Angie Wild, Dementia Adviser, shares her experience of delivering Dementia Friends Sessions as part of her role and in her spare time to her local community.
“I have been a Dementia Friends Ambassador (formerly Champion) for approximately 6 years. I became involved because I wanted to increase the knowledge of people’s awareness of dementia as I felt this was needed. I have been personally affected by dementia as many of my family members have been diagnosed, including my mum who I support.
“I initially became a Dementia Friends Ambassador whilst delivering sessions in my spare time in my local communities of Tameside. In my previous roles within the Local Authority, I was involved in the Dementia Action Alliance and people became interested in becoming Dementia Friends.
“I wanted to continue to deliver Dementia Friends Sessions when I started to work at Alzheimer’s Society in my current role of a Dementia Adviser, I can deliver sessions as part of the job but also in my own time which I enjoy doing. My role as a Dementia Adviser is to be the first point of contact for people with dementia, their carers and other professionals who may need advice and support.
“I have delivered 52 Dementia Friends Sessions over the years to many different community groups, staff members and family and created over 762 Dementia Friends.
“I enjoy delivering the sessions and I feel proud that I am increasing the number of Friends which is crucial to raising vital awareness of what it is like for people living with dementia.
“My highlight has been delivering sessions during Dementia Action Week and hosting an event for people to get together to celebrate the week. The Mayor of Tameside and other dignitaries attended as well as local people, family and friends.
“I have been fundraising in my own time for the past two years raising over £14,000 for the Society. I also enjoy volunteering in my spare time, and I have set up three community groups. One is a charity crafters group where a group of women come together and make handmade gifts that we sell to raise funds for the Society. Fundraising is something I enjoy doing and have raised over £260,000 for various charities over the years which are close to my heart!
“Recently I had the pleasure of delivering a Dementia Friends Session to staff at Bromley's Solicitors in my hometown of Tameside on my non-working day. I had the opportunity to use our 'new look' materials including the lovely Dementia Friends badges.
“I received great feedback from everyone, they said they found the information in the session extremely useful in their work when supporting people living with dementia and their families.
“I am really passionate about Dementia Friends and really love delivering sessions!”
If you'd like to find out more about Dementia Friends Sessions, please email dementiafriends@alzheimers.org.uk
