Dementia Support Line
Our staff and volunteers
Read the full version of our Trustees' Annual Report & Financial Statements 2022/23
89% of staff are proud to work for the Society
94% of staff recommend the Society as a great place to receive support
During the year, we used an engagement survey to gather feedback from our staff. The results revealed a rise in metrics such as wellbeing, pride and sense of belonging.
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, we made payments to 253 employees who applied for one-off
hardship grants from the Employee Support Fund.
Creating greater equity, diversity and inclusion, we’ve focusing on learning and
development initiatives including a series of Race Equality Workshops.
We’ve also appointed a person living with dementia to tour Board of Trustees.
“When I was asked to be a Trustee, I was gobsmacked! I was told that it wasn’t just because I have dementia. It’s the qualities and life skills I bring. How can you have a board of trustees for Alzheimer’s Society without somebody who’s lived it?”
Chris Maddocks is an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and was appointed to the Board of Trustees in October 2022.
Read moreChris' Story
‘I was diagnosed with dementia and lost my job in a three-month period. I completely lost my
sense of purpose. I didn’t have a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I felt useless
and hopeless. I would cry, and not leave the house. I rang up Alzheimer’s
Society and they came to see me. They invited me on a course, ‘Living well with dementia’.
That was my lifesaver.’
A retired Police Officer, Chris wanted to make a difference following her diagnosis
and now describes herself as a dementia activist, giving lectures to a variety of audiences
to educate others about the realities
of living with the condition.
‘I said from day one that if I can help somebody to not go through some of the
things that I went through, then it’s worth it. That was one reason, the other was to raise
awareness.
Volunteering felt like I was giving something back. But the main thing was that it
gave me a sense of purpose in my life. I think that’s what’s keeping me so well. I’m using
my brain. An example is being a Trustee.
When I was asked to be a Trustee, I was gobsmacked! I was told that it wasn’t just
because I have dementia. It’s the qualities and life skills I bring. With my life. With my
work as a police officer.
How can you have a board of trustees for Alzheimer’s Society without somebody who’s
lived it? How can you speak for people?
The trustees have been so open to listening to what I have to say. Part of my role
is to bring the perspective of a person with dementia to some of the decision making. I’ll
mention things they won’t even think
about.’
Chris Maddocks was diagnosed with young-onset vascular dementia not long after turning 60, and has since been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. She is an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and was appointed to the Board of Trustees in October 2022.
