Spotlight on Heather: A Force for Community Connection and Dementia Awareness
In Wetherby, North Leeds, and Horsforth, Heather is our Community Engagement Lead. We explore Heather’s inspiring journey to make our community dementia friendly.
At Home Instead Wetherby, North Leeds and Horsforth, Heather is our passionate and driven Community Engagement Lead. She’s someone who has dedicated herself to making a tangible difference in the lives of older adults, especially those living with dementia. Whether it’s through leading engaging community classes and groups, supporting the local volunteer network, or advocating for dementia awareness, Heather’s work is vital to the community’s well-being. Today, we sit down with Heather to learn more about her inspiring journey and her efforts to make the Wetherby, North Leeds, and Horsforth areas as dementia-friendly as possible.
Q: Heather, what first drew you to community work, and particularly to dementia awareness?
Heather: Seeing people isolated and lonely had a huge impact on me and pushed me to get more involved with local communities. It’s heart breaking to witness that level of isolation, and I knew I wanted to do something to help. My journey into dementia awareness is personal—it started with my mum, who lived with dementia for 13 years. I saw first-hand how isolated she became in her care home, and I knew that she needed more stimulation and engagement than what she was receiving. That experience shaped my desire to make a difference.
Later, I began working with clients at Home Instead who were living with dementia, and that experience further deepened my commitment. I’ve seen how important it is to create meaningful interactions for people with dementia, and it’s this understanding that motivates me every day.
Q: What do you love most about your role as Community Engagement Lead?
Heather: I absolutely love my role—it’s so varied, enjoyable, and fun. Every day is different, and I get to see the community come together in wonderful ways. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the joy on people’s faces when they participate in our classes or attend our Companionship Cafes. Those smiles are priceless! It’s not just me who feels that way, either; our incredible volunteers also get so much out of making the sessions fun and engaging. I couldn’t do any of this without them. Their dedication and support are essential to what we do.
Q: You’ve mentioned your commitment to dementia awareness. How did you deepen your knowledge in this area?
Heather: Once I realised that dementia was an area I wanted to explore further, I took a course with the Alzheimer’s Society to become one of their Dementia Ambassadors. That training has been invaluable. It gave me the tools I needed to approach businesses, GP surgeries, and community groups to deliver Dementia Friends sessions. These sessions raise awareness about dementia and teach people how to better understand and support those living with the condition.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see local organisations embrace the idea of becoming more dementia-friendly. Every time I deliver a session, I know we’re one step closer to making the community a more supportive place for those living with dementia.
Q: What challenges have you faced in making Wetherby and the surrounding areas more dementia-friendly?
Heather: The biggest challenge has been getting that initial appointment to deliver a ‘Dementia Friends’ session. People are busy, and it’s tough to get on their schedules. I already have sessions pencilled in for next year! Another challenge has been offering these sessions to the families of our clients. Sometimes family members don’t think they need the extra information, so I’ve learned to approach it carefully and with respect. It’s important to tread gently and ensure they feel supported, not pressured.
Q: Is there a moment or experience in your work that stands out for you?
Heather: It’s so difficult to pick just one moment, but what humbles me most is the gratitude we receive from clients during our community events. Hearing them say how much they appreciate what we do is heart warming.
One standout moment for me was when we held our first class after the COVID lockdown. Seeing everyone back in the community, connecting again after such a long and difficult time, brought a few tears to my eyes. It reminded me of the importance of these events and how much they mean to people.
Q: What do you think is key to supporting someone living with dementia?
Heather: Gaining a deeper understanding of what it’s like for someone to live with dementia is crucial. Our ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions focus on how we can support people to live well with the condition. We talk about effective communication, especially how important it is to use simple language and fewer words, and why those living with dementia sometimes go back in time. These insights help people provide better care and understanding for their loved ones.
Q: Looking forward, what is your vision for dementia awareness in the community?
Heather: My vision is for the entire community, from service providers to local groups, to work together to become more dementia-friendly. Since COVID, I’ve noticed more collaboration between businesses and community organisations, and that’s been so encouraging. We’re all working towards the same goal: creating a supportive, inclusive environment for everyone, especially those living with dementia.
I’d love to see more public speaking opportunities and awareness events that help keep dementia top of mind for people in the community. It’s all about raising awareness and keeping those special stories and experiences alive.
Heather’s passion for making Wetherby, North Leeds, and Horsforth dementia-friendly is infectious. Through her work with Home Instead and her ongoing dedication as a Dementia Ambassador, Heather is truly making a difference—one conversation, one smile, and one session at a time. Thank you, Heather!
If you are looking for details of upcoming dementia-friendly events in the Wetherby, Horsforth and North Leeds area, please do take a look at our WoW Guide, for times and dates, as well as our ‘Community Groups Supporting Older People Across Leeds’ blog.
