“Do not walk behind me, I may not lead. 
Do not walk in front of me, I may not follow. 
Just walk beside me and be my friend.”

I have been operating as a micro-enterprise for over a year and have over 10 years’ experience in the care sector, working as a community carer and with the British Red Cross. I hold QCF Level 5 (Advanced Practice) in Health & Social Care (Adults), Enhanced DBS for Adults and Children and am fully insured with my own wheelchair accessible vehicle. I also have a reasonable level of Welsh which I am always happy to practice!

The service I am offering is a fully personalised one, where I may visit and sit with an older person for a chat; make them a cup of tea or light meal; take the person out just for a drive in the car; to the beach; to a café; shopping; to a group or activity; or I can accompany them to an appointment where, if requested, I will make notes to use as a reminder afterwards.               

I am also able to offer support to learn how to use a digital tablet, mobile phone or laptop, assistance to use Zoom / Facetime or to complete online shopping and have a great deal of experience supporting people living with dementia, having been a Dementia Friends Champion with the Alzheimer’s Society until recently.

I work with the individual (and their family if appropriate) to create a support experience which is unique to them, offering what they want in the way they want it. My motto, and the whole ethos of Side-By Side, is a quote I love: “Do not walk behind me, I may not lead. Do not walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”