Who We Are

I have worked with vulnerable adults for 24 years, initially in the field of advocacy. I trained volunteers to support and be the voice of people living with dementia, also assisting carers to negotiate the complex NHS system. I taught dementia awareness to nurses, paramedics, occupational therapists, care managers, and matrons in the NHS across the south east. I also lectured in two London universities to first year nursing students and mental health nurses, plus teaching on the MSc Dementia Care degree course to mature students wishing to further their education in Dementia. I am a member of the Campaign for the Care of the Vulnerable. My passion within this field is for stimulation and activities to promote that life is good whether you have a diagnosis of dementia or not. I have witnessed the greatest improvement in people remaining connected in a social way. I believe in following the ethos that you can get to ‘ Contented Dementia’ with the right support and care. I continue to train carers and volunteers, whether they are working in voluntary organisations or professional capacities, the importance of good compassionate care, stimulation and support. During the last four years I have volunteered in a local Dementia Café, supporting families and their carers. With a group of trained volunteers we have now opened 2 cafes in the Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter areas. My belief is we all can make a huge difference to a person’s life who is living with dementia and, importantly, help and guide carers and families.

My involvement with Chalfont Dementia Support is my second ‘stint’ as a volunteer with a charity. My first was with HomeStart Slough, a children’s and family support organisation where I was Chair of Trustees for 16 years. I followed my wife Sally into HomeStart just as I have into Chalfont Dementia Support. We both believe very strongly in helping those who are in need and that, as a group supporting those with dementia, we must give the best possible support and help to them. I see the joy shown in the faces of those who come to our Cafes and it is wonderful. Helping in this way is so rewarding for everyone.

My name is Sara and I’ve lived in the area for more than 30 years. For the last 3 years I have had the privilege to work within the local dementia community supporting individuals and their families struggling to adjust to the day to day living dementia and the challenges it presents. My background has been psychotherapy and I worked in the Health/service in a local GP practice for 15years. I have always been passionate about the importance of providing health care and support for those who find themselves battling to be heard and help them navigate the health system so they are able to receive the deserved aid and services possible.

I trained as an SRN at Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge and progressed my career quickly to becoming a Senior Ward Sister. Many years later I was instrumental in establishing a large care home in Chalfont Saint Peter. My youngest son had a neuromuscular condition and I became his primary carer so I understand the physical and emotional demands facing carers. Later in life, I became the main carer for my mother who had vascular dementia. She lived with my husband and I for the last two years of her life. I bring my love of caring and wanting to make a difference to Chalfont Dementia Support. It’s profoundly rewarding to contribute to a place that brings such genuine light and connection into the lives of those affected by dementia We focus on helping our members engage, find joy, and crucially, maintain their sense of purpose and independence for as long as possible. It’s wonderful to see them interacting and enjoying themselves in a supportive space. Furthermore, we offer vital understanding and respite for their dedicated carers, who carry so much. Seeing members leave with a smile, feeling valued and happy after their time with us, is simply the best part. It’s a privilege to play a small role in that, and frankly, it brightens my own spirits immensely knowing we offer comfort and care.

I had a career writing about education and careers (newspapers and books) followed by several years in university admissions and school liaison. After retiring I looked forward to more time with family and friends – and the joyous prospect of grandchildren. A couple of very dear friends were living with dementia and the time I spent with them seeded an interest in this often devastating conditions and the challenges it poses for them and for those caring for and supporting them. A couple of years ago, I joined a small group of friends (one of whom is Sally, a dementia specialist) trying to support another with dementia. We felt we wanted – and needed – to learn more. So, we helped lay on information events and training sessions on dementia – and, before we knew it, Sally’s expertise, experience and enthusiasm carried us on to be found members of Chalfont Dementia Support. As someone happy to beaver away in the background, I wasn’t at all sure I could offer what was needed – but the first Wednesday Club Café dispelled that hesitancy, and we all left uplifted. Feedback has been without exception, positive – and to hear a carer saying their loved one hasn’t smiled so much in ages, well, what a privilege! It is such a privilege to meet with so many wonderful people, our visitors, their carers, and our team of volunteers and the hours we spend with them are a time of sweetness, light and joy.