Bill Harper Expand Bill Harper has an eclectic background including experience as a social worker in America, and currently works as the American equivalent of a chartered surveyor. Having spent a great deal of the Covid pandemic caring for his father while he lived with dementia for the final years of his life, Bill has a large amount of experience working one-on-one with people experiencing dementia. This includes currently volunteering at the Scots Lane Club in Salisbury, where he's known as an excellent bingo caller who works tirelessly on perfecting his Dick Van Dyke inspired British accent.
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 Palmer Expand Jane was a mental health nurse for 47 years before retiring in 2021. She writes: "Whilst working as a community nurse in Devizes I was asked to join the committee of Alzheimer’s Support. There was just one base then in Trowbridge and a small staff. During my time on the committee it expanded to the Devizes office in Sidmouth street and a monthly cares cafe in Marlborough. I stood down from the committee on transferring to Swindon. "In recent years my sister was supported by Alzheimer's Support and being aware of the support you gave her I decided to offer my services as a trustee again. In addition, I am also a scout leader and do training in First Aid for scout leaders."
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.
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.
Steve Besent Expand During his 40-year career Steve was an IT director, programme director and consultant working in Government and large financial services organisations across the globe. Steve’s prime focus was on business and IT change management. He served on a number of executive/operating boards, including non-executive roles. Now retired, Steve has been a volunteer with Citizens Advice in Wiltshire and the Samaritans.
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.