After a career as a teacher of Maths and as an Education Officer for Wirral Borough Council, I retired and moved to Yorkshire to be near my family. I was asked if I would be willing to work on the Board of Trustees of Dementia Friendly Keighley. My father suffered from Alzheimer’s for several years, and so, like many people, I have a little knowledge of dementia and its implications for the sufferer and for carers, family and contacts. I hope that I can contribute to the work of Dementia Friendly Keighley.

About four years ago the Alzheimer’s Society started working in Keighley to kick-start a dementia-friendly community campaign. Although I had come across people with dementia in my career as a nurse I had no experience of dementia within my own family and had no real understanding of the massive impact the disease has on individuals and families.

The Alz Soc organised an open meeting, which I attended to see what all the fuss was about. It was plain that dementia had been a hidden and isolating illness and volunteers were needed to start to make changes. Awareness-raising was clearly going to be a vital part of the process to create Dementia Friendly Communities so I volunteered to train as a Dementia Champion.

Since then I have recruited over 400 Dementia Friends in the Keighley area. I also volunteered to sit on the committee that would oversee the efforts to make Keighley more dementia-friendly and became the treasurer. I also helped to set up a seated exercise class, run a singing for the brain group, attend meetings of our young persons’ group and do all manner of fundraising things. All these things I do as a volunteer; so never underestimate the value of volunteers, remember Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers, The Titanic was built by professionals!

If you would like to contact Maggie either telephone the office on 01535 602529
or email maggie@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

I had a nursing career spent primarily looking after older people, many of whom had a cognitive impairment, so dealing with and trying to understand people with dementia has been both my daily bread and my personal interest. In (semi) retirement I continue to work with impaired people as a Mental Capacity Advocate.

It is my goal that dementia is normalised in society. Whilst we continue to find ways to treat or prevent dementias (and we must), we should also work towards the day when it is no more remarkable than a walking stick or going bald. Not something to be feared or laughed at, but just accepted as another aspect of our humanity. People with dementia still have a place; society is still theirs too.

And anyone of us can develop dementia at any age. We have a shared interest in getting this right before it’s our turn.

If you would like to contact Andrew, either telephone the office on 01535 602529 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

In 2012 my wife was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Prior to that, I knew of the concept of dementia but due to the rapid progression of the disease in her case meant a fast learning curve as she began to lose many functions as well as memory.
During this period I tried to find out as much as I could and was involved in some meetings held at Central Hall that lead to the formation of Dementia Friendly Keighley which I joined as a carer. I became very involved in outlying a journey through dementia which DFK produced as a booklet in 2017.

My current project is with regard to making rail travel a positive experience for all those living with dementia and their carers with the local train operator, Northern Rail. This involved looking at stations becoming dementia-friendly, dementia-friendly activities along the local line and dementia awareness for the rail staff

If you would like to contact Rod either telephone the office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

My passionate interest in DFK relates to my parents…my dad is now in Herncliffe nursing home living with dementia at the age of 96 years young!…my mother died a year ago at 99yrs young, and both parents moved from Poole, Dorset to be cared for by my wife and I as they were having falls and losing their memory

I’m presently working on a National Lottery funding bid to deliver information and awareness sessions targeting ethnic minority communities in Keighley…Dementia does not discriminate, it affects everyone.

If you would like to contact Roy either telephone the office on 01535 602529 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

My role with Dementia Friendly Keighley started as a partnership supporting role through Keighley Healthy Living and have continued to support in a freelance capacity. My role has included coordinating projects, developing systems, supporting recruitment and providing monitoring reports.

I feel Dementia Friendly Keighley has been so successful due to the determination and drive of its Trustee Board and Board Members, and it has always been a pleasure to help support the success of Dementia Friendly Keighley.  I believe the projects and sessions Dementia Friendly Keighley reach and engage the local community and offer much-needed support.

I am excited about the next chapter with Dementia Friendly Keighley and the introduction of 2 new staff members who I believe will continue the successes of the past 4 years.

If you would like to contact Hannah either telephone the office on 01535 602529 or email
hannah@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

I feel both pleased and privileged to be able to contribute to the wonderful work already undertaken by the staff and volunteers at Dementia Friendly Keighley. I hope that the extended Saturday opening times will help this successful and expanding local charity to provide help and support to those who are unable to call in to see us during the week.
My background is within both the local government and the NHS, but, like so many, I also have personal experience of caring for family members with dementia.

Dementia touches the lives of so many of us and affects people’s lives in so many different ways; many of which are so difficult to deal with. If you are affected by dementia, I hope you will pop in and see us for support, information or help, or just a cuppa and a chat. We are here to help you when you need us.

If you would like to contact Julie, either telephone the office on 01535 602529 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

‘I have worked within the voluntary sector for the majority of my working life; Bradford Gingerbread, Age UK, Bradford Older People’s Alliance and Community Action Bradford & District in my current role as the Manager of Central Hall. I trained as a Dementia Champion to increase the understanding of dementia within our communities.

I’ve been involved with Dementia Friendly Keighley since it started and was proud to be asked to join the Trustee board recently. I am a District Councillor serving the Keighley West Ward, I live and work in the town and believe the more people we deliver Dementia Friendly sessions to, the friendlier the town becomes for all residents who may need extra understanding and support.

If you would like to contact Julie either telephone the office on 01535 602529 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

I have lived in Keighley all my adult life, and have a keen interest in the range of healthcare support available in the district.

My mother was diagnosed with vascular dementia in her early 80’s. She died a couple of years later, during the early days of DFK, which was a shame, as I am sure she would have benefitted from some of the support that is now available.
After originally training and working as a Secretary, I moved into teaching and worked for 30 years at Keighley College. After taking voluntary redundancy, I took over and ran a small IT training company for a number of years, and was also involved in the running of my husband’s business.

Currently, I serve on the Management Committee of Keighley & District Agricultural Show Society (also a registered charity) both as a Trustee and for 25 years as Treasurer. I am also a Public Governor representing the Keighley West & Worth Valley Wards for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.
I am happy to offer my secretarial and administrative skills, (including years of experience taking Minutes at meetings!) to support the DFK Trustee Board in their work

If you would like to contact Christine either telephone the office on:
07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

I was one of the small group of people who initially set up Dementia Friendly Keighley. After a couple of years I needed to step back to help with caring for my Mum who was by then a couple of years into her own Dementia journey. Mum died in March 2019, but the challenges for our family when supporting and caring for Mum, and our battles for services to support her and my Dad, have motivated me to get back involved with DFK. I’ve learnt a lot over the last 5 years that can hopefully contribute towards improving other peoples’ own journeys through Dementia, working alongside my fellow Trustees, the DFK staff and volunteers and build on the great work DFK are already involved in.

I have an eclectic background, having worked in many different roles within the NHS, community services, and the voluntary sector. I’ve also run my own self-employed training and consultancy business working in these fields for many years and have served as a local Keighley politician (Councillor) and worked for an MP too….so I have experience in how the state and public systems work….and do not work too! I’m now retired from paid work, but am also active in a range of other community organisations locally, all of which keeps me very busy and engaged in Keighley and the wider Bradford District.

If you would like to contact Jill either telephone the office on 01535 602529 or email info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

In my role as a Dementia Support Officer, I really enjoy helping to make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia & their loved one or carer and seeing the impact that our services make to them”.

I have many years of experience working in social care and supporting people living with dementia including working for The Memory Tree, Kirkgate Community Centre, Hale Project and in nursing/care homes.

In my role as Media & Connections Officer, I create a wide range of content for both on and offline use, it is also part of my role to manage the website and social media accounts, as well as write regular press releases and any advertising strategies that are needed.

I have been working in marketing for over 10 years, with organisations ranging from public events to a Business Improvement District. These roles have helped me to pick up a wide range of skills, all of which will help me to promote DFK to the people and communities they currently and are hoping to support.

If you would like to contact Tim, either telephone the office on 01535 602529 or email
tim@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

In my role as Group and Volunteer Support Officer, I work on setting up our groups and activities, as well as supporting our volunteers. I believe that our volunteers are really the heart of our organisation and I am passionate about supporting them in the fantastic work that they do here at Dementia Friendly Keighley.

My professional background is working in the finance sector but I have also worked in the voluntary sector for a number of years, supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing within the community.

If you would like to contact Emma, either telephone the office on 01535 602529 or email
emma@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

As Information and Support Co-ordinator, I am here to oversee the smooth running of the office. Our aim is to provide support, guidance and activities for families, carers and individuals affected by Dementia in the Keighley area.
My professional background is finance, but my interest in the work of Dementia Friendly Keighley is personal. My mother lived with Dementia for six years and together with my father we cared for her at home up until the last six months of her life. I understand the challenges people affected by Dementia face and feel passionate about helping others who face similar challenges.
Its time to make a difference and help people to live well with Dementia.

If you would like to contact Helen either telephone the office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFK) offers a friendly and professional service free of charge so that carers of people with dementia can enjoy a well-deserved break. A variety of stimulating and enjoyable activities will be provided so that people with dementia can enjoy social time with us and with each other whilst their main carer is away doing a little shopping or enjoying a quiet coffee nearby. Sessions run for up to 2.5 hours and may include: • Reminiscence • Simple quizzes, games & jigsaws • Arts & crafts • Singing & music • Gentle seated exercise • Classic films/comedy on DVD Refreshments are served on arrival and half way through

Venue: DFK Office, 48 Towngate, Keighley, BD21 3QE.
Day/Time: Every Thursday 10:00am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:00pm

VIEW LEAFLET

Telephone the Dementia Friendly Keighley office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

Monthly singing for the brain group, The Singing Teapot welcomes new people of all singing ability on the first Friday of each month at Keighley Shared Church, Market Street, Keighley 1:30-3pm. This class is run in collaboration with Rotary Club of Keighley.

VIEW LEAFLET

Telephone the Dementia Friendly Keighley office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

The exercise class is a friendly and fun class and is led by Janice who is a health and fitness expert
The class is on a Monday 11:15am-12noon (excluding bank holidays), at Central Hall.
We welcome all abilities, even if you haven’t exercised for a while, you will be sure to enjoy the exercises. Wear clothing that allows you to move and all exercises are completed sitting down.
After the class there is a light lunch and an opportunity to socialise with other people.
The class is free of charge and a donation box is available should you want to make a small contribution.
So to find out more either contact Dementia Friendly Keighley or pop in to Central Hall and have a look for yourself.

VIEW LEAFLET

Telephone the Dementia Friendly Keighley office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

“I joined DFK to try and help make a difference in retail & shopping centre’s as unlike hospitals & care homes wehave no guidance notes or Regulations specific to Dementia and I wanted to be part of a group looking to improve the quality of life for everyone affected by Dementia in all aspects of their life. This group has clear ideals & ambitions is motivated, passionate and committed to making Keighley a Dementia Friendly town and being the Chair of this team is an honour and working with the Keighley and wider community has and is making a difference.”

If you would like to contact Steve either telephone the office on 07452 773 788 or email info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

The Office and Chat session is open to the general public to drop in and find out more about Dementia Friendly Keighley in general or to find out about what support is out there. The Dementia Friendly Keighley office is situated in the Airedale Shopping Centre, supported by staff and volunteers and welcomes people to pop in and have a chat.  If the team can’t answer your question they will be able to signpost you to someone who hopefully can help.

So please pop in and come meet the team!

Telephone the Dementia Friendly Keighley office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

We have offices in Bingley, Bradford, Ilkley and Keighley, providing outreach support across the district.
Our role is to develop, support, promote and represent the interests of voluntary and community sector organisations and groups.
We do this by helping groups of local people to work together on things that concern them, such as childcare, health and improving the area in which they live providing advice and services to voluntary groups to enable them to be more effective promoting to the Council, the NHS providers and to Government Agencies, the role of community groups in improving people’s lives

VISIT SITE

The Keighley Memory Club is organised and delivered by the Memory Tree. Friendship and support for people with dementia and their carers.
Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 1.45 to 3.30 pm

Telephone the Dementia Friendly Keighley office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

Carers Resource works in partnership with Dementia Friendly Keighley to provide support for unpaid carers. We meet carers in the office space and provide information on benefits, respite, care services, carers rights and planning for emergencies. We offer time for in-depth discussion around Carers health, promote self care and encourage motivation.

VISIT WEBSITE

The Alzheimer’s Society offers information and support from diagnosis and through the dementia journey for people affected by dementia including carers, relatives and friends, we also work with professionals. We provide trained workers that will take a person centred approach and advise or work directly on all areas of life that dementia impacts, including managing the condition, coping strategies, benefits, planning for the future and developing social networks. We offer phone or face to face meetings to suit, we can meeting at a venue of your choice including home visits.

We are pleased to support the work of Dementia Friendly Keighley in their work and attend their drop in service monthly, if people require a more in depth discussion we can arrange an appointment at the drop in which can be arranged directly with the DFC Keighley team or by contacting ourselves.

The Wellbeing Cafe is organised and delivered by Keighley Healthy Living. Keighley’s Wellbeing Café provides support to older people with mild to moderate mental health needs and their carers. We meet for a few hours of fun, friendship and the chance to socialise, with entertainers, support, advice and information.

At Keighley’s Wellbeing Café you can:

• Be with your partner and be yourself for a few hours.
• Share your experience with others in a similar situation.
• Get advice on the services available.

The Wellbeing Café is held on the Third Monday of each month from 1:30pm until 3:30pm at Central Hall, Alice Street, Keighley, BD21 3JD. Costs £2 per session.

Telephone the Dementia Friendly Keighley office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk

The Co-op has chosen our Exercise Group to receive 1% of all members sales in store from certain items, plus the 5p levy on the plastic bags. The more members that join, the more money we will get, so please support this if you can!

Working with your local Co Op raising money to help people in Keighley to live well with Dementia:
click on the attached link to find out more https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/14070/

Magic Mavis Richardson will be taking up a swimming challenge during Dementia Awareness Week in May to raise money for Dementia Friendly Keighley. Octogenarian Mavis will swim one length for each year of her life and hopes to raise at least £1000.

More details about Mavis, her challenge and how to donate can be found at:

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ianbraithwaite1

Keighley Healthy Living are fully committed to supporting Dementia Friendly Keighley and people living with dementia.
We are a Dementia Friendly organisation with all our staff trained as Dementia Friends, including a Dementia Champion. KHL provides a safe space and a variety of groups such as the Wellbeing Café and our Devonshire Drop-in sessions and commit to support and develop future projects with DFK.

VISIT SITE

Airedale Shopping Centre recognises the importance of being a Dementia Friendly shopping centre, providing an invaluable and unique service for people living with dementia in the local community.

Dementia Friendly Keighley’s new store at Airedale Shopping Centre – Brunswick Arcade – provides those with dementia a place to engage and reflect, whilst their friend or family member can shop – knowing that a loved one is in excellent care.

The Airedale Shopping Centre
Management office
Keighley
West Yorkshire
BD21 3QQ

For all general enquiries, please call the Management Office on 01535 664 198.

VISIT SITE

Initial work between CBMDC and the Alzheimer’s Society resulted in a variety of locality approaches and in Keighley this was the forerunner to the formation of Dementia Friendly Keighley, as such we are a long-time supporter and associate of the group. We recognise and value the contribution they make to the lives of local residents affected by dementia, those living with the condition and their family, friends and carers. Thanks to the efforts of the group there is improved understanding, consideration and knowledge of dementia and their town centre presence is proving a valuable resource in expanding the work further.

VISIT US

I am both delighted and excited to have joined DFK in the new role of Drop-in Coordinator.
Initially I will be focusing on the actual setting up of the drop-in element of our centre based in the
Airedale Shopping Centre in Keighley. Once we are ready to welcome our visitors we will have
created a warm, welcoming and positive space where people who are Carers and family members
can leave their loved ones who will stay with us for an hour or two, providing much needed free
time to attend appointments, browse the shops, or simply meet and catch up with friends and
family. The possibilities are endless, however they can spend their precious time-out with total
peace of mind and safe in the knowledge that their loved one is safe.
Whilst at the Drop-in, the kettle will always be at ready, there will be plenty of time to chat, laugh,
reminisce, share memories, or enjoy a relaxing hand massage…we will have a wide range of
activities available for those who would like to try something new or interesting. I am passionate
that we provide a person centred approach in our work in supporting people affected by
dementia; it is a cruel disease however I do believe that with the right support and great
understanding and love you can live well.
I travelled this very long and sometimes distressing journey with my own Mum; we as a family
looked after her at home for as long as it was possible and safe. I will never forget the anguish
that her vascular dementia brought to us all including Mum at its various stages. However to the
very end we could laugh with her, she maintained a radiant smile and loved her music.
My professional background has always been in the charity sector; working to support children
and young people (NSPCC), an international children’s charity providing healthcare and education
programmes (CIC), opening a centre to support people affected by breast cancer in Yorkshire
(Breast Cancer Haven) along with other varied projects.
I am thrilled to be in hometown working with DFK and supporting our community
Don’t be a stranger, please do come in and say hello you will be most welcome!
Together we really can make a difference to those who are affected by dementia.

If you would like to contact Kathryn either telephone the office on 07452 773 788 or email
info@dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk