I am a Dementia Nurse Consultant and PhD student at Alzheimer Scotland.

My Fellowship explored ways to connect with people living with dementia and how this can strengthen person- and relationship-centred care.

In my role I have seen the stigma experienced by people with dementia, their families and carers. I am interested in breaking down the negative trajectory associated with dementia and encouraging others to see the uniqueness of the person before their diagnosis. I have been able to highlight the importance of enhancing the wellbeing of people living with dementia at a local and national level.

The Fellowship has provided the opportunity for me to work more closely within health, social care and education settings to develop a strategic focus on enabling care that is person-centred, compassionate and dignified. The Fellowship has also enabled more holistic approaches to be adopted in my area of work and for staff and student nurses to see beyond dementia as a diagnosis, and place more emphasis of finding ways to enhance wellbeing.

It has helped strengthen my role as an advocate for people living with dementia and work alongside other Fellows to enable dementia-inclusive communities.