We interviewed our member Jo Rice from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Tell us about yourself and your organisation?
I am the Dementia Connect Local Services Manager for the Alzheimer`s Society. I manage dementia support services across Berkshire West, Oxfordshire and East Berkshire.
I have been working with people with dementia and carers since 2013. I have worked in the NHS Memory service, with Mental Health practitioners and in primary care with GPs delivering Dementia Support. I have also managed Adult Carer Support services, worked with HM forces veterans and started my career with Citizens Advice. I trained as a Youth worker and I have set up different types of community projects and have run a football club!
The Alzheimer`s Society is the UK`s leading organisation working with, and campaigning for, people affected by dementia. We have local dementia support services in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire that include one to one Dementia Support, Singing for the Brain, Dementia Voice groups for people with dementia along with our national services such as Talking Point, a forum for carers and Dementia Connect- our telephone hub 0333 150 3456. Our local and National Dementia Voice groups empower people affected by dementia to influence policy decisions. See our latest newsletter here; Dementia Voice Newsletter (alzheimers.org.uk)
What made you join the alliance?
To ensure the needs of people with dementia are met, especially in the post-covid world where many people with dementia and carers are still isolated. I want to be a part of a collaborative working network and to learn more about the new ICS system and how it will benefit people affected by dementia. I am part of the Health Alliance Ageing Well Sub-group and a rep on the ICS programme board.
How has being part of the group helped you?
My participation in the group has helped me connect with other charities and I now understand how we have similar challenges. We are identifying the priorities for our service users and how we can work together to meet their objectives.
Have you built your network since joining?
I am connecting with others through slack the online messaging service.
What would you say if you were to recommend it to others?
This is a great opportunity to connect with other organisations to create and improve services. We are allies in this network supporting each other and we can learn so much from one another’s specialisms.
Discover more: Alzheimer’s Society – United Against Dementia (alzheimers.org.uk)
Connect with Jo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-rice-9aa607175/
Read more member spotlight interviews.
