Together Dementia Support

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paula has had a rich and interesting career; from running her own care and ‘meals on wheels’ agency to more recent roles working in sales & marketing in the health industry. Paula’s parents ran a care home, so she has always been involved in care work.

Paula will be splitting her time across the Carers Manchester South Partnership on our behalf, and supporting carers here at TDS. Spending time with her family and loved ones is the most important thing to her. Having a big blended family means there is always something going on!

Shabnam has a diverse background spanning over two decades in education, community service, and charity work. With a degree in Education, her career began at Manchester Business School and Manchester University.

She has previously worked in Sure Start Children’s Centres, Islamic Relief, The NSPCC and Action For Humanity. She managed The Little Hands Mother & Toddler Group, and during the COVID pandemic worked with Together Dementia Support’s Pyaari Yaadein Group. She joined us as a Dementia Support Co-ordinator in 2024. She has a passion for education, community engagement and empowering individuals.

Vicky started with us as a volunteer, helping in our groups and then Together at Home. She began sessional work with us covering the Wythenshawe group in 2023 and has been a tour-de-force of positive, creative group leading since!

Anne has been a committed volunteer at Together Dementia Support for over 9 years and has gained a huge amount of knowledge and skill in that time. She regularly supports the running of the Saturday Together In Song Gospel Choir and has recently started working for TDS as a sessional worker, responsible for the Walk & Talk Group. When not working and walking, Anne supports her home football team Sheffield Wednesday and also local West Didsbury AFC.

Holly has recently joined the team. She moved to Manchester from the North of Ireland as a student, graduating in Speech and Language therapy. Holly was inspired to work with people living with Dementia whilst on her university placements working within the community. She is new to the charity sector, but feels this is an exciting opportunity to be able to engage and transform many people’s lives. Holly’s happy place is eating really good food and listening to music with her friends.

She feels that this role is a privilege and she is delighted to be a part of the vibrant and caring community that is TDS.

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.

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.