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.
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.