Steering Group
The 3 Nations Dementia Working Group are a friendly group of people diagnosed with dementia who want to make a difference whilst we still can.
Co-Chair
Shelagh Robinson
I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago, and was fortunate to get a quick…
I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago, and was fortunate to get a quick and early diagnosis because I had a GP who really listened. I’ve been a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Society since they sought me out following a Facebook post, and have discovered a talent for public speaking that is well used.
Like all those living with dementia, I am aware that I have a limited time to be active and want to do all I can to improve life for those who live with this devastating disease.
I am passionate about good support at the time of diagnosis, and good end of life care – and of the course all the rest of the journey too.
I’ve discovered it is possible to live a full rich life with dementia, rolling with the bad days and grateful for the wonderful support that the Alzheimer’s Society offers.
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Chair
Nigel Hullah
My name is Nigel and I live in Swansea; I was diagnosed with early onset…
My name is Nigel and I live in Swansea; I was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2013. I have become fully engaged with social justice and human rights of people with dementia as the slow drip of being considered a lesser person because of my Dementia was made obvious to me.
I don’t believe a diagnosis turns a vibrant person to someone who can’t see himself out of the fog. It does happen sometimes but not always. I intend to hold people to account where I se social injustice applied to me and others with Dementia.
It is my intention to use political connections and the Human rights and Equality Act to bring injustice into the light and work with likeminded people across all agencies and convince those who may be reluctant.
I am currently Chair of the 3 Nations Dementia Working group and in January 2021 became a member of the European Working Group of People With Dementia.
I will keep on doing as much as I possibly can, for as long as I can. My hope is that my progression will be slow and I will have lots more priceless experiences.
I don’t intend to go quietly. If we all work together we can effect change.
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Hilary Doxford
Hello, I’m Hilary Doxford. I was 53 when I was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s…
Hello, I’m Hilary Doxford. I was 53 when I was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease in 2012. Since then, unsurprisingly, I have become passionate in supporting research into dementia and dementia care.
Amongst other activities, I am an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, a member of their Research Network and have been a side-by-side volunteer. In 2013 I was invited to the G8 Dementia Summit and after addressing the World Dementia Council set up by David Cameron and Jeremy Hunt was offered a seat on the Council. I was also Vice-Chair of the European Working Group of People with Dementia which inspired me to co-found the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group. I sit on many committees including the Dept of Health and Social Care’s Dementia Programme Board and have spoken at many national and international conferences.
I enjoy my local memory café and being in the company of many friends with a diagnosis. Basically, I want to work with and help those who are trying to help me and my friends.
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Dr Keith Oliver
In 2011, after coming to terms with my diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease aged 55, I…
In 2011, after coming to terms with my diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease aged 55, I was determined to try and use my remaining skills alongside drive and enthusiasm to further the cause of improving the lives of people affected by dementia.
I developed the role of Kent and Medway’s Dementia Envoy and am also an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador. I speak widely at conferences and have delivered the opening address at UK Dementia Congress. I serve on a wide range of national and international panels, steering groups and boards including the national Dementia Action Alliance.
Following the success of the book “Welcome to Our World” in 2014, I published “Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk”, my memoirs, in November 2016, which aims to raise over £6,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society and Innovations in Dementia. I am delighted to serve as a representative on the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group.
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Keith Day
My name is Keith Day I live in Kent. I was diagnosed in 2016, two…
My name is Keith Day I live in Kent. I was diagnosed in 2016, two years after retirement, with Fronto-Temporal Dementia (FTD). I worked in a children’s home for abused children for 11 years. After my diagnosis I was in denial for about 3 months then I said to myself, I have dementia but I won’t let dementia have me. I then sought peer support. I joined the pathfinder dementia action group.
I have since become an Ambassador with the NHS and am a DEEP diarist. I am a member of the Kent and Medway’s Dementia Envoy. Now a steering group member my aim is to speak out in conversations about living with dementia.
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Dr Joy Watson
I was given a diagnosis of dementia at the age of 55. It didn’t come…
I was given a diagnosis of dementia at the age of 55. It didn’t come as a surprise as my nursing career had given me an insight into the symptoms.
I was awarded an honorary doctorate from Salford University, and became an associate with the university, helping to set up a dementia hub.
During the first two years, I was given many opportunities to bring about change for people affected by dementia in my local community. Setting up a support group for young people living with dementia was both challenging and rewarding. I was awarded the Prime Minister’s Point of Light award and the BBC’s Ray of Sunshine Award.
Being an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society has helped to restore my confidence. My passion these days is to come alongside young people. The Mr Alzheimer’s project has enabled me to help school children to understand dementia. The fun character is a big hit with the children.
I was also one of the people who took part in the TV programme “The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes “
Yes, there are many things I find difficult now, but I’m still determined to continue to do whatever I can. Once an activist, always an activist.
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Chris Maddocks
I am a retired Police Officer. I was born and brought up in Wales where…
I am a retired Police Officer. I was born and brought up in Wales where I lived until 2017. I now live in the South East of England.
In 2016, at the age of 60 I was diagnosed with early onset Vascular dementia and since then have also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia. I wanted to make a difference following my diagnosis and now describe myself as a dementia activist, giving talks and lectures to a variety of audiences to educate others about the realities of living with the condition. Becoming actively involved with the dementia movement has given me a renewed sense of purpose. I have a passion for inclusion and fairness and strive to make the world a better place for people with dementia. I am an Ambassador for a number of charities including Alzheimer’s Society, The Lewy Bodies Society, the National Activity Providers Association. I am also an active member of the DEEP network and advocate the benefits of craft and outdoor activity for people with dementia.
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Masood Qureshi
I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontal-Temporal Dementia in 2011. I understand the difficulties…
I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontal-Temporal Dementia in 2011.
I understand the difficulties of adjusting to a dementia diagnosis and have found that keeping in touch with people, either face to face or via technology has been hugely beneficial. The peer support I receive from other people with dementia has benefited me greatly. I am currently a volunteer making companion calls to other people with dementia through the Alzheimer’s Society.
I have spoken at various conferences and events and am delighted to influence further as a 3 Nations Dementia Working Group Member.
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Julie Hayden
My name is Julie Hayden from Halifax, West Yorkshire. My professional backgrounds are in nursing…
My name is Julie Hayden from Halifax, West Yorkshire. My professional backgrounds are in nursing and social work, both involving dementia care. Several members of my family have lived with the condition, and I lost both my parents to it. I was diagnosed in May 2017 aged 54. Since then, I have established a young onset group, worked DEEPly with many other groups and organisations across the country. I am involved in education for professionals and research with the University of Bradford and recently The Open university. I also co-host a Living Alone With Dementia group for Dementia Alliance International.
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Martina
My name is Martina and predominantly from a Self Employed background I was diagnosed in…
My name is Martina and predominantly from a Self Employed background I was diagnosed in December 2019 with PCA (Posterior Cortical Atrophy); originally a “Coventry kid” I now live in the large and rural county of Cumbria.
My reaction after receiving my diagnosis was some sense of relief, after that came understanding, acknowledgement, then finally acceptance. During all of this I never lost my ability to be the person I was in my previous life, a positive, glass half full kind of girl.
My years of self employment gave me the strength to face persistent challenges with determination and sheer grit.
I have been involved with Dementia Research, had input into changing how form filling is improved by making text, colour ways, content and jargon more user friendly.
I wave my Dementia flag by taking part in webinars and giving talks. My book of poetry “A Life in the Day of PCA” was published and released in 2022. I’m a Dementia buddy and a huge advocate of Peer Support.
I care passionately about raising Dementia awareness and improving peoples lives through better knowledge and services.
And my ongoing objective… Exploding the Myth that Dementia is part of the ageing process.
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Project Officer - Dementia Voice
I provide operational support to the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group. I am part of…
I provide operational support to the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group. I am part of the Dementia Voice Team, who focus on the involvement of people affected by dementia across the work of the Alzheimer’s Society.
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Our Team
Get In Touch
If you would like to get involved in any way, please do get in touch.
3 Nations Dementia Working Group
Care of Alzheimer's Society
43-44 Crutched Friars
London
EC3N 2AE