We’ve had the pleasure of chatting to Steph about her experience of supporting her dad Ted through his dementia journey, and her passion and commitment to being a Dementia Friends Champion. Here, she tells us how she helped her mum overcome the stigma and embarrassment she attached to dementia, how her dad encouraged her to continue spreading awareness, and of her great success in creating Dementia Friends in numerous areas of Northamptonshire Police, and beyond!
Due to the misconceptions and stigma that can exist around dementia, Steph often felt she had to tread very carefully when discussing her dads’ condition around her mum – who would often feel embarrassed. Then, one day, when researching activities and groups for people with dementia, she had an idea:
“Dad used to sing in a local choir so when I came across Singing for the Brain sessions I thought it would be great for him to attend, and a brilliant opportunity for my mum and dad to spend time not only together, but in an environment with other people affected by dementia.”
At the session, while her mum and dad joined in and sang along, Steph enjoyed helping and getting to know the other attendees, too. Her ability to befriend people and her desire to help others caught the eye of the session leader, who recommended becoming a Dementia Friend! Back to the internet it was, to find out about Dementia Friends, and how she could become one – and Steph hasn’t looked back since.
Steph and her dad Ted
“I felt really proud to be a Dementia Friend and knew it was really important. One day I was at the supermarket and someone spotted my Dementia Friends badge! She was a carer and we chatted for a while, and she even linked me to a Facebook page about Vascular dementia where people interacted and shared stories and advice, which I found really helpful.”
This showed Steph how important the Dementia Friends badge is, “by wearing a badge you’re showing that you have an understanding of dementia and this can open up so many important conversations and connections…even in the middle of a supermarket!”.
After feeling inspired by learning more about dementia and continuing to take action to combat the myths associated with it, Steph knew that she wanted to be a Dementia Friends Champion so that she could spread the word far and wide, and it wasn’t long before she was running her own Sessions, with each opportunity making way for another.
Some enthusiastic Tweets about Steph’s Sessions for Northamptonshire Police started to drum up interest, with her soon running Sessions as part of Dementia Awareness training for many different areas of the police. She even got presented with the ‘Good Egg Award’ from the Police Chief for her commitment to the cause, and for helping equip Officers with an understanding of dementia when responding to incidents that may involve people living with the condition.
“I've also had some lovely emails from staff telling me what an amazing relationship they now have with their grandparents now that they understand.”
One day, Steph had the privilege of running a Dementia Friends Session for the Police Chief, something she felt extremely proud to do. His mother had dementia and he learnt a lot from the Session. Sadly, but poignantly, this was the very day Steph's dad Ted passed away. Ted had always been so proud of Steph’s achievements, and this spurs her to carry on, finding more and more opportunities to spread the word.
Steph told us about a time when a GP was visiting Ted, he was adamant they should talk to Steph about her passion for raising awareness. After explaining Dementia Friends to the GP she was asked to run a Session for the practice – something she views as extremely important and is committed to making a more regular occurrence – believing that all emergency services staff should become Dementia Friends, and that everyone should be offered a Session at point of diagnosis of dementia.
Steph wears her Dementia Friends T-Shirt every time she delivers a Session, and proudly wears her badge every day. We’re so incredibly grateful, her commitment and passion are truly inspiring. Thank you, Steph, for all you do!
Steph at one of her Sessions