Andy Gill
Founder, CEO & Treasurer - All Centres
Andy is the founder of a new and innovative service which provides daytime activities for people living with dementia.
He has a wide experience of care services for older people including working as a home carer, providing support to enable people with dementia to stay in their own homes. As a result of his first wife’s diagnosis with a rare form of vascular dementia in 2016 he is therefore acutely aware of how difficult life can be in trying to support a loved one and give them the best life has to offer.
His aim along with the rest of the Dementia Active team is to provide a safe and welcoming environment, where people with dementia can relax and join in activities designed to support and maintain their ability levels. Crucially this provides family members with some much needed time to themselves.
Andy has a particular interest in developing activities using the principles underlying Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). This seeks to stimulate and utilise people’s cognitive strengths in order to help them maintain their lives in their own homes.
Email: andy@dementiactive.co.uk
Melissa Fazackerley
Co-founder, Grant Manager
Melissa, now semi-retired was a qualified primary trained teacher who has a long held interest in brain function. Initially this was from the perspective of the child’s developing brain, but in the last decade since the loss of her mother to vascular dementia she has focused on studying the decline in cognitive ability experienced by people with dementia. Of particular interest to her is the manner in which various forms of dementia impact in quite different ways upon brain function, along with the consequent limitations people experience in their daily lives.
A late career break in order to do a degree in ceramics has led to an interest in using the arts in dementia activities.
In recent years Melissa has had experience in the home care sector; has worked for the NHS in the Oxfordshire Supported Hospital Discharge Team (now known as HART) and also for the Alzheimer’s Society as an Advisor in North Oxfordshire. In this role it became clear that services which are able to offer stimulating activities for people with dementia but which also do not require the presence of a carer are very limited if non existent. For this reason she has chosen to join Dementia Active as it is able to offer just such a service and in particular is developing the use of Cognitive Stimulation Techniques (CST) for those with mild to moderate dementia.
Email: melissa@dementiactive.co.uk
Joanne Gill
Operations Co-ordinator/safeguarding - All Centres
Jo brings a wealth of compassion and practical experience to her role, shaped by years of supporting others. She has been a foster carer for young people with special needs, volunteered with local Beavers and Cubs groups, and has long been a dedicated carer for her mother, who lives with dementia.
Her journey with Dementia Active began as a volunteer, where she supported her mother on a one-to-one basis to enable her continued participation in group activities. Following a 32-year career with Tesco in Banbury, Jo made a significant career change in 2023 to take on the day-to-day management of the Dementia Active centres.
In addition to overseeing all centre operations, Jo plays a hands-on role in transporting members and supporting them within sessions. She has also taken on the important responsibility of Assistant Safeguarding Trustee for the charity, reflecting her commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and protection of all those involved.
Molly Gill
Session Activities, CST and HR - All Centres
Molly has always had a strong interest in supporting people with different abilities. From a young age, she showed compassion and curiosity about how she could make a positive difference in the lives of others. Over the years, she has gained experience working with a wide range of individuals, including deaf people, people with severe learning difficulties, and those undergoing drug and alcohol rehabilitation. These experiences have helped shape her understanding of inclusion, communication, and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported.
Alongside her passion for helping others, Molly’s main focus in life has always been the performing arts. She holds a degree in Drama and is deeply committed to using creativity and storytelling to bring people together. Molly believes that theatre and performance have the power to connect people from all walks of life, and she hopes to create entertainment that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of background or ability.
Speaking about what motivates her, Molly says:
“From a young age I’ve always been passionate about supporting people with different abilities, and that passion has continued to shape the work I do today. Working at Dementia Active allows me to combine my background in drama with my desire to help others. I love using my acting and performing skills to create engaging, uplifting experiences for people living with dementia. Seeing people smile, join in, and connect through performance is incredibly rewarding. My family and friends are very important to me and I value honesty – I won’t hold back my opinions, and I appreciate the same attitude in others. I’m a practical person who learns by doing, and I feel lucky to be able to use creativity and theatre to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
Matthew Varney
Fitness Coach and Sports Therapist - All Centres
Matt is a dedicated Fitness Coach and Sports Therapist with a passion for helping people improve their health, mobility, and overall wellbeing. Working with individuals of all abilities, he provides personalised training and recovery support designed to help people move better, build strength, and stay injury-free.
With experience in one-to-one coaching, he focuses on building confidence, improving fitness, and creating sustainable habits that fit naturally into everyday life. His approach combines effective training methods with sports therapy techniques, supporting both performance and recovery.
He is also passionate about the role exercise plays in supporting people living with dementia. Regular physical activity can help improve mobility, maintain independence, boost mood, and support cognitive health. He believes movement can make a real difference to quality of life, helping people stay active, engaged, and connected.
His goal is to make fitness enjoyable, accessible, and tailored to each individual so they can feel stronger, healthier, and more confident.
Matt says, “I am so pleased to be rejoining the team as a full-time commitment, and delivering a structured exercise programme.”
David Harrison
Transport - All Centres
Dave 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.
Helen Burgess
OT/ Student Placement coordinator - All Centres
Helen has worked as an Occupational Therapist for 17 years primarily working with older adults with mental health problems and continues to work for the NHS as part of a community rehab team. Helen has experience of working with people with dementia in both inpatient and community settings and is acutely aware of how important cognitive stimulation and social contact are in maintaining skills and well-being. Having seen a decline in the community groups available for older people in Oxfordshire Helen was delighted to find Dementia Active and to have the opportunity to join the team. She loves helping to run groups and facilitate social contact for people with dementia as this brings much needed stimulation and meaningful engagement. Helen says, " Dementia Active plays such as important role for the people that attend and their families, it is a pleasure to be part of."
Joanna Christie
Session Leader / Dining Room Manager - Banbury
As a child, Joanna enjoyed football and is also a keen swimmer. She studied and passed her GCSE’s at school and attended a performing arts College.
Joanna says, “Bringing up two girls took a lot of time, but I was able to return to work.”
After finding employment in retail and then at a local bingo hall, Joanna decided she needed to follow her passion, caring for older people requiring support.
After working and therefore acquiring 6 years care experience in the community, and an NVQ level 2 in health and care, Joanna found our charity and brought her knowledge and experience to it.
Joanna states “It is a joy to help and support the members at Dementia Active. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my day!”
Jasmine Rodhouse - Session leader - Banbury
Belinda Herring - Session Leader - Banbury/Chipping Norton
Gavin Calvert - Session Assistant & Transport - Banbury
Jasmine has spent nine years working in hospitality and four years teaching musical theatre, where she developed a wide range of transferable skills that will support her in this new venture with Dementia Active. Through her work, she has built strong communication and people skills, learning how to create welcoming environments and connect with individuals from all walks of life. Her experience teaching has also strengthened her confidence in leading groups, encouraging participation, and adapting activities to suit different abilities. Jasmine works well in collaborative environments and enjoys getting stuck in with practical work, embracing opportunities to learn on the job and contribute wherever she can.
Jasmine’s passion lies in the performing arts. She is an active member of a local theatre society where she sings, dances, and acts in musicals and concerts alongside a group of talented, like-minded people. Being involved in theatre has given her a deep appreciation for the power of music, creativity, and shared experiences to bring people together and boost wellbeing.
Jasmine is particularly excited about bringing this enthusiasm and creativity into her role with Dementia Active. “I love how Dementia Active uses music, movement and creativity to bring joy and connection to people living with dementia. It’s inspiring to be part of something that makes such a positive difference to people’s lives, and I’m really looking forward to learning more and contributing to the team.”
Gavin Calvert - Session Assistant & Transport - Banbury
Belinda Herring - Session Leader - Banbury/Chipping Norton
Gavin Calvert - Session Assistant & Transport - Banbury
Gavin 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.
Belinda Herring - Session Leader - Banbury/Chipping Norton
Belinda Herring - Session Leader - Banbury/Chipping Norton
Belinda has a wonderful husband and two beautiful children, both now teenagers, who remain at the centre of her life. As a family, they enjoy spending quality time together, whether that’s attending steam rallies, going on holidays, or enjoying days out together.
With over 30 years of experience working with children, Belinda began her career after gaining her NNEB (National Nursery Examination Board) qualification. She later became a Water Babies teacher, a role she found incredibly rewarding, helping babies learn to swim safely while supporting parents and building children’s confidence in the water.
As her own children moved through primary school, Belinda worked as a preschool teacher, a role that fitted well with family life and allowed her to continue supporting young children’s development and learning.
When her children became more independent, Belinda devoted much of her time to caring for her parents, particularly supporting her mother, who lives with dementia, and her late father, who had Parkinson’s disease. Following her father’s passing, Belinda encouraged her mother to attend a local dementia activity group, where she later began volunteering and found great fulfilment in helping support others living with dementia.
Belinda now brings her experience, compassion and dedication to her role and says, “I am delighted to be joining the team as a full-time commitment.”
Julie Smalley - Session Assistant /Transport - Banbury
Julie is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother. She finds great joy in connecting with her local community. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to supporting those who may need a bit of extra assistance.
Dementia often causes people to become disconnected from their previous social circles. The importance of spending time with others who understand this feeling of isolation cannot be overstated. As Julie puts it, “Working at Dementia Active is incredibly rewarding because we help prevent our members from feeling isolated.”
Louis Gill - Commis Chef, Banbury
Louis has recently rejoined Dementia Active and is eager to prepare delicious meals for all the members. His return is warmly welcomed, and he is enthusiastic about using his culinary skills.
Having trained as an apprentice at Dementia Active, Louis has successfully qualified as a Commis Chef. This valuable experience has equipped him to run the kitchen at Banbury Centre, where he looks forward to creating enjoyable dining experiences for everyone.
Louis shares his thoughts on his role, saying, “Working for Dementia Active is and has been a truly rewarding experience.” His dedication and passion for his work are evident, and he is excited to continue making a positive impact within the organisation.
Gerard (Ged) Flynn - Volunteer
Gerard, known as Ged, was born in Stretford, Manchester, in January 1956. He moved with his family to Oxford in 1966 and, aside from 15 years spent living abroad, has lived in Oxfordshire ever since.
He spent his professional career in research and development as a chemist, initially working for the government and later at the Banbury laboratory of the Canadian aluminium company, Alcan.
Ged now lives in Bloxham with his wife, Lynn. Both are retired, and his interests include playing the guitar, woodworking, DIY—more a necessity of owning an old house than a hobby—and listening to music.
He became aware of Dementia Active through a retired volunteer/trustee, Pat Moore. Having met around two years ago, Ged and Pat regularly get together to play guitar and “make a racket.” Keen to give back, Ged decided to volunteer and play a small part in supporting the group’s valuable work.
REBECCA LEIGH - Volunteer
Rebecca initially trained as a nurse. Whilst raising her family, she moved into the field of education working as a teaching assistant, supporting children at primary school level.
During these years, Rebecca and her family volunteered as respite foster carers for a child with complex needs.
She eventually returned to Health and Social Care, working for a reablement service in the community, then latterly as a therapy assistant in a hospital setting.
Through both personal and work experience, Rebecca has seen the difficulties faced by people with dementia and their families. On hearing about Dementia Active and the support it provides, she felt driven to volunteer for this much needed service.
LYNN FLYNN - Volunteer
Lynn 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.
Val Bocking - Regular Entertainer
Val specialises in entertainment for Residential, Nursing Care Homes as well as Adult Luncheon Clubs and Wellbeing Centres.
She provides easy listening music from smooth and mellow Jazz to early 50's and 60's feet tapping songs, then spice it up with a little Reggae, in between pre-war sing-a-longs.
Val believes that interaction is so important, and encourages the use of musical Instruments
Rob Bocking- Regular Entertainer
Rob specialises in entertainment for Residential, Nursing Care Homes as well as Adult Luncheon Clubs and Wellbeing Centres.
He provides easy listening music from smooth and mellow Jazz to early 50's and 60's feet tapping songs, then spice it up with a little Reggae, in between pre-war sing-a-longs.
Rob believes that interaction is so important, and encourages the use of musical Instruments
Kate Wilkinson - Music Memories specialist
Kate Wilkinson - Music Memories specialist
Kate 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.