Samantha Beesley
Meet the Purple Angel Ambassadors!
Norrms has appointed ambassadors all over the world to help spread dementia awareness worldwide. Find your closest ambassador on the map, and see them listed below by country. We currently have volunteers in Australia, England, Germany, Nepal, Scotland, the USA and Wales. Don't hesitate and contact your closest ambassador to help you become dementia aware, to find out how you can help, or simply for support against dementia.
Australia
Mick Sykes
Kate Swaffer
Adelaide
Linda Morse
Beerwah
"Again many thanks I am deeply honoured to be able to say I am an Ostrich Purple Angel Ambassador. I look forward to working with all of you to diminish the stigma of dementia and I will continue to do what I can to spread awareness about dementia its causes and effects.
Together we will turn on the light. We all work towards understanding, hope and eventually a cure.
Norrm’s is my hero and my mentor - without his guidance - I don’t know where I would be today."
Pam Goodwin
Perth
Louise Ann Howard
Sunshine Bay
Bangladesh
Azizul Haque
Mirpur
Canada
Angee Turnbull
Brantford
Tabitha Kay
Picton
England
Reena Ghale
Barbara Clarke
Bolton
Jan Brummell
Bristol
Tony Hall
Bristol
"My wife Barbara has had Frontal Temporal (Semantic) Dementia since 1999 (although it was only formally diagnosed in 2008).
I have therefore seen first-hand how being treated “normally” by people we meet is so important.
Instead of being stigmatised and ignored, people suffering Dementia need to be included in everyday life, doing the normal things most people do.
They also need to be treated with respect and maintain their dignity.
After hearing about the Torbay Dementia Action Alliance and Purple Angel, Barbara and I went to meet Norms and Elaine.
Their inspiration and support has enabled us to launch the Bristol Dementia Action Alliance on 9th July this year to see if we could make a difference in our patch.
From our experience of visiting shops and talking to organisations and groups so far, people are only too willing to identify with what we’re doing and offer their support and encouragement.
If communities become Dementia Aware, then that will help to build Dementia Friendly Communities.
Our aim is to enable Bristol (and even greater Bristol) to be THE Dementia Friendly City of the UK.
Being a Purple Angel Ambassador would help me to fulfil my passion."
Phil Redington
Bristol
Lisa Houlihan
Brixham
Rowena Wilson
Bude
Jane Moore
Camelford
I am the co-designer of the purple angel emblem for dementia awareness and run Camelford Dementia Action Alliance in the footsteps of Norman McNamara. I look after my mother who has Alzheimer's Disease and is now in care. My goal is to improve the living of people with dementia and their care partners by spreading awareness and changing the perception of the word "dementia". In spreading awareness I feel it will alter the way people with dementia are treated, bring communities together and provide a wonderful platform for people with dementia, giving them a voice and a better quality of life.
Jackie Stuckey
Chesham
I wished to become a purple angel ambassador to raise awareness to as many people as possible. I feel strongly towards promoting awareness of dementia as I run a 16 bedded dementia unit in a residential home and feel from experience that people do not fully understand how to help. I feel that the hospitals, café and shops in our local area do not have much understanding of dementia. I am currently completing my dementia diploma and have good understanding of dementia as I worked in the care home for 22 years and worked with dementia suffers for the past 10 years.
Kim Monery
Chichester
I have over 25 years care experience,the majority of it caring for people with Dementia in residential homes,their own homes and currently in a local authority specialist day centre where i care for end stage/high dependancy Dementia.I am just about to finish a course with Wickings Dementia Research Facility at Tasmania University and my employer has just put me forward for Dementia Champion training.
I have been facebook friends and following Normms for sometime and would feel it an honour to bring his voice and dreams to this part of West Sussex.,which i feel is not very Dementia Aware.
Ian Hatton
crewe
I will be 50 in February and am a carer full time for my wife Jo who was diagnosed with early onset dementia aged just 43 in June 2012 and who had the confirmation of vascular dementia in January this year. I wanted to get involved with the purple angel scheme after reading about it through various posts on Facebook, and feel that more awareness of dementia is vital to make people more open about discussing this condition.
I currently live in Crewe in Cheshire having moved from Manchester 13 years ago. I have 4 children one of 17 and one of 16 at home and 2 others who have settled down away from home but still take active part in their mums care and wellbeing.
My contact details for purple angel are
purpleian64@gmail.com
Chantelle Oswin
Didcot
I am the founder of Abingdon dementia action alliance and I'm already making changes in my community. I work as an activity coordinator in a dementia specialist home and have in depth knowledge, training and experience, I have a passion for improving the lives of people living with dementia, I been involved in many projects in my area already and have done talks at schools, brownie clubs and started my own toddler group at the home I work in,I fell in love with everything about purple angel and it's work from second I heard about it and would love to help it continue to spread its wings!!!
Olivia Jones
Dorchester
Lisa Davis
Droitwich Spa
Jessica Reid
Exeter
Caron Sprake
Exeter
As a life time carer I am delighted to have been chosen to be an Ostrich purple angel ambassador. Frank Oppenheimer said "The best way to learn is to teach" I am one of the fortunate few to have not had an immediate family member with dementia. By becoming an Ostrich purple angel ambassador I can learn from others, whilst raising awareness. As a dedicated carer for the elderly and recognised blogger I will do whatever I can to raise awareness and work with passion, energy and commitment to make our communities "Dementia Aware". Let's talk dementia !
Mandy Rowlands
Fareham
My mother lived with dementia for 14 years - having started when she was just 60. I spent the past 20 years working with people who have dementia. My roles have been varied and in both Cheshire and Hampshire. I currently work for Age Concern Hampshire as a Day Centre Manager and a Dementia Trainer. I am a Dementia Champion for the Alz Soc and have recruited 290 friends. I am leading on a new project called "Knowing Me" which aims to use lifestory work to improve the quality of care for older people living alone with dementia.
Sue Stratton
Harwich
I wanted to become a Purple Angel Ambassador to help raise awareness of Dementia because;
As a Staff Nurse in a small community hospital I deal with people who suffer from various forms of dementia and who are in crisis, or in a transition period where they and their families can no longer cope with the degenerative, debilitating disease. To find ways of helping people deal with these transitions would benefit everyone in the community. I run a small charity and can promote dementia awareness on our website ( www.harwichnurses.com) and at our charity events as well as in the hospital.
Kirsty Elgar
Headcorn
Having been selected to be an Ambassador is important to me because I also am trying to raise awareness of dementia through my blog (this is how I discovered Norm). My nan has dementia and I work as a caregiver for a company specialising in Alzheimer's and other dementias. Helping people to live with dementia in as comfortable way as possible. Since I moved in with my nan a year ago discovering more about dementia and educating others about it has become my passion. I am doing the memory walk this weekend despite the longest walk I've ever done being from the sofa to the fridge! I want people to learn there are ways to live around dementia, and that there are effects other than memory loss. I want more people to talk about it to help it become less stigmatised. In the future I hope to set up some kind of drop in centre for carers, family or those living with dementia as a place to come ask questions without fears of being judges or put on medication. I would like it to also be a place of relaxation and fun for people to socialise, play games, watch films, go on day trips etc.
Sue Stimpson
Kingston upon Hull
Stacey Jane Culloty
Little Chalfont
I work with people with dementia. This has become my passion and seeing them happy is all that matters to me. I work in a residential home with 16 residents all of which their dementia affects them in different ways.
I have learnt that many shops, hospitals in my local area as well the wider area disregards people with dementia because of lack understanding. I would like to help because there are so many dementia sufferers that aren't in a home and with just a bit more understanding they won't feel alone with this lack of understanding. I don't make a difference just to them they do to me too.
Joan Best
Liverpool
"My personal journey with dementia spanned 12 years - the length of time I cared for my beautiful mum as she battled against Alzheimer's disease until she passed away in January 2012. I needed to continue to care & support others throughout their journeys thus co-founded Memory Lane, a local dementia support organisation. I have followed Norm McNamara's journey from the start & if I can make even an ounce of the difference that he has in the world, then I will be happy!"
Kenneth Jones
Liverpool
Bridie Breen
Manchester
Cher Riley
Melksham
Dawni Smith
Newton Le Willows
I applied to become a Purple Angel ambassador because for the last ten years raising dementia awareness and improving dementia care has been my absolute passion. I have a strong desire to improve the lives of people living with dementia and I am passionate and committed to this aim. The opportunity to work alongside other people who share my passion and vision for positive changes within dementia care was a dream come true. I hope to raise awareness and understanding, overcome stigma and ensure those working in dementia care receive appropriate training.
Jenni Mullen
Newton-le-Willows
Ann-Marie Harmer
Outwell
Hilary Cragg
Plymouth
Hilary came to the law after careers in retail, training and banking. She joined Nash & Co in 2008 as a trainee solicitor and qualified on 1 March 2010. Hilary’s particular interest and experience is in dealing with matters concerning elderly clients especially in relation to funding of care home fees, in particular NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. In March 2012 she passed the entrance exam and became a Full Professional member of Solicitors for the Elderly and in October 2012, became a Committee Member of the Devon & Cornwall Regional Group for Solicitors for the Elderly. Additionally, she has enrolled as a student member of STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners) and hopes to obtain the necessary qualifications to become a Full Professional Member in 2014. - Hilary represents Ostrich Law as a Purple Angel Ambassador
Tracy Edwards
Plymouth
"I have been a carer for 13 years and work in a residential home for elderly people living with dementia and Alzheimer's .
I am presently in my second year of adult nursing at Plymouth University. I have met Norman on several occasions and was very inspired.
I am always wearing my purple angel badge whilst on placement in the hospitals and find that many patients ask about it and this gives me the opportunity to talk about dementia/ Alzheimer's disease and Norman's work in promoting awareness. I am hoping to make a difference now and throughout my training to make a difference to the future of nursing."
Zoe Fairbairn
Plymouth
Sean Gale
Plymouth
Julie Yates
Prescot
Sue Barlow
Reading
I wanted to be a Purple Angel Ambassador as my everyday work is with people with dementia, and I would love to see people with dementia fully integrated and accepted in society. I want the Purple Angel to become a familiar welcoming symbol. I aim to approach as many public facing businesses and organisations in the Reading area as possible.'
Julie Meldrum
Ross on Wye
Jean Saunders
Shepperton
"From a young child I had my dear Mothers older sister in my life .
She had dementia and going back 50 plus years we realised she had wrongly been put in a home, being locked away on medication plus treatment that would be frowned on nowadays .
She has long passed but before my Dear late Mother was herself diagnosed with Alzheimer's she told me Auntie had dementia but there was a lack of understanding and a stigma against this awful disease. My mother tried to fight her corner .
My mother suffered with the decease for 8 years, that was a really stressful time for everyone in our family but mostly for my dear Mum.
I have always been a people person working first as a hairdresser ,then as an auxiliary in a maternity home ,following on with 14 years of running my own driving school.
I had a neck injury and had to give up working as an ADI .
I now work in a local Nursing home specializing in Dementia and elderly frail .I love my job and adore all the residents .I see everyday the confusion and distress this disease causes them . I do Activities and love to give the varied stimulation that is needed with each different stage of the various dementia diseases.
I have an overwhelming desire to try to change the way the world thinks and my aim is to re-educate people about dementia awareness to help enable people who are struggling with the challenges of Dementia every day to live a stress free live as much as possible .
The Purple Angels will work together to make a WORLD of Difference and I will be proud to be working along side my fellow Ambassador's "
Lisa Greaves
Staines
Rose Harwood
Stroud
Kim Pennock
Thornton le Dale
Kirstyann Heath
Torquay
Andrew Hall
Umberleigh
Timothy Jones
Wadebridge
As the co-ordinator of the Wadebridge Dementia Action Alliance raising the awareness of all to the needs of people living with dementia in our community is a key interest of mine. The importance of this work is reinforced by my role as the facilitator of the Wadebridge Memory Café. Additionally as the Vice Chair of “Rotarians Easing Problems of Dementia” I seek every opportunity to encourage Rotary Clubs to take positive action to enable people living with dementia to live well.
Carol Bevin
Warrington
Hi, I'm Carol from Warrington.
I lost my Gorgeous Mum to Dementia December 26th 2012, it has gave me determination and passion to make changes,
I am honoured to become an Ostrich Purple Angel Ambassador, I will do my very best to raise Awareness and to help fulfill the needs of people living with Dementia and their families in Warrington.
I strongly believe if Communities all pull together and be patient and understanding then people living with Dementia will be able to stay at home a lot longer. I will fly The purple Angel with pride
April Lewis
Weston Super Mare
We have many nursing homes in my home town, as well as it being a popular location to retire, and I feel the town needs to spend more time and effort to creating a better life for those who are suffering from Dementia.
I have a job as Activities coordinator in a Dementia Care Home in the resort.. and feel sad that many family members don't even visit. Its the education that is needed about what has happened to there loved ones and how they are still there it is just showing them and teaching them what I do to make a connection or a link.. I assure them I get positive moments of joy.
I am not sure how helpful I can be as my time is maybe of an issue but if I can help a little I will. I am currently undertaking the Australian mooc on Dementia adding to knowledge and I am in November going on the Person Centred course inked to the work of David Sheerer and the butterfly approach. This is an intense course for the year that does start the end of November.
Karen Baker
Winsford
John David Baker
Winsford
Germany
Martina Kaut
Furtwangen
I am a gerontopsychiatric specialist, and am currently working as a caregiver in a Nursing Home (on the station as well as in the day care)
Each and every day I am witnessing the impacts which Dementia causes, and this makes me sad, worried and alarmed!
It is so needed to spread awareness on the knowledge about Dementia and how to deal with this disease (no matter whether one has the disease or one is a caregiver - private or professional) Sharing our knowledge and spreading awareness will help and support so many persons - all over the world !!!
Norman McNamara is definitely my role model in spreading awareness about this terrible disease ... and, it´s my dream to help ""making his dream comes true!""
I translate his poems and texts into German, read it in front of the residents and day care visitors. and I give it to colleagues and relatives to read them. Btw... the little Purple Angel Enamel Lapel Pin already spreads its wings over the southern Black Forest!( I gave them to my workmates, friends and family members)
I am honored and very grateful to be one of the *Ostrich Purple Angel Ambassadors*
Helga Rohra
Munich
Morocco
Hanna Idous
Nepal
Ajay Chherti
Rupak Rijal
New Zealand
Sharon Connolly
Te Puke
Romania
Philip P. Choban
Cluj-Napoca
Scotland
Pearl & George Weepers
Glenrothes
Linda Finnigan
Motherwell
"hi. im linda a 47 year old registered nurse from motherwell in scotland. i have been nursing for30 years. i cant believe it ! i have worked mainly with the elderly and have seen the number of men and women with dementia rise over the years. or maybe we have just become more aware and not just labelled it "" old age "". my maternal grandmother had alzheimers as did my beloved aunt cissie who died two years ago. i thought i understood dementia and its affects til it knocked on my door
. i often wished i had some way of informing people of my aunts illness so that she wouldnt be judged or ridiculed for her behaviour. she was very opinionated and had a wicked sense of humour and this could be misconstrued at times.
as a niece and a nurse i would ve liked to have been able to identify restaurant , beauty salons, shops and events that we couldve attended and received support. luckily my aunts friend could do her hair as they had a history otherwise this that most women take for granted wouldve perhaps been unaccessable for aunt cissie.
support for carers is important to and more befrienders available to spend time and allow a few hours of valuable "" breathing space "". dementia never ceases to horrify me and make me frightened for the future. if i can be part of "" kicking its butt "" count me in we have history "
Singapore
Carrie Chen
Bukit Merah
Sri Lanka
Dilshard bin Hussain
Narahenpita
Ukraine
Vitalii Kravchenko
Odessa
USA
Susan Cornish
Michael Ellenbogen
As a world renowned Dementia advocate, I had partnered up with Jane and Norman a while ago so we can change the world, to one common logo, for all of those who are impacted. I believed, there is too much confusion today which was created by the different silos, and that has lead to a direct impact and no solidarity for this cause. I hope to change that, because we must all work together.
Lori La Bey
I feel Norrms and I are on the same mission: to shift the worlds dementia care culture. I would be honored to be a Purple Angel Ambassador and join forces with such a remarkable man. My mother’s 30+ year journey with memory loss changed my life and today this is my life’s work.
Lori La Bey, founder of www.AlzheimersSpeaks.com
Sandy Williams Spencer
Alison Smith
Illinois
I am passionate about spreading awareness about dementia because my dad has early onset Alzheimers. This disease has not only impacted him but our entire family in ways we didn't think would happen. I want other families to be aware and know that they are not alone in this fight
Susan and John McFadden
Appleton
Susan retired as Professor of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2012. She is now conducting research and evaluations for the Fox Valley Memory Project and is working with the Project to create a “dementia-friendly community” in the Fox Valley region of Wisconsin. After a major left hemisphere stroke, her mom took care of her dad for 11 years at home until his death in 1997. Her mom, who died in 2013, was able to live well with dementia in her later years because of the loving care of her sister and her mom’s boyfriend.
John is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ who served in parish ministry for 34 years. He retired again in July, 2011, as the first workplace chaplain for Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin and is currently serving as spiritual services director at Appleton Health Care Center and as a dementia advocate in Wisconsin.
Their book, Aging Together: Dementia, Friendship, and Flourishing Communities, was published by Johns Hopkins University Press in 2011. Susan and John give many talks in Wisconsin, other parts of the US, and internationally. They spoke at the last three meetings of Alzheimer Europe where they met people from over 40 countries working on research, policies, and practices related to creating better lives for people living with dementia.
Harry Urban
East Petersburg, PA
Sharon Felker
Florida
"I tend to use any excuse to open conversations regarding the elderly and Dementia. You might say it’s my soapbox. To have the opportunity to be a part of this project would enable me to have a much bigger voice! I can think of no better way to honor my parents-in-law than to become an Ostrich Purple Angel Ambassador.
In 2009, I closed my businesses, gave up our home and moved my family across state, into my in-laws house to take care of them. Mom had Dementia, Dad had Alzheimer’s. They both had a long list of other health problems (almost all life threatening) and had been nearly robbed blind by the paid caregivers.
My life was consumed by caring for them. I learned more in the short time I had with them than I have in most of my life put together. I even wrote a blog called Dealing-With-Dementia, a journal of my time living with, caring for, and loving them.
We lost Mom in 2010 to COPD. We lost Dad to end stage Alzheimer’s last October 23rd. My arms have felt empty since he departed. Thanks to Dementia, I lost a father and a child in one fell swoop. I would love this opportunity to fight this dreadful disease that haunted them by raising awareness around the world!
I would like to implement a program that connects children with dementia patients in nursing homes to raise a new generation of awareness."
Gary Le Blanc
Florida
"My journey began when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I made the conscious decision to be his primary caregiver. The result of 10 years of caregiving has ensued the past 5 years of writing a weekly column on caregiving for The Tampa Tribune, Hernando Today and other newspapers. I have also been the author of three books on the subject of Alzheimer's and dementia related diseases.
I have also founded the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Hospital Wristband Program here in the United States, which has adopted the Purple Angel Logo for the wristband. First, I have to applaud the logo, because it stands for all types of dementia. We need to educate the general public that there is so much more out there besides Alzheimer’s disease when it comes to dementia.
I do several speaking events a month, specializing in dementia care and I am consistent on making sure everyone knows that dementia is not a disease, it’s an umbrella term of symptoms and I go on explaining how there is so many different causes of dementia out there.
My goal is to make sure every hospital is dementia care trained, using the purple angel to be the universal symbol.
I would love to help you and Norm spread dementia awareness. I know that we are both on the right track in doing so. Please keep up your important work as I will be doing it here in the U.S. Together we are strong."
Kathy Broggy
Knoxville, TN
I am very interested in the Purple Angel project and in advancing the cause of dementia awareness.I have been an advocate and am already working on establishing the purple wristband project her in Knoxville TN. I have also begun a push for my city to become Dementia aware. I have been following Norm McNamara for quite some time and I hope to find a way to follow in his footsteps.
Mary Read
Lititz, PA
I am a nurse and Advocate for Alzheimer's, who was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's and really enjoy educating and bringing awareness of dementia to whomever I can. I have a table set up at stores, fairs, community gatherings, health expos, etc. to bring awareness and educate people. I would include your Purple Angel where ever I go ( even if I am not picked for an Ostrich Purple Angel Ambassador could you please give me some Purple Angels, or brochures and I will have them set out and educate people about this)? When people hear Alzheimer's or dementia they think of little old people in a nursing home looking out a window waiting to die. They don't think people in there 20's. 30's, 40's and 50's can get dementia. I started with memory and comprehension problems when I was in my 40's. I was tested in a hospital near me and they said I was too young to have dementia. They said that I didn't do good on the memory tests but maybe I had depression, post traumatic stress syndrome, or maybe a virus was attacking my brain. They wanted to put me on medication without knowing what was wrong with me so I never went back. I continued working as a nurse but a few yrs. ago at age 50 I was fired from my job. I was laughed at, yelled at and called stupid by my co workers because I kept forgetting things and didn't understand instructions. I was working on a Friday and about 4:30 in the afternoon my supervisor called me into her office laughing and said, " your position as a nurse is terminated and you are fired". I left there crying and shaking because I was so upset! I saw a neurologist, had blood work, an MRI, Pet Scan and several hrs. of memory testing and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I went into a severe depression for about a yr. and finally woke up and said that this isn't going to help me or anyone else. So I prayed a lot and asked Our Lord if he could help me accept this horrible disease. I feel that God Blessed me and had plans for me to have Alzheimer's to educate and help others with their Alzheimer's diagnosis. We still have an important purpose in life and can live a very productive life even with Alzheimer's! I am an Ambassador and Advocate for the Alzheimer's Association. I have started the first support group in my area at my Church called Memory Cafe for the people who have Alzheimer's.
Ina Gilmore MD
Marion
Stan O Berg
Minnesota
"I have a memorial website dedicated to Alzheimer's research, funding and proper care practices that was endorsed by my state Minnesota Dept. of Health as a resource for professionals...has an average of 1000 visitors per day world wide...275 plus articles, pages and essays on Alzheimer's and related dementia... In addition I conduct 12 charitable programs in June (my wife who died of Alzheimer's) and Alzheimer's name... I have personally distributed over 10,800 cards promoting Alzheimer's awareness... June's Memorial web site displays a purple angel... "
Max Wallack
Natick
I am a college junior who grew up as a care giver to his great grandmother who had Alzheimer's disease. I am studying to become a geriatric psyhiatrist who will work with Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. In 2008, I founded PuzzlesToRemember.org, a nonprofit organization that has supplied over 28,500 jigsaw puzzles to Alzheimer's facilities around the world. This year I wrote a book, "Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator? An Explanation of Alzheimer's Disease for Children", which is available in English and German, with Chinese, Spanish, and French translations coming soon, and Norwegian, Welsh, Tamil, Sinhala translations soon to follow. I am also a published Alzheimer's researcher. I work in the Molecular Psychiatry in Aging Laboratory at Boston University School of Medicine. It is my hope that, through personal support of Alzheimer's patients and caregivers, research, and advocacy, I will be able to make a difference in the world of Alzheimer's disease.
Sandy Whelan
New Albany, IN
I have worked in long term care with dementia residents for the past 15 years. They are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. I see families struggling to understand and cope with the many changes. I have seen people treat them like they are children. I have seen the medical system strip them of their dignity. These people deserve so much more, and the only way to achieve this is through education and awareness. We need to speak out for those who no longer have a voice. I will work within my community and nearby areas to help spread the word.
Jami Denmark
Spokane
Lleana Santana
Wallingford
Laurie Mantz
West Warwick
Wanda Montgomery
Woodstock
Wales
Lisa Holland
Colwyn Bay
Ann Farr
Deeside
Chris Roberts
Rhuddlan
Bill Wilson
Rhyl
I am Bill Wilson 86 live in Rhyl North Wales U.K. I am passionate about Dementia so as a Purple Angel Ambassador want to take the Stigma out of Dementia and make Dementia Friendly Community's. Since 2004 I looked after Ada 85 for 6 years with Dementia. Ada has now been in Glen Devon a wonderful E.M.I. care home for 3 years. We have been married for 62 years. I have been doing presentation's for Dignity and Care to Denbighshire County Council first line staff of 20 to 100 about Dementia Care for over 2 years.
Chris Hodge
Wrexham
Being from an education background and currently training in the care sector I believe I have excellent skills and knowledge I can bring to the successful team. A great understanding of teaching theory and how to deliver content to differing audiences will aid me to make a position as an ambassador a great success for the team. I'm currently in touch with Anita Moran and Norman McNamara to create something he's really looking forward to announce; unfortunately we're keeping this quiet until we are all perfectly happy that the idea will have the power it deserves.
I first became aware of the affects of dementia when my partner, a nurse in the local hospital, was explaining the differences between the care they provide for individuals with the disease. I was shocked to find that I had never come across this information and thought that people should be more aware of the different types, care and treatments. I currently share ideas and thoughts about dementia care and aim to improve others' knowledge and feelings towards the subject.
There are many additional skills I can bring to the position of ambassador for the Purple Angel; they include excellent use of information technology and other means of communication, a passion for helping others and donating monthly amounts to charity (although I feel it's never enough), participating in charity events, fun and approachable but with a professional manner, excellent interpersonal skills with a desire to inspire others, adapting well to new ideas or methods, a high value for equality and diversity with an inclusion of all, working in the digital domain and continually improving my skills to aid the skills of others. I am willing to travel to wherever the Purple Angel is needed, if my pocket allows it.
As I am an Ostrich Purple Angel Ambassador in a Welsh area I believe that speaking Welsh could also help to raise awareness, in those that prefer their native tongue. Being fluent Welsh I know that it could prove useful to have some correspondence in Welsh, sadly some areas of Wales still think like this. This is one of my ideas for the area of Wales, which could be used worldwide to convert our message to more people.
Anita Moran
Wrexham
Being a Purple Angel Ambassador means so much to me and am so excited about this role. My ambition is for my home town to be the first in Wales to become Dementia aware and then to spread this out across Wales with the help of Chris and my links through my employment who have great links with businesses and Care Forum Wales.