Gerard (Ged) Flynn

My given name is Gerard, but people call me Ged. I was born in Stretford, Manchester, in January 1956. I moved to Oxford, with my family, in 1966 and, apart from 15 years living abroad, have lived in Oxfordshire since. 

I spent my working life in research and development, working as a chemist, first for the government and then at the Banbury laboratory of the Canadian Aluminium company, Alcan.

I live in Bloxham, with my wife Lynn. We are both retired, and my interests include, playing the guitar, working with wood, DIY (not really an interest, we own an old house), and listening to music. 

I became aware of Dementia Active through meeting a current volunteer, Pat Moore. Pat and I met around two years ago and regularly get together to play guitar and generally make a racket. I wanted to volunteer and play a small part to support this groups valuable work.

Born and raised in Cheltenham Venetia has worked extensively for entertainment and publishing companies in London and the United States.

She returned to the UK from San Francisco in 2020 to help support her mothers journey with Dementia. The transition from corporate life to full-time carer was a learning curve for both parties and the support of Dementia Active proved invaluable giving Venetia respite from care duties and her mother mental and social stimulation .

Venetia says,  "Experiencing first-hand the physical, mental and social benefits that Dementia Active sessions deliver is reason enough for me to want to get involved with this awe-inspiring charity. After each full-day session my mother returns home with a genuine smile and tries hard to verbalise to tell me about her day. Dementia Active has been a godsend to both of us. My motivation to become a volunteer and get involved is simple…I want to see this amazing service made available in every community . It is a grass roots program that brings tangible benefits and vital support to both people with dementia and their carers. How wonderful it would be if it was available to everyone in need". 

Trisha says,  “helping to support people with dementia by working at Dementia Active is so rewarding.”

Dementia is an illness that can lead to isolation from former friends. The importance of spending time with others who understand this sense of isolation cannot be underestimated.

Our goal is to establish a community where people do not feel the need to apologise or feel uncomfortable about their current capabilities compared to the past. Conversation is encouraged both socially, particularly when people arrive and during lunch, and in more structured reminiscence sessions. Group activities provide opportunities for engagement.

The overall benefits include increased energy levels and improved cognition.

Phil has been serving as a volunteer driver for Dementia Active since just before Christmas 2023. In addition to driving, he assists in sessions, primarily providing one-to-one support for members. Phil finds participating in the Tuesday sessions, where he picks up and drops off members, immensely fulfilling.

Phil transports members from Syresham, Chipping Norton, Chacombe, and occasionally Cropredy. He relishes the interactions with members during the drives, many of whom face various communication challenges. Phil remarks, "It's an incredible learning experience for me, as I've never been involved in this field before."

Phil is also a digital assistant at the Banbury library, a role he finds equally demanding.

Kim is English but was born in Switzerland, then spent most of her childhood in the USA (mostly Wisconsin, in the Midwest), back in Switzerland, and then studied in the States. More recently she's lived in the Bicester area and Banbury. Kim trained as a scientist (PhD type of Dr), then moved into scientific and medical publishing, for a very satisfying career. 

After a last move into medical communications (med comms), she retired slightly early in 2023 (lucky with an earlier redundancy that paid off the remaining mortgage). Kim is a very keen amateur photographer, which includes helping run the Kidlington Photo Group (see www.Flickr.com/photos/kimbenson45 ). 

She also sings, acts and dances! Banbury Operatic Society, Cherwell Choral Society, Launton Village Players, Bicester Choral & Operatic Society… Kim's mother and friends have had dementia, so when she saw an advert for Dementia Active volunteers, she wanted to help. It’s a great group of staff, volunteers and members, with a good combination of brain activities, socialising, food, music and movement. 

Kathy retired in 2023 from her previous employment as a corporate legal secretary after 26 years.

Deciding she wanted to take on something worthwhile and having a father-in-law with vascular dementia, she chose to become a volunteer for Dementia Active.

"It's one of the best things I’ve done.” Kathy says, and “it's a joy to talk and participate with the members and it's very special having a one-to-one session with a member, taking time to listen to them and hearing about their life. The members come along, have a chat, a laugh and enjoy the dancing.” 

Kath explains, “When I come away from Dementia Active after a session, I feel I've made a difference and given happiness”

Kathy also likes baking cakes which can be very useful at their jumble sales!

Maggie is married and has a close-knit family, including two daughters and four grandchildren. She finds great joy in spending quality time with her loved ones. In her leisure time, Maggie enjoys listening to music, watching football, and going for walks, all of which contribute to her active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Maggie has significant experience supporting individuals living with dementia. She has taken the initiative to lead various activities designed to engage and support people affected by this condition. Her commitment extends to volunteering at the Dementia Active Charity shop as well as the main centre in Banbury, where she contributes her time and energy to making a positive difference.

Maggie finds immense reward in her volunteering efforts, particularly when facilitating music and dance sessions. She shares, “I love seeing the members’ faces light up when we are all singing and dancing—their visible enjoyment is so rewarding to me!” Her passion is evident in the joy and connection she helps to foster among those she supports.

Cathy was brought up in the North of England, but has been in the Banbury area for 15 years. She recently retired from a career as an economist in finance of more than 30 years and is planning to enjoy more gardening and travel with her new spare time. She also enjoys sewing, music, cinema and catching up with friends over a good meal. Cathy has also promised her husband she will take some golf lessons!

Cathy's Mum was diagnosed with vascular dementia at the start of Covid lockdown and among her group of friends, parents with dementia is sadly an increasing theme. 

Cathy says, "I wish something like Dementia Active had been available in my mum's area, both to support carers and also to provide social interaction and stimulation outside the home. This is my motivation for being a part of this initiative."