Making Our Churches More Dementia-Friendly Webinar: Tuesday 30 November 2021
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The Connexional Safeguarding Team hosted a Zoom webinar on the topic of Dementia-Friendly churches on Tuesday 30 November 2021:
Areas covered included:
- Dementia awareness raising,
- the theology of personhood and spirituality in dementia,
- safeguarding vulnerable adults with dementia
- practical tips on making our church buildings more dementia-friendly,
- advice on understanding ‘challenging’ behaviours and
- positive stories from Methodist churches who already are leading in this area.
Speakers:
Revd Vicci Davidson is Superintendent Minister of the Thames Valley Circuit, currently piloting a monthly service for those living with dementia: "Teatime for the Soul".
Eileen Jowitt is the Circuit Safeguarding Officer for Airedale Circuit in the Yorkshire West Methodist District. Her interest in dementia stemmed from her former work experience as an Occupational Therapist and personal experience.
Revd Kate Le Sueur is a Methodist presbyter and has worked most of her ministry in chaplaincy: 19 years in the NHS and the last 2 ½ years with Methodist Homes as Head of Chaplaincy – North.
Susan Wishart is a qualified and registered social worker, she is one of the District Safeguarding Officers in Yorkshire West.
Revd Dr Patricia Malham began her professional life as a Psychiatrist before moving into general practice for 20 years. Her special interest was always in mental illness and dementia.
Julie Peek is a Mission Enabler for Older People within the Southend & Leigh circuit part of Beds, Essex and Herts District. Creator of Memory Worship, a worship for those with and without dementia that in 2017 was awarded the Premier Radio Love Britain and Ireland Award for working with older people.
Prof John Swinton is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland and Master of Christ's College, the university's theological college. In 2016 he was awarded the Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing for his book Dementia: Living in the Memories of God.
Revd Philip Wagstaff is currently the Superintendent Minister of the Hastings, Bexhill and Rye circuit.
Sara Wilcox is the founder and CEO of the charity Pathways Through Dementia (PTD). She previously worked at the Court of Protection, as an advocate for people living with dementia, and at Alzheimer’s Society as their Legal & Welfare officer.
Memory Worship at Leigh-on-Sea
Find out how one Methodist church has created worship services for those with dementia
Watch on YouTube: Memory Worship, Wesley Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea