24/04/2026
We’re really proud to share a powerful story from our Co-ordinator, who has recently become a Dementia Friends Ambassador and trainer. 💙
His journey into this role comes from deeply personal experience caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s — a journey that highlights just how important understanding and awareness of dementia truly are.
“I didn’t choose to become a Dementia Friends Ambassador — I became one because of someone I looked after.
I watched Alzheimer’s slowly take them away.
At first, it was the little things — forgotten words, repeated questions, moments of confusion we tried to laugh off.
But then one day they looked at me like they didn’t know me.
And I realised I wasn’t losing them all at once, I was losing them piece by piece.
I was still there for them — caring, showing up, trying to stay strong — but inside, it hurt in a way that’s hard to explain. Because how do you grieve someone who’s still here?
That experience is why I became a Dementia Friends Ambassador. Because I know how isolating it can feel. Because I know how much understanding matters. Because no one living with dementia — or caring for someone with it — should feel invisible.”
As part of this role, he is now able to deliver Dementia Friends awareness sessions and is passionate about helping raise understanding of dementia across our wider community.
If you are a community group, organisation, or individual in the Exeter area and would be interested in hosting a Dementia Friends session, we would love to hear from you.
💙 Together we can build a more dementia-aware and supportive community.
Alzheimer's Society
Dennis Reed
Network Domiciliary - North Somerset
