Today I have been involved in a mini-conference arranged by BRACE, ‘Dementia: Hope for the Future’.
The event, which I was involved in planning, was chaired by former ITN and BBC newsreader Martyn Lewis. After Mark Poarch and Martyn Lewis introduced the day, I gave a presentation to provide the audience with an overview of significant news within the world of dementia, before moving on to interview Chris Roberts (who is living with dementia), Jayne Goodrick (Chris’s wife) and Mike Hennessey (Service Director, Bristol City Council). After that session, Liz Coulthard gave an overview of research and scientific developments, and local GP, Peter Bagshaw, spoke about issues in Primary Care. The event was concluded by a Question Time style panel debate with Mike Hennessey, Liz Coulthard, Peter Bagshaw, Hilary Doxford (who is living with dementia), Tony Hall (Chairman of Bristol Dementia Action Alliance and carer to his wife) and myself, with questions fielded by Martyn Lewis.
@legalaware @bethyb1886 @mason4233 @jaynegoodrick @LizCoulthard @ArcSevenComms Great day – TY all for the part you played
— BRACE Alzheimers Research (@AlzheimersBRACE) November 5, 2014
Hailing the event as a big success, BRACE Chief Executive Mark Poarch said, “I have been receiving amazing feedback, which goes beyond my expectations. What is great is that people are talking about how much they enjoyed the day, and some are saying that they found it inspiring. One scientist told me enthusiastically that it was the best event ever.”
My presentation
Left to right: Mark Poarch, Beth Britton, Liz Coulthard, Peter Bagshaw, Hilary Doxford, Martyn Lewis, Chris Roberts, Jayne Goodrick and Tony Hall
Left to right: Beth Britton, Tony Hall, Martyn Lewis
Reflecting on my contribution, Mark continued, “(Delegates) were very enthusiastic about what you said and the interviews you conducted. Your decision to interview Chris and Jayne was particularly inspired, and I think it was that that set the tone for the day.”
Great day.
Thank you Martyn Lewis, @bethyb1886 @LizCoulthard , Mark Poarch, Peter Bagshaw , Hilary Doxford and Tony Hall. #dementiahope— Arc Seven (@ArcSevenComms) November 4, 2014
Great conference @AlzheimersBRACE with @jaynegoodrick @bethyb1886 #DementiaHope pic.twitter.com/AWcmQC8uoR
— Chris Roberts. (@mason4233) November 4, 2014
I am hugely grateful to everyone who supported this event, to BRACE for hosting it, to the James Tudor Foundation for their sponsorship, and to my fellow speakers – it was an honour to share the platform with you. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Chris, Jayne and Mike who were fantastically insightful interviewees.
Read more about BRACE on their website: https://www.alzheimers-brace.org