The Directors of Together Dementia Support CIC
Sally Ferris has worked with older people in Manchester, Trafford and Salford for 30 years. She has an MSc in Dementia Care and has managed the Dementia Support Service for Salford Age UK, running a DoH pilot project to set up and evaluate peer support for people with dementia.
Rev Bob Day has been a minister of churches for 25 years, listening and working with older people; some who have dementia and are socially isolated. He has managed many projects and works with a participatory, community development model of engagement that seeks to involve and support people in creating their own solutions e.g. Melody Memories – a singing activity for those living with dementia.
Karl Tonks is a solicitor. He worked in private practice for over 25 years as a litigator and in the senior management of a large national law firm. He is chair of Citizens Advice Manchester and is responsible for the strategic leadership of the CAM Trustee Board.
Sallie Bridgen has over 25 years experience in housing and supported housing, developing and managing services to support vulnerable people. She is Joint Chief Executive of Housing Diversity Network, a social enterprise working to increase diversity in housing. She is also a freelance Health and Housing Consultant, and a Board Member on a Housing Association. She was a carer for her mother.
Lesley Perkins has worked within the Public Sector for over 35 years. She has a MA in Management and is a qualified Social Worker. She has extensive knowledge and experience of complex change management programs and working within a strategic partnership: managing systems, ICT Governance, as well as hands on support to those living with Dementia. She is also a carer for her mum.
Karen Welsh has worked for over 20 years with The Big Life Group social enterprise, engaging with communities and volunteers to improve lives through a range of resources, opportunities, and collaborations. She brings to TDS experience in volunteer recruitment and development and also experience in dealing with Human Resource issues, governance and contract management.
Dawn Edge is a senior lecturer in the Division of Psychology and Mental Health at University of Manchester. She is also the University’s Academic Lead for Equality Diversity & Inclusion. Dawn has a strong commitment to integrating research, policy and practice and to public service and she actively engages with communities to improve health & wellbeing. Dawn is also a leader in a local black majority church and organised an important ‘Faith & Dementia’ weekend conference from which the partnership with Together Dementia support developed and the gospel choir emerged.
Maria Walsh was diagnosed 6 years ago with Alzheimer’s type of dementia at the age of 59 and had a difficult few years coming to terms with the diagnosis. Maria has become an ambassador for people living with dementia. She has spoken at the UK’s Dementia Congress and is an advisor on a board at Salford University’s Dementia Hub. She also assisted in the production of Manchester’s most recent Dementia Strategy. Maria was a founding member of TDS’ Fabulous Forgetful Friends group. She continues to attend and assist others at our groups as well as being an active grandparent and maintaining her own health and wellbeing.
