Empowering my community

I completed an Open University module in Dementia Care this year and I decided to face the condition head on. I am based in Exeter and on a personal mission to raise dementia awareness in any and every way I can.

My work involves supporting carers in the capacity of a counsellor and a reflexologist and more recently as a volunteer Dementia Friends Champion.

I am only too aware the complex care, understanding and patience it takes to support a family member or friend with dementia and for that I have inexpressible admiration. My empathy extends to both carer and the person with dementia so how do I support both?

My empathy extends to both carer and the person with dementia so how do I support both?

I have been offering free one hour public and private dementia information sessions to the general public across my home town. This is a role I thoroughly enjoy. Not only because I’m meeting new people all the time, but because I have the privilege to hear their life stories; sharing both their sorrow and their joy.

The way society is approaching dementia is transforming and this is happening because of the government strategy to raise awareness across the country.

I have been inspired by delivering over a dozen information sessions throughout the year with another eight booked until Christmas. This has led me to add an additional voluntary role to my life.

The National Dementia Action Alliance has seen many cities, towns and villages join forces and work towards creating ‘dementia friendly communities’ Exeter has yet to be one of those cities until now.

I am on a mission to empower our community and provide a supportive city for those with dementia and their carers, welcoming inclusivity and collaboration with an alliance of dynamic like-minded professionals.

I am on a mission to empower our community.

Whilst this is a huge project, I have been receiving such positive responses from individuals, professionals and the media that I believe this will surely be a mission to be accomplished. Together we are strong.

I chose Alzheimer’s Research UK as a charity that I deem to be seriously underfunded and am walking part of the Great Wall of China in April 2015 in order to raise funds for their invaluable ongoing research.

Join me in raising dementia awareness by supporting my JustGiving page.

Maybe I will get to share some stories from my trek next year…