Simon is a Dementia Friend and Alzheimer’s Society volunteer who supported his own father through his journey with mixed dementia. Simon tells us why he joined the Dementia Friends movement, and why he is so passionate about creating a more understanding and inclusive world for people living with dementia.
“My passion for being a Dementia Friend stems from my foundational purpose to assist and provide helpful information to as many people as possible. Being a Dementia Friend is about understanding dementia, supporting those living with it, and helping to create a more inclusive society.”
Simon says he sees a huge amount of value in making information about dementia easily available to everyone:
“Dementia impacts millions worldwide. Making information about it accessible to everyone helps to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help caregivers and communities provide better support to those living with the condition. My late father was diagnosed with mixed dementia in March 2020, and I supported him for four years.
“Being a Dementia Friend has deepened my understanding of what it's like for people living with dementia and their caregivers. It was a very tough time in my own experience seeing my dad’s condition worsen daily and not being able to help him.
“While memory loss is a common symptom, dementia is a complex condition that affects individuals in many ways. It can impact thinking, language, perception, and behaviour, and it progresses at different rates in different people. Those with dementia often struggle with communication, memory, and daily tasks. Dementia Friends helps people understand why a calm, patient approach and empathy are essential to help people living with dementia to feel safe, understood, and respected.”
Simon says that the Dementia Friends programme helps people understand that you don’t need to be a dementia specialist to support someone with dementia, and that there are many ways we can all show support.
“Simple acts like listening, being patient, or helping them stay engaged in familiar activities can have a significant positive impact on wellbeing. I spent lots of time with Dad and tried to keep him engaged and keep tasks simple and fun. I personally have found a great comfort in becoming a Dementia Friend and it has helped reinforce the importance that compassion, understanding, and education have in helping people support those living with dementia and their families.”
As well as being a Dementia Friend, Simon also volunteers with Alzheimer’s Society as a Community Link Volunteer, building and strengthening community links and raising awareness of our services.
“Separately to being a Dementia Friend, I became a Community Link Volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society and have raised over £11,000 in the last four years. This year was the 1st Annual Tom Hollier Golf Day in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. It was put together in just six weeks’ notice and made £555 for the society!
“As a volunteer, I aim to offer practical advice and emotional support to people affected by dementia, including caregivers. Whether it's helping someone understand symptoms or offering tips on communication, my goal is to be a reliable resource for those seeking assistance.”
“My overarching inspiration is to continue advocating for a dementia-friendly world, where people with dementia can live with dignity, and where their caregivers and families are fully supported. I’ve attended many Alzheimer’s Society events and held many of my own community events, including fun days, Christmas markets, and football tournaments. These events raise awareness and critical funding to support dementia care and research.”
So, why is raising awareness so important to Simon?
“By raising awareness, we can encourage more people to become informed and compassionate toward those living with dementia. I convey this information around my local community and through my local library and hope to inspire many others to become Dementia Friends! I want to share accurate, accessible information about dementia to help dispel myths and misconceptions – something I learnt about in the Dementia Friends Information Session.”
“I would absolutely recommend becoming a Dementia Friend to friends and family members. Becoming a Dementia Friend is such a simple yet meaningful way to make a positive impact on the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers. You don’t need any special training or previous knowledge of dementia, just a willingness to learn and to be more aware of the challenges people with dementia face.
“By becoming a Dementia Friend, you'll gain a better understanding of how dementia affects individuals. It’s not just about the people living with the condition, but also about supporting their families and caregivers, who often carry a heavy emotional burden.
“The more people who become Dementia Friends, the closer we get to building communities that are compassionate and supportive. It's a small step that can lead to big changes in how we approach dementia in our society every day.”
Join Simon and millions of others to learn more about dementia, how to dispel myths and combat misconceptions. Sign up here.
