Gill – Team Leader & East Herts Locality Worker
Job description in your words
My role as a Locality Worker covers Stevenage and surrounding areas.
Once a month I have a carers respite group for 4hrs this enables family members to enjoy time with friends, going out for lunch, shopping or just having a bit of me time.
The group encourages stimulation, interaction and security, enabling individuals to attend a warm safe environment to enjoy activities make new friends and have fun. I have an amazing team in the East and enjoy supporting them in their localities, I also have two incredible volunteers who help out at all of my groups whom I really appreciate and wouldn’t be able to run my groups without them.
What do you enjoy about the role?
I love my job as Locality Worker as every week is different, researching and finding different activities for the clients to enjoy.
We are always laughing at group there is never a dull moment this is so important for an individual living with dementia, they may not remember attending the week before but the emotions when walking into the group the feeling of it being a happy safe and secure place then takes over and then its smiles and laughter all afternoon.
Although every client living with dementia are at different stages on their journey, they all support and look after one another often making friends and meeting outside of the group.
It is important to ensure that activities are adapted to suit all needs to enable everyone to be able to join in and participate.
I love my groups they are funny can sometimes be very noisy they enjoy everything and always grateful, especially where cake or food tasting is involved.
I love getting to know them all the trust they have in me and the support I can give them when needed, and the satisfaction I feel when they receive help to make their journey that much easier.
It is not just about running a group and going home at the end of the day it is about going that extra mile, caring about the clients the family members and friends that care for them, looking out for them making sure that we do everything we can to enable a healthier happier journey.
Fun fact about you
One day after finishing work I stopped to get petrol when returning to my car I couldn’t get the key in the ignition, after trying several times and a few curse words thought my car had died. I then looked around and thought hold on a minute where is all my things it was tidy!!!!
Well I have never moved so much in my life was only trying to drive off in the wrong car. The car was red and same make as mine my face was even redder.
Where can I see you?
Hampson Park – Tuesdays & Thursdays 13.30-15.30pm – Hampston Park Webb Rise, SG1 5QU
United Reform Church – Monday & Friday 2pm-4pm, United Reform Church, Cuttys Lane Stevenage, SG1 1UL
Hollie – Team Leader & East Herts Locality worker
Job description in your words
I work with people and their families living with dementia, supporting them to make sure they live as well and as safely as possible within their local community. I do this by; facilitating weekly social groups, visiting clients on a 1:1 basis who may be struggling to access support within their local community, sign-posting and making referrals on behalf of clients and families to ensure the appropriate support is in place. I deliver our Hertswise Dementia Awareness training to local organisations in Hertfordshire and I lead and support a team of locality workers who all do the same role as each other across different districts in Hertfordshire. I work with other organisations and professionals in East Herts to ensure we are working collaboratively and for the benefit of all our clients and their families.
What do you enjoy about the role?
there’s lots about the role I really enjoy! I love building rapport with families over time, helping them to identify next steps in terms of further support they may require. Its great to work in partnership with other dementia colleagues, particularly when you are both supporting the same clients along their journey, it’s very collaborative. Witnessing the flourishing of relationships between our clients and families at our groups – the compassion they show each other. Seeing their enjoyment when participating in an activity, and the light relief felt by the carers. Supporting and leading a team- working with colleagues who are equally dedicated, passionate, and proactive in putting our clients/families at the heart of everything we do. I love delivering our dementia awareness training, not only in helping to reduce the stigma associated with dementia but offering space and time for participants to share their personal experiences and to learn further about the complexities of dementia. It’s also an autonomous role so you get to work as part of a team but also manage your own workload and diary. Lastly, learning from our families – seeing the many ways they overcome adversity to support the one they love. I’ll stop now, I think that’s enough!
Fun fact about you
Hate this question…licking an ants bottom in Cape Tribulation, Australia, it had a sour taste. Medicinal properties apparently!
Where can I see you?
St Johns Hall – Tuesday 11:15am – 1pm, Hertford, All Saints Church, Churchfields, Hertford, SG13 8AE
Kerryn – Team Leader & Broxbourne Locality Worker
Job description in your words
Running three weekly groups in the area of Broxbourne. Each week we do a different activity that brings stimulation, engagement.. but more importantly fun and smiles! Our groups are a safe place and bring the best laughs and atmosphere. At the groups everyone is on a journey which can be similar at times, but the mutual understanding and compassion is at the forefront. I also provide Dementia Awareness Training to the wider community to bring dementia to the conversation- reducing any stigma and increasing knowledge. Part of my role is also supporting my incredible colleagues in their role which brings me so much happiness seeing them grow and develop.
What do you enjoy about the role?
We drink a lot of tea and eat even more biscuits.. but for me it is the family aspect. In each of our groups individuals create new friendships, memories and moments. The level of trust that our clients and carers give to enable us to be part of their lives and journeys, to see and be part each moment is worth everything!
The humour and kindness that each of our volunteers bring.
Seeing how over the five years; before, during COVID and after, all the groups come together and support each other.
Hertswise is about consistency in service, we are a consistent point of contact and support to the community. For me, its building relationship not as carer and cared for.. but husband and wife or son and daughter etc.
Fun fact about you
I was hoping to dodge this part..
Do you remember about 27 years ago there was a TV show called Gladiators? I am named after one.. which could have been a lot worse, I could have been called the Wolf!
Where can I see you?
Cheshunt Hub- Wednesday 10am-12pm- Tesco Community Room, Cheshunt, Herts EN8 0TA
Hoddesdon Hub- Wednesday 2pm-4pm- St Cuthberts Church, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 0PU
Theobalds Hub- Thursday 10am-12pm- The Royal British Legion, Theobalds, Herts, EN8 8LR
Anne-Marie – Hertsmere Locality Worker
Job description in your words
I am an activities organiser, an agony aunt, a friend, a fun-maker and someone to lean on when needed. I also support families with bereavement.
What do you enjoy about the role?
I really enjoy getting to know my clients and their carers but mostly I love watching my clients’ confidence grow and seeing them realise that they can continue to enjoy life and live well despite thier diagnosis.
Fun fact about you
I was a professional photographer for 20 years and photographed the likes of actor Pauline Quirk, rapper will.i.am and King Charles III (or Prince Charles as he was then!).
Where can I see you?
St Johns Methodist Church – Thursday 2pm-4pm – 47 Baker Street, Potters Bar, EN6 2DZ
Hertsmere Hub – Thursday 10am-12pm – 82 Aycliffe Road, Borehamwood, WD6 4JW
Jo – Watford Locality Worker
Job description in your words
I see my role as being able to offer people with Dementia and their loved ones to be themselves in a non-judgemental environment. The opportunities for people to do this can be rare but very precious. To facilitate people to make new friendships, new support networks, access to a listening ear, support to access the help they need at home, but most importantly to reassure people that they are not alone. . I see the aim of the hub as reducing social isolation, to encourage peer support and give an opportunity to talk, laugh and relax in a safe environment. I plan activities to meet the interests of the group and this includes taster sessions of other activities that the group may like to try as a group, for example Seated Yoga, Seated Exercises, various sports etc.
What do you enjoy about the role?
For people to feel fulfilled and valued for being themselves, for me, it means this is not a job it is an extension of me, the job fits me and I can make a difference.
Fun fact about you
As a girl from the countryside, I unbelievably managed to have dinner with King Charles and the Queen Consort when he was just a Prince, and she was just a Duchess. Maybe you have a claim to fame that you would like to share with me and the Hub?
Where can I see you?
Other than in the kitchen at parties, you can also find me:
Watford Hub – Monday 2pm-4pm – Tesco Extra Community Space, 239-241 Lower High Street, Watford, WD17 2BD
Kim – East Herts Locality Worker
Job description in your words
I run two groups each week in the Bishop’s Stortford area. Each week I set up different activities that stimulate the mind and engage people in social and mental interaction. We have lots of fun and laughs and everyone is totally accepting of individuals within the group. I always ensure that everyone’s needs and safety are catered for.
People who attend my groups are at various levels of memory loss and physical abilities. Everyone is treated in a holistic way and say they feel highly supported
What do you enjoy about the role?
I enjoy absolutely everything about my role.
The stories, fun and laughter…sometimes tears, that individuals bring, watching interaction between those within the groups, friendships developing, loved ones and carers not feeling isolated and alone and also the support side of my role. As I say, I couldn’t choose any one thing in particular, I love it all.
Fun fact about you
When I was 30, which feels like a lifetime ago!!…..I flew an aeroplane at North Weald airfield as a surprise birthday present.
Another fact is that when my daughter was a baby…35 years ago!! We were on a TV programme called Help….as she never stopped crying. Luckily enough she turned out a very smiley adult lol.
Where can I see you?
The High Wych Memorial Hall – Friday 12:30pm-2:30pm – Friedberg Avenue, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 4RF
Melanie – Three Rivers Locality Worker
Job description in your words
Provide support, advice and knowledge about Dementia in the local area. Spread awareness about Dementia.
I first started coming to Hertswise groups, with my mum who had dementia. Having these times; doing activities together, seeing her smiles, allowing her mind to be creative and for her to express herself. Now looking back at those memories, I learnt things about her that I didn’t know she could do.. and she was good at cricket! The pictures and videos will stay with me. It was our time, me and her.. having fun.. and that’s what I want others to experience going forward.
My one on one time at those groups were invaluable, and I will never get those times again, as mum passed away in August 2022. I feel more passionate for my clients and carers to make memories and have experiences that they can cherish and remember going forward. I joined the Hertswise team in April 2022, to take what I have discovered as a carer.. and as her daughter… giving the opportunity for other families to create happy memories in this stage of their life.
What do you enjoy about the role?
I love meeting with the Clients and their Carers and see how much they enjoy the groups, socialising and making new friends.
Fun Fact about you
I used to live in Tenerife and love the sound of waves crashing on the beach
Where can I see you?
Mill End Community Centre – Monday 1pm-3pm – Old School Building, Mill End, Rickmansworth, WD3 8HD
Clitheroe Centre – Wednesday 10:30am-12:30pm – Clitheroe Gardens, South Oxhey, WD19 6RP
Abbots Langley Methodist Church Hall – Thursday 2pm-4pm – 1 Langley Road, Abbots Langley, Herts, WD5 0EH
Tara – Young Onset Dementia Worker & MCST Facilitator
Job description in your words
YOD Role- Along with my colleague, we support people under the age of 65 living with mild to moderate dementia’s, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and cognitive decline- with or without a diagnosis. We provide time limited 1-1’s, groups (both face to face & online), outings, support with disability benefits, information & advice. Their carers benefit from our Carer Respite Service; a 4-hour group with sensory & stimulating activities, gentle exercise, a 2-course hot lunch provided by HiLS and heaps of fun & laughter. We work closely with other organisations to ensure people are receiving the support they are entitled to.
MCST Role- Along with my colleague we follow the CST guidance to provide a 24-week structured programme of activities and discussions for people with early stages of dementia. The groups provide active stimulation, build confidence and enhance new and wonderful friendships which of course improves wellbeing and reduces isolation.
What do you enjoy about the role?
I enjoy the variety of the roles; no 2 days are the same. I enjoy having the autonomy to adapt the service to fit with the clients’ needs using their input; we adapted well during the pandemic ensuring people had support with shopping, medication and started our online groups to enable the interaction with others. As long as there’s smiles & laughter with people returning, we’re doing something right.
Fun fact about you
I once abseiled face first down a building in Bolivia dressed as Spiderman!
Where can I see you?
I facilitate groups in East Herts, Letchworth, Stevenage and on Zoom twice monthly.
https://hertswise.org.uk/young-onset-dementia-hubs/ for more information.
MCST groups are held in Bourne End weekly. Please call Herts Help for referrals.
Vince – Carer Peer Support Worker
Job description in your words
Working with the carers of people living with dementia within our community to help combat loneliness and isolation by connecting with each other, sharing their experiences and building sustainable and empowering support networks. Signposting additional support services which may be useful as required and delivering wellbeing sessions to supporting positive mental health through peer support.
When someone in my family was obviously struggling with their memory we had to be incredibly persistent to find out what was wrong, and when we did get a diagnosis we really didn’t have much of an idea what to do – funnily enough it seems that we were not alone. Through Hertswise we were introduced to a fantastic Locality Worker and other carers who helped us navigate the troubled waters we found ourselves in.
What do you enjoy about the role?
What I really love is that as part of my job I have met so many carers and have been able to share both my own and other people’s experiences and that is now helping them to steer a straighter course on their own journey. We do not travel alone, there is support for carers and it shows strength to ask for help, not weakness.
Fun fact about you
I got to drive a tank down the Champs Elysees for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution while a Sergeant in the French Cavalry.
Where can I see you?
Contact Herts Help on 0300 123 4044 for 1:1 support or to join weekly learning sets specialised designed for carer of people with dementia, memory loss or mild cognitive impairment
Hertswise 