping people with dementia. Volunteers will welcome attendees, prepare refreshments, and encourage participation in the activities. If you have a passion for supporting others and have a positive and fun demeanor, this rewarding opportunity allows you to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
Alzheimer's Society is seeking a Group Support Volunteer in West End, UK. In this role, you will support individuals affected by dementia, encouraging them to engage in activities and socialize with others. This opportunity involves welcoming people, offering refreshments, and ensuring a safe environment during Singing for the Brain sessions. Ideal candidates are over 16 and have good communication skills. If you're compassionate and enjoy helping others, we would love to hear from you!
Jul 06, 2026
Full time
Alzheimer's Society is seeking a Group Support Volunteer in West End, UK. In this role, you will support individuals affected by dementia, encouraging them to engage in activities and socialize with others. This opportunity involves welcoming people, offering refreshments, and ensuring a safe environment during Singing for the Brain sessions. Ideal candidates are over 16 and have good communication skills. If you're compassionate and enjoy helping others, we would love to hear from you!
About The Role If you love meeting new people and want to support people affected by dementia in your area, then we may have just the volunteer role for you! As a Group Support Volunteer, you'll support and encourage people affected by dementia to engage in activities and socialise with others in a group setting. A friendly face at the group, you'll welcome and talk to people affected by dementia to help them feel comfortable and make sure they're offered refreshments. You'll also help set up and tidy away at the end of the group. Your involvement in this role will ensure people affected by dementia are able to meet others in a similar situation, access the support and information they need and enjoy meaningful activities. Schedule and Venues Amber Valley - Alfreton Third Wednesday of the month 10.30am - 12pm Venue: Alfreton Town FC, North Street, Alfreton, DE557FZ Bolsover - Bolsover Second Monday of the month 11am - 12.30pm Venue: Bainbridge Hall Community Centre, Chapel Road, Bolsover, S44 6PX Chesterfield - Chesterfield Fourth Friday of each month 10am to 11.30am Venue: Chesterfield Fire Station, Spire Walk Business Park, Braidwood Way, S402WH Derbyshire Dales - Matlock First Tuesday of each month 11am to 12.30pm Venue: Imperial Rooms, Imperial Road, Matlock, DE4 3NL Erewash - Ilkeston First Friday of each month 11am to 12.30pm Venue: Ilkeston Fire Station, Derby Road, Ilkeston, DE75EZ Long Eaton - Third Tuesday of each month 10.30am to 12pm Venue: Erewash Voluntary Action, Granville Avenue, Long Eaton, NG10 4HD North East Derbyshire - Clay Cross Fourth Monday of each month 1.30pm to 3.00pm Venue: Clay Cross Social Care Centre, Market Street, Clay Cross, S45 9JE Dronfield - Third Thursday of each month 11am to 12.30pm Venue: Dronfield Hall Barn, High Street, Dronfield S18 1PX South Derbyshire - Melbourne First Monday of each month 11am to 12.30pm Venue: Melbourne Sports Park, Cockshut Lane, Melbourne, DE73 8DG Swadlincote - Fourth Wednesday of each month 10am to 11.30am Venue: Oakland Village, Hall Farm Road, Swadlincote, DE11 8ND How to Apply Interested? To apply for this role please click on the 'Apply' button at the bottom of the page. What You'll Need You have good verbal communication and listening skills You enjoy meeting new people and being part of a team You are aware of or are willing to learn about dementia and its impact on people You can demonstrate empathy and compassion You are over the age of 16 If you find completing online applications difficult, please don't let this stop you from applying please call or email us and we can support you with the application process. You can contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team by or call on . About Alzheimer's Society Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be. Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.
Jul 06, 2026
Full time
About The Role If you love meeting new people and want to support people affected by dementia in your area, then we may have just the volunteer role for you! As a Group Support Volunteer, you'll support and encourage people affected by dementia to engage in activities and socialise with others in a group setting. A friendly face at the group, you'll welcome and talk to people affected by dementia to help them feel comfortable and make sure they're offered refreshments. You'll also help set up and tidy away at the end of the group. Your involvement in this role will ensure people affected by dementia are able to meet others in a similar situation, access the support and information they need and enjoy meaningful activities. Schedule and Venues Amber Valley - Alfreton Third Wednesday of the month 10.30am - 12pm Venue: Alfreton Town FC, North Street, Alfreton, DE557FZ Bolsover - Bolsover Second Monday of the month 11am - 12.30pm Venue: Bainbridge Hall Community Centre, Chapel Road, Bolsover, S44 6PX Chesterfield - Chesterfield Fourth Friday of each month 10am to 11.30am Venue: Chesterfield Fire Station, Spire Walk Business Park, Braidwood Way, S402WH Derbyshire Dales - Matlock First Tuesday of each month 11am to 12.30pm Venue: Imperial Rooms, Imperial Road, Matlock, DE4 3NL Erewash - Ilkeston First Friday of each month 11am to 12.30pm Venue: Ilkeston Fire Station, Derby Road, Ilkeston, DE75EZ Long Eaton - Third Tuesday of each month 10.30am to 12pm Venue: Erewash Voluntary Action, Granville Avenue, Long Eaton, NG10 4HD North East Derbyshire - Clay Cross Fourth Monday of each month 1.30pm to 3.00pm Venue: Clay Cross Social Care Centre, Market Street, Clay Cross, S45 9JE Dronfield - Third Thursday of each month 11am to 12.30pm Venue: Dronfield Hall Barn, High Street, Dronfield S18 1PX South Derbyshire - Melbourne First Monday of each month 11am to 12.30pm Venue: Melbourne Sports Park, Cockshut Lane, Melbourne, DE73 8DG Swadlincote - Fourth Wednesday of each month 10am to 11.30am Venue: Oakland Village, Hall Farm Road, Swadlincote, DE11 8ND How to Apply Interested? To apply for this role please click on the 'Apply' button at the bottom of the page. What You'll Need You have good verbal communication and listening skills You enjoy meeting new people and being part of a team You are aware of or are willing to learn about dementia and its impact on people You can demonstrate empathy and compassion You are over the age of 16 If you find completing online applications difficult, please don't let this stop you from applying please call or email us and we can support you with the application process. You can contact the Volunteering Recruitment Team by or call on . About Alzheimer's Society Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be. Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.
Alzheimer's Society is seeking a volunteer to help grow their Side by Side service in Bristol. In this role, you will engage with the community to attract more volunteers and promote the vital support that Alzheimer's Society offers to those affected by dementia. Your work may involve attending local events, having conversations with potential volunteers, and assisting staff with the recruitment process. This diverse role offers the opportunity to truly make a difference for people living with dementia.
Jun 30, 2026
Full time
Alzheimer's Society is seeking a volunteer to help grow their Side by Side service in Bristol. In this role, you will engage with the community to attract more volunteers and promote the vital support that Alzheimer's Society offers to those affected by dementia. Your work may involve attending local events, having conversations with potential volunteers, and assisting staff with the recruitment process. This diverse role offers the opportunity to truly make a difference for people living with dementia.
Alzheimer's Society is looking for volunteers for the Side by Side program. As a volunteer, you will enrich the lives of individuals with dementia by engaging in meaningful activities each week. You'll help reduce the social isolation often associated with dementia through companionship. The role requires a commitment to visit your assigned individual regularly and provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in your local community.
Jun 29, 2026
Full time
Alzheimer's Society is looking for volunteers for the Side by Side program. As a volunteer, you will enrich the lives of individuals with dementia by engaging in meaningful activities each week. You'll help reduce the social isolation often associated with dementia through companionship. The role requires a commitment to visit your assigned individual regularly and provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in your local community.
About The Role Are you interested in playing a vital part in enriching the life of someone with dementia in your local area? Do you want to help to reduce the social isolation which so often accompanies a diagnosis of dementia - and make a life-changing difference? As a Side by Side volunteer, you'll be visiting a person with dementia for a minimum of an hour each week. During your visits, you'll be helping them to take part in activities they love, or even to try new ones, such as popping round the shops, visiting the park, going for a walk, supporting the local football team or simply staying in and looking through old photos. You'll be visiting the same person each week and will be updating the Side by Side Coordinator and/or a lead volunteer after every visit to provide brief feedback on what took place. Qualifications You are motivated to make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia in your local area You enjoy spending time with people and have strong interpersonal and listening skills. You are motivated to volunteer on your own, but whilst remaining in contact & supported by the Side by Side team. You are able to commit to a dedicated visit every week, and can be patient and flexible according to the needs of the person you will be supporting Minimum age 18 This role will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Check from either the Disclosure and Barring Service (England & Wales), Disclosure Scotland Check (Scotland) or AccessNI (Northern Ireland). If you require further information regarding Criminal Records Check, please contact
Jun 28, 2026
Full time
About The Role Are you interested in playing a vital part in enriching the life of someone with dementia in your local area? Do you want to help to reduce the social isolation which so often accompanies a diagnosis of dementia - and make a life-changing difference? As a Side by Side volunteer, you'll be visiting a person with dementia for a minimum of an hour each week. During your visits, you'll be helping them to take part in activities they love, or even to try new ones, such as popping round the shops, visiting the park, going for a walk, supporting the local football team or simply staying in and looking through old photos. You'll be visiting the same person each week and will be updating the Side by Side Coordinator and/or a lead volunteer after every visit to provide brief feedback on what took place. Qualifications You are motivated to make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia in your local area You enjoy spending time with people and have strong interpersonal and listening skills. You are motivated to volunteer on your own, but whilst remaining in contact & supported by the Side by Side team. You are able to commit to a dedicated visit every week, and can be patient and flexible according to the needs of the person you will be supporting Minimum age 18 This role will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Check from either the Disclosure and Barring Service (England & Wales), Disclosure Scotland Check (Scotland) or AccessNI (Northern Ireland). If you require further information regarding Criminal Records Check, please contact
Alzheimer's Society is seeking a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer to enhance the experience of people affected by dementia through music therapy. You will welcome participants at sessions every Tuesday, help set up, and support the facilitator in engaging activities. Your role is vital in creating a fun and supportive environment that encourages participation, allowing those affected by dementia to find their voice through singing.
Jun 26, 2026
Full time
Alzheimer's Society is seeking a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer to enhance the experience of people affected by dementia through music therapy. You will welcome participants at sessions every Tuesday, help set up, and support the facilitator in engaging activities. Your role is vital in creating a fun and supportive environment that encourages participation, allowing those affected by dementia to find their voice through singing.
About The Role Our Singing for the Brain sessions offer people affected by dementia a chance to enjoy a fun activity within a supportive environment, but we need you to help make this happen! Singing for the Brain is a structured group session, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for people with dementia, who may attend alone or with a carer. These uplifting sessions offer the people attending an enjoyable activity, as well as the chance to socialise with other people affected by dementia. As a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer, you'll be welcoming and talking to people with dementia, helping them to feel at ease. You will help set up the room and tidy away at the end of the session (including moving chairs) and help prepare and distribute refreshments as well as supporting the session facilitator by distributing materials such as songbooks. Once the singing session starts, you'll provide encouragement to participate in the activity, and support the session facilitator with the activities, either online or in person. Sessions are held every Tuesday from 10.30 to 1pm unless stated otherwise, but you will be told in advance if a session is not running. The venue is St Peter's Church, Harpers Lane, Chorley, PR6 0HP. You'll be great for the role if: You have an interest in developing meaningful relationships and making a real difference. You want to enable people with dementia to find their voice through music in an incredibly rewarding role. You are fun and enthusiastic. You have the ability to listen and display compassion. If you are supporting our virtual sessions, you will need to be able to navigate effectively online and be able to use Zoom with confidence. Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing! Minimum age 16.
Jun 26, 2026
Full time
About The Role Our Singing for the Brain sessions offer people affected by dementia a chance to enjoy a fun activity within a supportive environment, but we need you to help make this happen! Singing for the Brain is a structured group session, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for people with dementia, who may attend alone or with a carer. These uplifting sessions offer the people attending an enjoyable activity, as well as the chance to socialise with other people affected by dementia. As a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer, you'll be welcoming and talking to people with dementia, helping them to feel at ease. You will help set up the room and tidy away at the end of the session (including moving chairs) and help prepare and distribute refreshments as well as supporting the session facilitator by distributing materials such as songbooks. Once the singing session starts, you'll provide encouragement to participate in the activity, and support the session facilitator with the activities, either online or in person. Sessions are held every Tuesday from 10.30 to 1pm unless stated otherwise, but you will be told in advance if a session is not running. The venue is St Peter's Church, Harpers Lane, Chorley, PR6 0HP. You'll be great for the role if: You have an interest in developing meaningful relationships and making a real difference. You want to enable people with dementia to find their voice through music in an incredibly rewarding role. You are fun and enthusiastic. You have the ability to listen and display compassion. If you are supporting our virtual sessions, you will need to be able to navigate effectively online and be able to use Zoom with confidence. Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing! Minimum age 16.
Alzheimer's Society is seeking a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer to enhance the experience of people affected by dementia through music therapy. You will welcome participants at sessions every Tuesday, help set up, and support the facilitator in engaging activities. Your role is vital in creating a fun and supportive environment that encourages participation, allowing those affected by dementia to find their voice through singing.
Jun 26, 2026
Full time
Alzheimer's Society is seeking a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer to enhance the experience of people affected by dementia through music therapy. You will welcome participants at sessions every Tuesday, help set up, and support the facilitator in engaging activities. Your role is vital in creating a fun and supportive environment that encourages participation, allowing those affected by dementia to find their voice through singing.
About The Role Our Singing for the Brain sessions offer people affected by dementia a chance to enjoy a fun activity within a supportive environment, but we need you to help make this happen! Singing for the Brain is a structured group session, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for people with dementia, who may attend alone or with a carer. These uplifting sessions offer the people attending an enjoyable activity, as well as the chance to socialise with other people affected by dementia. As a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer, you'll be welcoming and talking to people with dementia, helping them to feel at ease. You will help set up the room and tidy away at the end of the session (including moving chairs) and help prepare and distribute refreshments as well as supporting the session facilitator by distributing materials such as songbooks. Once the singing session starts, you'll provide encouragement to participate in the activity, and support the session facilitator with the activities, either online or in person. Sessions are held every Tuesday from 10.30 to 1pm unless stated otherwise, but you will be told in advance if a session is not running. The venue is St Peter's Church, Harpers Lane, Chorley, PR6 0HP. You'll be great for the role if: You have an interest in developing meaningful relationships and making a real difference. You want to enable people with dementia to find their voice through music in an incredibly rewarding role. You are fun and enthusiastic. You have the ability to listen and display compassion. If you are supporting our virtual sessions, you will need to be able to navigate effectively online and be able to use Zoom with confidence. Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing! Minimum age 16.
Jun 26, 2026
Full time
About The Role Our Singing for the Brain sessions offer people affected by dementia a chance to enjoy a fun activity within a supportive environment, but we need you to help make this happen! Singing for the Brain is a structured group session, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for people with dementia, who may attend alone or with a carer. These uplifting sessions offer the people attending an enjoyable activity, as well as the chance to socialise with other people affected by dementia. As a Singing for the Brain Support Volunteer, you'll be welcoming and talking to people with dementia, helping them to feel at ease. You will help set up the room and tidy away at the end of the session (including moving chairs) and help prepare and distribute refreshments as well as supporting the session facilitator by distributing materials such as songbooks. Once the singing session starts, you'll provide encouragement to participate in the activity, and support the session facilitator with the activities, either online or in person. Sessions are held every Tuesday from 10.30 to 1pm unless stated otherwise, but you will be told in advance if a session is not running. The venue is St Peter's Church, Harpers Lane, Chorley, PR6 0HP. You'll be great for the role if: You have an interest in developing meaningful relationships and making a real difference. You want to enable people with dementia to find their voice through music in an incredibly rewarding role. You are fun and enthusiastic. You have the ability to listen and display compassion. If you are supporting our virtual sessions, you will need to be able to navigate effectively online and be able to use Zoom with confidence. Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing! Minimum age 16.
Dementia is one of the greatest challenges of our age. It is now the UK's biggest killer, touching almost every family, and one in three people born today will develop it. The human, social and economic costs are profound, but so too is the opportunity to change what the future looks like. We are a c.£160m organisation with strong foundations, talented people and plans to grow our impact significantly. That means thinking creatively about investment, funding models and partnerships, and ensuring finance is a forward looking, enabling function that gives confidence to innovate, across research, services and system influence. You will shape how we grow, how we invest, and how we build the financial architecture that lets our researchers, services and campaigners take bold, well-founded decisions. That means reimagining funding models. Building the case for transformational investment. Identifying partnerships and income opportunities that others haven't yet seen. And translating financial complexity into the kind of clear, confident insight that gives our Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees the courage to act. You are a qualified finance leader with a track record of operating at Executive and Board level in a complex, ambitious organisation. You bring genuine commercial creativity - an ability to innovate around investment, income and funding that goes beyond conventional financial management. You are as comfortable building relationships with external partners as you are providing rigorous governance and assurance. Experience in the charity or purpose-driven sector is valued, but not essential. What matters is that you understand what it means to deploy resources in service of something bigger than the bottom line - and that you have the skill, credibility and vision to help us do it better. The CFO who joins us now will help determine how many lives we change, how many breakthroughs we accelerate, and how much of that future we can actually afford to build. Closing date: Monday 1st June 2026 Alzheimer's Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves.
May 19, 2026
Full time
Dementia is one of the greatest challenges of our age. It is now the UK's biggest killer, touching almost every family, and one in three people born today will develop it. The human, social and economic costs are profound, but so too is the opportunity to change what the future looks like. We are a c.£160m organisation with strong foundations, talented people and plans to grow our impact significantly. That means thinking creatively about investment, funding models and partnerships, and ensuring finance is a forward looking, enabling function that gives confidence to innovate, across research, services and system influence. You will shape how we grow, how we invest, and how we build the financial architecture that lets our researchers, services and campaigners take bold, well-founded decisions. That means reimagining funding models. Building the case for transformational investment. Identifying partnerships and income opportunities that others haven't yet seen. And translating financial complexity into the kind of clear, confident insight that gives our Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees the courage to act. You are a qualified finance leader with a track record of operating at Executive and Board level in a complex, ambitious organisation. You bring genuine commercial creativity - an ability to innovate around investment, income and funding that goes beyond conventional financial management. You are as comfortable building relationships with external partners as you are providing rigorous governance and assurance. Experience in the charity or purpose-driven sector is valued, but not essential. What matters is that you understand what it means to deploy resources in service of something bigger than the bottom line - and that you have the skill, credibility and vision to help us do it better. The CFO who joins us now will help determine how many lives we change, how many breakthroughs we accelerate, and how much of that future we can actually afford to build. Closing date: Monday 1st June 2026 Alzheimer's Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves.