My name is Akelia, and I am the Equality and Diversity Champion which is a new role within the Hertswise service! I have been in the role for just over 2 months now and so far, I am very excited to be apart of such an amazing service!

I have spent my first few months learning as much as I can about dementia and the services provided by all the organisations involved in the Hertswise service. Having learnt as much I can over my induction period, I am more than prepared to begin developing the new project which is around promoting equality and diversity within the Hertswise service.

My role as an Equality and Diversity champion is a very exciting and important part of the Hertswise service. I will be providing a specialised service for those within BAME and LGBTQ+ communities across Hertfordshire.

This service includes raising awareness of dementia and the dementia care services that exist through Hertswise. I will also be providing 1-2-1 and group support to seldom heard communities and developed training to help other services provide inclusive support to those living with dementia, their carers and their families.

Over the Easter break, some of our clients and carers from our Hertford and Sawbridgeworth groups got in the Easter spirit, creating their own Easter poem.

Easter comes but once a year,

And brings plenty of good will and cheer.

Sunshine and showers,

Turn bulbs into flowers.

Eternal life forever,

Remember the reason we are all together.

World Harmony Orchestra, who provide socially distanced door-step concerts, recently joined our Potters Bar hub for some mid week entertainment.

Musical marvel Jacqueline, joined our clients via Zoom to provide an uplifting cup of warmth during lockdown.

“It was nice to experience something a little different than usual.”

“Jacqueline had a magnificent voice and it came across really well on Zoom. We really enjoyed it.”

Over the lockdown period our team have been out and about delivering distraction packs for our clients and their carers. The teams have been overwhelmed with the amount of praise from our clients.

With help from lead partner, Age UK Hertfordshire, Hertswise have been ensuring that their clients and carers have not been left behind during lockdown 3. Inside the packs included activity magazines, pencils and pencils, a pack of cards and a card game booklet, selection of PPE facemasks and sweet treats.