An award-winning North-East dementia charity has appointed a local radio presenter as its new patron.
Silverline Memories, which runs projects across Tyneside, has announced it will be working with BBC Radio presenter Sue Sweeney to highlight the charity’s work.
The charity, which was founded in 2013, provides activities for people living with dementia, and hosts 20 events a month, including a regular dementia cafe, lunch clubs and day trips.
Sue, from Durham, said she was honoured to be approached, explaining that dementia is a cause close to her heart.
She said: “I understand the condition and have first-hand experience of the effects of dementia through caring for my grandmother and my aunt, who I am very close to.”
Sandra Hastings, chief operating officer at Silverline Memories, said: “We were looking for someone with both warmth and a genuine understanding of the challenges dementia brings to a family, and we knew that Sue has both.
“A local legend, Sue will use her energy and enthusiasm to help us raise the profile of Silverline Memories.”
As well as supporting people living with dementia, the charity also hosts a twice-monthly carers’ group, which won a North-East Enterprise Award for Best Carer Support Group in October.
Sandra said: “It became apparent that there is a point on the dementia journey where the needs of the carer become as important as the needs of the person they are caring for.”
Now in its second year, the group offers carers a chance to talk in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. It is held at the same time as the charity’s regular dementia cafe, meaning carers can relax knowing the person they care for is safe.
The charity relies on volunteers to provide many of its services, and is currently recruiting for people to help with events, fundraising and admin.
