Head of Learning and Development Recognised by the Alzheimer's Society!

Quantum Care’s Head of Learning and Dementia Development, Sue Harrison, has been specially recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society for her excellent contribution to the Dementia Friends initiative!

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative aimed at changing people’s perceptions of dementia and transforming the way the whole nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition. Dementia Information Sessions are run by Dementia Friends Champions in their local communities, with the aim of helping people understand what it's like to live with dementia, and to encourage them to think about the actions they can take to help make life that bit easier for those living with the disease.

Sue became a Dementia Friends Champion in 2013. Since that time she has delivered over 60 information sessions and has just enrolled her 1000th Dementia Friend! She has reached out to organisations such as the Police Cadets, Scouts, Supermarkets, Church Groups and Schools including St John’s School in Lemsford. In recognition of Sue’s huge achievement, the Alzheimer’s Society’s Aimee Packwood - East of England Dementia Friends Organiser - has sent her a certificate and personal card to say thank you for her contribution.

Sue said of the recognition: “I wanted to become a Dementia Friends Champion on both a personal and professional level. In my role with Quantum Care we work with people living with dementia in our care homes on a daily basis, and it is important that our residents receive compassion and understanding from those in their local communities and beyond. In my own family, my Mother is living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Since her diagnosis I see things from a relative’s perspective and it has made me even more determined to spread the news to as many people as I can. Even after a long day at work, I look forward to going out and meeting people during the sessions. I get a lot of satisfaction from being able to help people understand how to support friends and family living with dementia and I often hear the words “If only I’d known this sooner”.

Wanda Spooner, Quantum Care’s Director of Human Resources and Training said “We are really proud of Sue’s commitment to this cause and how she has helped so many people through this initiative gain a better understanding of this disease. I know that she is already working towards her next 1000 Dementia Friends in her determination to ensure that even more people throughout Hertfordshire become dementia aware.”