2nd April 2024

Her smile and friendly welcome have encouraged countless people to join community groups, and have their lives enriched because of it.

Kate Sharpe, head of community services at Alzheimer's Support, has stepped down after nine years at the charity. 

Kate, pictured centre above, joined the Wiltshire charity in 2015 as a community services coordinator, running memory cafes, singing, art, and outdoors groups in the Devizes and East Wiltshire area, and has led the department since 2021.

Alzheimer's Support CEO Sarah Marriott said:  "We are very sorry to say goodbye to Kate. She has worked alongside me for nine years, developing and expanding the community services department into the extensive and innovative service it is today. Her smile and friendly welcome have encouraged countless people to join community groups, and have their lives enriched because of it. The dedication and compassion she shows is so inspirational.

"She will be missed by staff, volunteers and service users alike. We wish her the very best in this next phase of her life, and thank her for her time with us."

During Kate's time at the charity, she also got involved in fundraising, taking part in a skydive and helping run Alzheimer's Support's annual Walk to Remember. She also organised the charity's Christmas and summer concerts bringing together members of community groups and their families from across Wiltshire. 

Kate said: "I am not retiring! But I am looking forward to a break and to travelling more. I will miss everyone connected with this amazing charity."

Welcome Jon

Kate has passed the 'baton of community services' to Alzheimer's Support's new department head, Jonathan Mansfield, who joins from The Pound Arts Centre in Corsham, where he was deputy head of operations and marketing. 

He said: "For the last ten years I have been slowly moving away from working for corporates, and want to give my time and energy to a more rewarding, caring community and organisation. I knew that my empathy and caring nature would be put to good use at Alzheimer’s Support.

"So far the people have been amazing. Everyone I have met, from staff to volunteers, carers and service users have all been kind, compassionate, passionate, incredibly patient and just ‘the best’."

More about Jon

More about community services