Watch this film to see how Joy Watson works as a Dementia Friends Champion.
Dementia Friends Champions are individuals who are committed to improving understanding and awareness of dementia. Through delivering Dementia Friends sessions in their local towns, businesses, schools and places of work they ensure that individuals have a better understanding of dementia, and help to break down stigma. The Champions are fantastic examples of how Dementia Friends integrates with the broader dementia-friendly communities programme, creating change in local areas to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
Joy Watson, "When I got my diagnosis of Alzheimer's I was devastated, but after two months of being very depressed, I realised I had a choice. I could either sit around feeling sorry for myself or I could get out there and make a difference. I chose the latter. I attended the Champions' training and haven't looked back since.
It's my passion to help people to understand this disease and know that a diagnosis of dementia isn't the end of the road, it's just the beginning of a new journey. I feel privileged to be able to connect with people on a personal level. Mostly folk realise I live with dementia, or if I feel it's right I tell them. I feel this can help people open up and ask those awkward questions they were nervous about asking. I always stress I am not an expert, but that I can point them in the right direction."
"I've managed to overcome being nervous about not doing a good enough job of presenting the material, about my sentences getting muddled and the words not coming out. Thankfully, my husband Tone is around to rescue the day and we carry on. If anything, this breaks the ice and people tend to laugh with me.
What advice would I give? If it's something you are passionate about you will naturally enjoy it and the people attending your sessions will pick this up. Just be yourself! Getting the key messages across and inviting people to go away with an action of their own is a very fulfilling part of the process."
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Who are we?
Alzheimer's Society is the leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers.
What is dementia?
The term 'dementia' is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.
Support the fight against dementia and visit us at
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If you have concerns about Alzheimer's disease or about any other form of dementia, please contact the Alzheimer's Society National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122.
Alzheimer's Society
Leading the fight against dementia
