BSc (Hons) Dementia Studies graduate Michelle McGowan leads team of Admiral Nurses in Kirklees
BSc (Hons) Dementia Studies graduate Michelle McGowan now heads up a team of Admiral Nurses (mental health nurses specialising in dementia) in Kirklees, which is the largest yet to be established.
Admiral Nurses provide vital help to people with dementia and their families, recognising the distinct needs of both groups. In partnership with Dementia UK and Kirklees Council, the Positive Steps Programme has been set up to provide both practical information and social support.
Michelle explains, “The project brings together key partners in the Kirklees area to raise awareness of the support available, in addition to the services provided by the Trust. We’ve had excellent feedback from carers, who highlighted that it not only gave them the information to deal with the diagnosis but it also introduced them to a peer support group, enabling them to develop new friendships which have continued outside of the training group.”
As one participant commented, “The information from the programme was great, as most of us have the same problems and difficulties. The Positive Steps Programme has been wonderfully positive for me.”
Admiral Nurse Team leader, and BSc (Hons) Dementia Studies graduate, Michelle McGowan, second from left.