Together Dementia Support

Sally has worked with older people in Manchester, Trafford and Salford for over 35 years, in the NHS, Social Services, and the voluntary sector. She has an MSc in Dementia Care and through that learned about the evidence base for interventions that can help people with dementia live happier lives. It was that learning, together with her observation that there was nothing on offer for people in Manchester, that led Sally to set up Together Dementia Support.

Sally wanted to prioritise the needs and wellbeing of people living with dementia. If they are content and living well then families often feel happier too! Sally is proud of how TDS has grown and it has achieved over the last nine years but remains passionate that we need more systematic improvement in services for people affected by dementia and hopes the TDS team can help to bring that change about.

​When Sally isn’t working, she loves gardening and walking.

Fiona has spent the last ten years working in the public sector across Greater Manchester. Her experience includes programmes across public policy, health, arts, heritage, culture and co-ordinating public sector responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. For her, joining the TDS team was a natural step, where she can put her skills and experience into action to make a real difference to the lives of everyday people in Manchester.

Claire joined TDS in 2019, and has worked in Salford for the last ten years, supporting carers and people living Dementia for Age UK Salford. She also did engagement work with the Institute for Dementia at Salford University. She has a PGCert in Dementia and the Enabling Environment.

Anna joined Together Dementia Support in 2021 as a Dementia Group Leader after spending 20 years as a Personal Trainer and Ballet Barre Fitness Instructor within the local community. She has a keen interest in behaviour change, mental health and overall well-being. She achieved a degree in Sport Psychology, specialising in the Pyscholog of Ageing and Motivational Interviewing.

Alongside her work she has volunteered at many local groups including day centres for Age UK and at Rafiki peer support group at Salford University. Anna is also an active volunteer for British Cycling helping at local events in Alexandra Park, another aspect of her volunteering is as a Guided Ride Leader.

Seeing smiles on faces, caring for others and combating isolation is what she hopes to achieve at TDS.

Cheryl joined TDS at the beginning of 2021 and her main role is to look after the bookkeeping function but also helps out with Administration when required. She is new to the charity sector, having previously worked for many years in a similar accounts/admin role with a small company organising training events for local authority staff and councillors. She likes to spend her spare time researching family history and is also a keen ballroom dancer!

Mary joined TDS in January 2024. In her life and work she's passionate about growing communities where everyone is welcomed, included and celebrated. She moved to Manchester as a student, and after graduating spent 2 and a half years working with student and local communities through the university chaplaincy at St Peter's House. In her spare time, she is often found outdoors - in the mountains or in a kayak, and she's a big fan of oat milk lattes and colourful vegetables.