Meet Judith a new member of the Empowered Carers team who will be working with family carers in Bolton.  Here Judith tells us more about her passions and why she wanted to join the team.

 

What attracted you to the Empowered Carers role?

I was very impressed by the Empowered Conversation resources for carers on the website and I have previously worked with Dr Maggie Ellis who is involved with course provision for the organisation.

Thanks for checking us out Judith and great to know you have worked with friend of Empowered Conversations – Maggie Ellis! Tell us a bit more about your skills and qualifications.

I have a number of qualifications (Cert Ed, BEng, PGDipHE, MSc), skills and experience that I feel would be useful for the project having worked in different roles for Alzheimer’s Society Central Lancashire for 13 years.

During this time, I worked as an information and awareness officer introducing and expanding charity services within the local NHS mental health services and Age Concern Central Lancashire.

Then as Dementia Adviser I visited and supported many people living with dementia and their family carers within their own homes and in care homes. I was involved with setting up and running dementia cafes and support groups. I was also an internal trainer bringing a practitioner’s perspective writing and delivering many courses, including adaptive interaction, progression of dementia and complex needs.

I then project managed an Innovation funded project “Positive Connections involving the Fidget Widget® Toolkit.” The emphasis being on ways to connect and communicate with people who have advanced dementia. Working alongside the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN ) we designed and tested sensory wooden objects that use repetitive movements helping people to engage and enhance wellbeing. I also developed awareness sessions using nonverbal communication techniques for both family and professional carers.

What are you looking forward to doing in the role? I’m looking forward to being part of a great team, being useful and continuing in the area of work that I hold dear.

For more information about Empowered Carers work in Bolton or to refer yourself or someone you know who would benefit from the service go to  https://empowered-conversations.co.uk/empowered-carers/ or email RachelYatesHoyles@ageuksalford.org.uk