Alison Middleton Expand Alison trained as an occupational therapist and worked at The Maudsley for five years prior to moving to Bath in the late 1980s. She moved into health commissioning in 1994 and worked as a mental health commissioner in Wiltshire until moving to her current post with the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust in 2010. Alison is committed to improving services for people with mental health problems and recognises how much has changed, mostly for the better, over the past 30 years. She worked closely with Alzheimer’s Support in her time as a commissioner and was always impressed by the organisation's ethos and the quality of its services.
Carolyn King Expand Carole retired in November 2013 following a 36-year career in social work, latterly as an NHS manager responsible for Older People’s Community Mental Health Services. She was a member of the initial steering group of Alzheimer’s Support some 25 years ago and remained in close professional and personal contact with the organisation over her working mental health career. Carole is involved in many organisations within her own community and is currently Chair of her area’s Community Area Partnership. Their projects have included organising and delivering a Safe Places Scheme to the town’s local shops and an on-going Dementia Friendly town scheme. She is also part of a local debt advisory group.
Harry Theobald Expand Harry worked as a support worker for Alzheimer’s Support for nine years before moving to Salisbury. He supported his parents after his mother was diagnosed with dementia and used Alzheimer’s Support services at that time. Harry has worked for Mencap as a relief support worker. He volunteers his time to fund raise for many charities, helps with animal husbandry at the Laverstock Community Farm and edits the newsletter for Salisbury Allotments Association.
Janet Dore, chair Expand Janet has hands-on experience of both dementia and Alzheimer’s Support at Home service. Her mother had dementia and lived with Janet at home and the service provided the support to allow her to continue working full-time. Janet is now retired and works tirelessly as a volunteer fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Support in addition to her role as chair of trustees. Janet worked for a large computer company and brings analytical skills and knowledge of contracts to the organisation.
Mike Weston Expand Mike has run his own company, been a main board director of privately owned companies, major plcs and a military charity, and a pension trustee for a major plc. Since taking early retirement and moving to Wiltshire in 2006, he has taken on various voluntary positions and until recently he was Chair and a trustee of Age UK Wiltshire and an ambassador for the Patients’ Association. He also sat as a lay member on a public enquiry into treatment at a major NHS Hospital. Mike is currently Chair of the Board for Wiltshire Sight. He has personal experience of dementia, with his mother-in-law.
Rosie Westacott Expand Rosie initially became involved with Alzheimer's Support as a volunteer for Music for the Mind and now also fundraises for the charity through her 'Shabby Chic' stall. Prior to becoming a volunteer, she had first-hand experience of dementia as primary carer of her husband's aunt. Before moving to the South West, Rosie was a partner in her own public relations consultancy in London. She set up another marketing and public relations company in Bath until leaving to look after her mother for the last six months of her life.