Exeter Businessman Simon Almond Supports the Alliance With Dementia Interpreters Training

The Exeter Dementia Action Alliance have partnered with Training2Care who are pioneers of the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) in the UK. Training2Care have now created Dementia Interpreters training addressing the vital importance of communication and language in dementia support.

Gina Awad says: “we are thrilled to be able to share these sessions across Exeter and our heartfelt thanks goes to Simon for believing in us and supporting our mission. In the coming weeks we will be contacting community groups, charities, businesses, the local authority, retailers, care homes and health and social care settings. We are delighted to receive the support of local businessman Simon Almond to deliver this training throughout 2024.

Simon Almond says: “my main reason for wanting to help Gina and the Alliance is her inspiring drive to make a difference for people with the disease. My grandmother developed vascular dementia after a fall – she had been the family rock for most of my life, she lost both her children to cancer (my mum and uncle) at a young age and stepped firmly into the role of mum and great friend to my sister and I, grandmother to her great grandchildren, and an overall inspirational human being.

She survived brain surgery after the fall in her mid 90s but the damage was done and changes were sudden, taking a completely independent woman to almost total dependency at the end stages.

I am delighted to be able to do my bit to raise awareness and support communication between people affected by dementia and others – whether loved ones, in care settings or in the wider community.”

More information is available here.