A Dementia Friends Ambassador is an Alzheimer’s Society volunteer who encourages others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. They do this by running Dementia Friends Sessions and giving participants information about the personal impact of dementia, and what they can do to help.
Dennis recently became a volunteer Dementia Friends Ambassador, after being a Dementia Friend for a number of years. Here, he shares the personal story behind why he was inspired to join our movement.
This is my short story....
I didn’t choose to become a Dementia Friends Ambassador…
I became one because of someone I looked after.
I watched Alzheimer’s slowly take them away.
At first, it was the little things —
forgotten words, repeated questions, moments of confusion we tried to laugh off.
But then one day…
they looked at me like they didn’t know me.
And I realised…
I wasn’t losing them all at once.
I was losing them piece by piece.
I was still there for them — caring, showing up, trying to stay strong…
but inside, it hurt in a way I can’t even fully explain.
Because how do you grieve someone… who’s still here?
That’s why I became a Dementia Friends Ambassador.
Because I know how isolating it feels.
Because I know how much understanding matters.
Because no one living with dementia — or caring for someone with it — should feel invisible.
Thank you to Dennis for sharing this touching story. Dennis is joining our team of incredible volunteers. We recruit new Dementia Friends Ambassadors periodically. All current volunteering opportunities will be posted on the Alzheimer's Society Volunteering webpage. Please contact dementiafriends@alzheimers.org.uk for more information.
