Impact review 2011/12

Susie Troake, 30, from Liverpool, cares for her mother who has dementia. She also campaigns, fundraises and raises awareness of the issues faced by people with dementia and their carers.

Watch Susie Troake talk about how she cares for her mother and helps support the Society

You can also read the transcript of this film

Can you tell us about your campaigning work for Alzheimer's Society?

'Recently, I've been lobbying MPs on the health and social care changes that are happening in Liverpool. They're going to close nine day services for older people and replace them with three larger centres in the city. People have built up trusting relationships with staff and service users at their current services and I'm raising awareness of the impact that such a change in routine can have for people with dementia.

'Because of my experience, I know how being able to pick up the phone to someone who really understands can make such a difference when you or a family member is diagnosed with dementia. So I go in to speak to practice managers at GP surgeries to make sure they have information about the support that's available.

'I've been interviewed on BBC Radio Merseyside about my experience of caring for my mother. And I've taken part in a question and answer session at the UK Dementia Congress, led by broadcaster Angela Rippon, who's an ambassador for Alzheimer's Society.

How important do you think it is to keep campaigning for the rights of people with dementia and their carers?

'Without people campaigning and raising awareness, would David Cameron have mentioned people with dementia in his latest speech? It's so important that we keep fighting. The most vulnerable people always seem to get the worse deal. My mum is one of the lucky ones - she has relatives who will advocate on her behalf. But so many people don't have someone to do that for them, they're on their own. I don't just do it for my mum; it's about changing things for everyone.

Do you think attitudes to dementia are changing?

'Not a great deal, unfortunately, but I do hope in time they will. Many people's attitudes seem to be "Well I don't need to worry about that because it only happens to old people" or "That's not going to happen to me". I come across that perception a lot when I'm volunteering or out collecting money for Alzheimer's Society. People are shocked to hear that someone as young as my mum has an illness like dementia. She was only 54 when she was diagnosed four years ago. I don't think people are educated enough about dementia and we still need to raise awareness of what it is and what it can do. I'd like everyone to be aware of the issues,
to know a lot more about the condition, and for there not to be the same stigma and judgement that there is now.'

During the year

• We worked hard to keep the issue of funding and charging for social care high on the public and political agenda, and were heavily involved in the focus and content of the Prime Minister's Challenge on dementia, which launched in March 2012.
• As part of the Care and Support Alliance, we helped to organise a lobby of Parliament to demonstrate public feeling on the issue of our failing social care system. Over 1,000 older and disabled people attended, alongside our Ambassador Tony Robinson.
• We published a report presenting new evidence about the financial abuse of people with dementia and their carers, and launched a high-profile campaign to raise public awareness of this issue to protect vulnerable people from being targeted by scammers.
• With support from Comic Relief, we increased our number of local volunteer campaign groups from 23 to 31 in England and Wales. Together with our 5,000 plus e-campaigners, they form a lively and active Campaigners' Network.
• With support from the Department of Health, the Dementia Action Alliance has continued to grow and, by the end of March 2012, had 90 member organisations working to transform the lives of people living with dementia. This is an increase of 30 organisations over the year.