Speakmore and Lichfield Film Club join latest Care Club session

Grace Cares held its latest face-to-face Care Club session, bringing together those who care for others for a morning of support, connection and useful information.

The session welcomed guest speaker Tracy Broadley Jackson from Speakmore, alongside representatives from Lichfield Film Club, who shared details of their upcoming showings designed to support those caring for others.

Tracy brings 40 years’ experience of working in both the NHS and independent sector, supporting people with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and dementia.

Over the course of her career, she has worked as a clinical and team lead in acquired neurological disorders, as well as being a lead for local and national research projects, chairman of a professional study group, and a team lead for a community rehabilitation service.

She has presented papers and posters at regional and national conferences.

Since qualifying, Tracy has continued to study across all areas of her work, gaining postgraduate qualifications, including a Certificate in Counselling, Advanced Dysphagia, a leadership award, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, a certificate in the Principles of Dementia Care, and Talking Mats Training.

Providing support and care for with people living with dementia and their carers has always played a key role in her work.

She focuses on communication problems in dementia and their impact on behaviour and relationships.

Tasha Inan, from Grace Cares, said: “We gather feedback after every Care Club session, and it's clear how much value carers get from having a space like this to come together.

“We'll be looking to increase how regularly we run these sessions moving forward.”

Tracy, from Speakmore, added: “It was a pleasure to meet the wonderful volunteers and attendees at a recent Grace Cares meeting.

“I shared some information about communication difficulties in dementia and suggested some strategies and approaches to help reduce their impact.

“It was lovely to see people asking questions and sharing their own tips, so we all learnt together.”  

Grace Cares' Care Club runs regularly to bring together those supporting others in a caring role, offering guest speakers, useful information and a chance to connect with others in similar situations.

The next session moves online, with a free Brain Health and Dementia Prevention talk on Tuesday 25 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

A Functional Medicine Health Coach will share simple, practical steps to protect memory and brain health, useful whether you're caring for someone with dementia or simply want to keep your own mind sharp.

It's free to join, and anyone who can't attend live will still receive the recording – register now.

Pictured: Tracy with a member of the Grace Cares team