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.
Jane Ebel Expand Jane spent 30 years running health and social care projects in Eastern Europe, including 10 years working with children with special needs in Moldova. This culminated in a wheelchair project and the country’s first inclusive marathon, for which she received an MBE. In March 2020, Jane decided she needed to spend more time in her home town of Salisbury, to support her parents. Her father has dementia. During the pandemic her community voluntary activities including developing services for people living with dementia and their carers, and delivering a Get Connected project for people without technology and the internet. Jane runs the Salisbury Area Memory Support Group (formerly the Laverstock Memory Group) from her home, as well as a Move and Make Music project in Downton and other short-term projects with artists and musicians in Wiltshire.
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.
Melissa McCloy Expand A qualified solicitor, Melissa has worked both in London and with her husband in their practice in Bradford on Avon. She and her Italian greyhound Nico attend the Sidmouth Street Club in Devizes every Wednesday afternoon.
Mike Streams Expand Mike specialised in business change through technological innovation during a long career in senior executive leadership positions in global corporations. He also ran his own business consultancy. Now retired, he is a volunteer advisor with Wiltshire Citizens Advice. His awareness of dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's, comes from seeing two close friends and their families dealing with the impact of the disease.
Paul Tumim Expand With a career in banking specialising in risk management and financial regulation, Paul is currently working part-time within the Banking Policy Division of the Bank of England. Between 2002 and 2013 Paul was a treasurer of the Foyer Foundation, a national charity set up to support the UK's 130 Foyers as they provide accommodation and support for disadvantaged young people. Paul's understanding of dementia comes from a close family member and Womble, a wirehaired dachshund who volunteers at the Sidmouth Street Club alongside Paul's wife.
Paul Whitby Expand Paul left the National Health Service in 2017 after a long career in clinical psychology specialising in care of older people. He has been involved with Alzheimer's Support for many years, supporting our Memory Cafes and providing training sessions on the Carers’ Course and to staff. Paul has a special interest in supporting both family and professional carers and continues to write and teach on this topic.
Wendy O'Grady Expand Wendy O’Grady, a former teacher, has lived in Bradford on Avon for 35 years. She has volunteered in the local community, as Chair of the U3A, trustee for Abbeyfield House and former Chair of the town’s Seniors’ Forum. Wendy became aware of the work of Alzheimer’s Support several years ago when taking a friend to Music for the Mind, and through her active involvement in the Bradford on Avon Dementia Action Alliance. She is very aware of the importance of spreading information about the support available for people living with dementia.