Living with Dementia, and the importance of diagnosis

Although June Hennell lives locally in Stonehouse she travels extensively. She became involved in dementia care shortly after her late husband Brian was diagnosed with it in 2009.

She was involved in developing the Gloucestershire Dementia Strategy, helped to design the Living Well with Dementia handbook and has been involved in a lot of training and awareness raising activities.  

When she and her husband started campaigning they did not realise the impact they could make. They published a series of booklets describing the onset of the condition and how they coped and planned for the future. It was published in partnership with the Association of Dementia Studies at Worcester University and Gloucestershire County Council. The booklets are very well-received by both people directly affected by dementia and professionals.

Brian had cancer and sadly died in July 2013. Since then June has continued to help people affected by dementia and has continued giving talks around the world, ranging from speaking in front of more than 1,000 people in Australia, to local smaller organisations. She works in partnership with organisations including Innovations in Dementia, Carers Gloucester, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Adventure and has published further booklets sharing their experiences.

She was awarded the MBE for services to dementia care and awareness.

On the evening of her visit to the club she was joined by Simon Lewis, chair of the Stonehouse Memory Link, which June set up  to work with families and give practical advice and tips.