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Meet the Team

In the Office

In the Office

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SALLY FERRIS, BSc, MA, MSc Dementia Care

CEO

Sally has worked with older people in Manchester, Trafford and Salford for over 35 years, in the NHS, Social Services, and the voluntary sector. She has an MSc in Dementia Care and through that learned about the evidence base for interventions that can help people with dementia live happier lives. It was that learning, together with her observation that there was nothing on offer for people in Manchester, that led Sally to set up Together Dementia Support.

Sally wanted to prioritise the needs and wellbeing of people living with dementia. If they are content and living well then families often feel happier too! Sally is proud of how TDS has grown and it has achieved over the last nine years but remains passionate that we need more systematic improvement in services for people affected by dementia and hopes the TDS team can help to bring that change about.

​When Sally isn’t working, she loves gardening and walking.

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FIONA BROWN

Business Support Manager

Fiona has spent the last ten years working in the public sector across Greater Manchester. Her experience includes programmes across public policy, health, arts, heritage, culture and co-ordinating public sector responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. For her, joining the TDS team was a natural step, where she can put her skills and experience into action to make a real difference to the lives of everyday people in Manchester.

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CLAIRE MARRETT

Service Delivery Manager

Claire joined TDS in 2019, and has worked in Salford for the last ten years, supporting carers and people living Dementia for Age UK Salford. She also did engagement work with the Institute for Dementia at Salford University. She has a PGCert in Dementia and the Enabling Environment.

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ANNA HULME

Team Leader

Anna joined Together Dementia Support in 2021 as a Dementia Group Leader after spending 20 years as a Personal Trainer and Ballet Barre Fitness Instructor within the local community. She has a keen interest in behaviour change, mental health and overall well-being. She achieved a degree in Sport Psychology, specialising in the Pyscholog of Ageing and Motivational Interviewing.

Alongside her work she has volunteered at many local groups including day centres for Age UK and at Rafiki peer support group at Salford University. Anna is also an active volunteer for British Cycling helping at local events in Alexandra Park, another aspect of her volunteering is as a Guided Ride Leader.

Seeing smiles on faces, caring for others and combating isolation is what she hopes to achieve at TDS.

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CHERYL HOWARTH

Finance Business Support Officer

Cheryl joined TDS at the beginning of 2021 and her main role is to look after the bookkeeping function but also helps out with Administration when required. She is new to the charity sector, having previously worked for many years in a similar accounts/admin role with a small company organising training events for local authority staff and councillors. She likes to spend her spare time researching family history and is also a keen ballroom dancer!

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MARY SHARPLES

Volunteer Co-ordinator

Mary joined TDS in January 2024. In her life and work she's passionate about growing communities where everyone is welcomed, included and celebrated. She moved to Manchester as a student, and after graduating spent 2 and a half years working with student and local communities through the university chaplaincy at St Peter's House. In her spare time, she is often found outdoors - in the mountains or in a kayak, and she's a big fan of oat milk lattes and colourful vegetables.

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HELEN MILNES

Personal Assistant to CEO

Helen joined TDS in July 2023. She is new to the charity sector, having previously worked in the Public Sector for 40 years managing Business Support teams within Health and Social Care. She likes to spend her spare time keeping fit and walking.

Dementia Support Co-ordintors

Dementia Support Co-ordinators

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DOROTHY ALLEN

Dementia Support Co-ordinator

Dorothy has worked for TDS for a number of years, assisting with the 'Together in Song' Gospel Choir and then also running the 'Games for the Brain' group. Dorothy has been a carer herself, looking after her Dad with dementia. Dorothy says: "It has been extremely satisfying supporting members who otherwise may not interact outside of the home, and begin to see them socialise and form friendships." Dorothy also works as an Occupational Health Nurse, sings in her spare time, and is very active in her local church at Brooks Bar.

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Jo Brizland-Cullen

Dementia Support Co-ordinator

Jo is a Dementia Group Leader with 30 years' experience of working with older people. She has worked as a Hospital Discharge & Reablement Service Manager, and is a qualified Fitness & Brain Health Trainer, and Yoga teacher. She has spoken publicly about her dad's journey with dementia; he had early onset Frontal Temporal Dementia. Jo is passionate about improving life for those living with Dementia and their carers.

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BETH LANGWORTHY

Dementia Support Co-ordinator

Beth joined TDS in August 2023, after having a social work placement with the team in 2022. After completing her social work masters at the university of Manchester, Beth spent a year working as an independent mental capacity advocate in Manchester. Beth was inspired by the work TDS carries out and wrote her masters dissertation around the experiences of those living with dementia taking part in participatory arts activities. Beth has experience of dementia within her family and is passionate about supporting the carers and those living with dementia.

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RUKAIYA PANDOR

Dementia Support Co-ordinator

Rukaiya is passionate about helping people live with good quality of life. She has worked in Trafford's Health & Social Care sector for over 25 years, including 10 years as a carer and 15 years at Learn, Motivate, Change, Prosper (LMCP) supporting the South Asian community. Her experience includes community engagement, promoting culturally appropriate services within health & social care, and social care Personal Assistant training. She has a creative background in Creative Design for Fashion, and in her free time enjoys travelling and discovering new and different foods.

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ZSUZSA FÖLDES (Suzi)

Dementia Support Co-ordinator

Zsuzsa joined Together Dementia Support in August 2021 as a Dementia Group Leader, and she also works with the Carers Manchester South Partnership. She has experience working with older adults as a carer, and is also a registered music therapist as well as doing her PhD in music therapy. She is passionate about music and supporting people with Dementia and their carers.

Dementia Support Workers

Dementia Support Workers

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MIKE TAYLOR

Dementia Support Worker

Mike has recently joined the team after working in the hair industry for 42 years, working in all aspects of the hair styling, cutting, product education with a well known hair product company. He his passionate about his role as a Dementia group leader and has also spent time visiting members at home, in his role as a Dementia Support worker. His interests include music, exploring all types of music as well as performing live, and working in the studio.

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DAPHNEY THOMPSON

Dementia Support Worker

Daphney is a loyal volunteer with Together Dementia Support who has now joined our staff team to support members and carers in Trafford. She worked for HMRC for many years but has also volunteered with vulnerable people, in helping roles. She also has experience of dementia in her family and so brings this lived-experience perspective to her support role.

Drivers

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Colin
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Margaret
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Karl
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Steve P
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Michael
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Asif
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Stephen
Drivers
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