16th January 2024

Alzheimer's Support has welcomed two new dementia advisers following the retirement of longstanding members of the team.  Nicola Cull is the charity's new dementia adviser for Westbury and Lorraine Gordon-Stables is covering the Pewsey and Amesbury areas.

Dementia advisers provide confidential advice and up-to-date information to help people living with dementia and their families understand more about the condition and to make informed decisions about care, treatment and support available. They discuss an individual's needs and preferences, work with them to draw up a support plan, and stay in touch throughout the course of the illness.

With a background spanning 30 years across various roles in the NHS and charitable organisations, Nicola found herself growing disillusioned with mounting paperwork, reports and targets that seemed to detract from the real point of service.  

She said: "On joining Alzheimer’s Support it was clear from day one that the charity is a family of like-minded people with the same aim - to make a difference at ground level, supporting people individually in the best way they can".

Nicola recently recalled visiting a couple who were unsure about what their future would hold.

She said: "It was a wonderful feeling to be able to reassure them that it would be ok, that there is help and support out there and their change in mindset was enlightening".

'Caring is close to my heart'

Lorraine has worked closely with people living with dementia, witnessing first-hand how lost a person and their families can feel.

She said: "During my teenage years my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, where I played a key role in her care. I know supporting families is something I am good at and caring for people living with dementia is very close to my heart.

Becoming a dementia adviser will enable me to make a difference and that is important to me."

Lorraine recently attended her first Movement for the Mind group in Ludgershall. She said: "It filled my heart with joy to see everyone so happy and enjoying themselves".

Head of Dementia Advisers Diane Barkham said: "Nicola and Lorraine bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team and will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive care and support to people living with dementia."

More about Alzheimer's Support's dementia advisers