Adopt A Grandparent Named Official Charity Partner for Dorking Westival 2025

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Adopt A Grandparent (AAG) has been chosen as the official charity partner for Dorking Westival 2025! Taking place from 2nd – 4th May, this incredible community festival will bring people together through live music while raising vital funds and awareness for our mission – combatting loneliness among older people through intergenerational connections.

This exciting partnership was made possible thanks to the support of Jon Stanley, AAG Ambassador and Chief Operating Officer at CHD Living, a family-owned care provider based in Surrey.

Jon, a passionate advocate for social care innovation, is leading the rollout of the Adopt A Grandparent programme across CHD Living’s 13 care services in Surrey, ensuring more residents can benefit from meaningful companionship. He worked closely with David Annand, AAG’s Head of Operations and Fundraising, to secure this partnership, which will see the festival community come together to support older people across the UK.

Music has always been a powerful connector – it brings people together, creates shared experiences, and evokes memories in a way that few other things can. At AAG, we see the same magic happen when we match older adults with volunteers for meaningful companionship and conversation. Just as a song can transport someone back to a special moment in their life, a heartfelt chat with a caring volunteer can provide a much-needed sense of comfort, joy, and connection.

We are incredibly grateful to Dorking Westival for choosing AAG as their charity partner this year. It’s an amazing opportunity to bring people together – across all ages – and celebrate the importance of connection. With the support of the festival community, we can reach even more older people who need companionship and help ensure that no one grows old alone.

Shaleeza Hasham, Founder and CEO of Adopt A Grandparent, shared her excitement about the partnership:

"We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the charity partner for Dorking Westival 2025. Music is a powerful connector, just like conversation, and this event will not only help raise vital funds but also spread awareness of the loneliness crisis facing older generations. We are so grateful to the organisers for making this happen. With the support of the festival community, we can reach more older people who desperately need connection and companionship."

Jon Stanley, AAG Ambassador and COO of CHD Living, added:

"Dorking Westival is all about bringing people together, which makes it the perfect partner for Adopt A Grandparent. At CHD Living, we see first-hand the transformative impact that meaningful connections can have on older people’s wellbeing. Rolling out the programme across our care services has already made a real difference, and this partnership will help us continue to grow its reach. I’m incredibly proud to support AAG through this initiative and look forward to seeing the local community rally behind such an important cause."

Dorking Westival 2025 promises a fantastic weekend of live music, community spirit, and meaningful connections, now with the added purpose of making a difference in the lives of older adults. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to learn more about Adopt A Grandparent, donate to the cause, and take part in initiatives that encourage intergenerational connection.

At Adopt A Grandparent, we are on a mission to combat loneliness by pairing older adults with volunteers for regular, meaningful companionship. Through our secure platform, participants engage in video and audio calls, forming friendships that transcend physical distance. Our AI-powered technology ensures safe, engaging interactions, providing real-time emotional monitoring and safeguarding features to support both volunteers and older adults.

If you’re attending Dorking Westival, keep an eye out for how you can support us, and if you haven’t signed up yet – why not join us for a weekend of great music, community spirit, and making a difference?

For more information on how to support Adopt A Grandparent or get involved with the festival, email [email protected].