Trustees’ Week – 4th-8th November
Day 4 of Trustees’ Week and it’s my absolute pleasure to introduce to you Fiona Bladon, our Trustee specialising in Dementia and the Groups.
Thank you Fiona for all that you do to help others.
Introduce yourself
My name is Fiona Bladon. I have worked in the NHS and edited and proof-read medical journals and books and have also taught English as a foreign language.
My volunteer work is extensive and currently I volunteer as a Carer Ambassador with Devon Carers, in several roles with Unite Carers, Devon Partnership Trust, Devon Integrated Care Board and with other local and regional groups identifying, supporting and representing carers. As an advocate for carers, I contributed to the Devon Carers’ Strategy and have given presentations at carer awareness training workshops to staff at hospitals in Torbay and Exeter. I am part of Exeter University Patient and Public Involvement Group (dementia research) and currently, representing carers’ voices, I am working with Devon Partnership Trust in the creation of the Devon Dementia Strategy.
What’s your Trustee role at Unite Carers?
I am a Trustee specialising in Dementia and the Groups.
How did you first become involved and why?
I was a full-time carer for my mum-in-law and my father, both of whom had dementia. I quickly learned about dementias and how difficult and isolating a caring role can be. To my huge relief, I discovered Unite Carers who supported me through the difficult times and I came to realise, through my own experiences, the vital importance of peer support groups. I became a Unite Carers’ Volunteer in 2019 and started supporting at groups and latterly as a Befriender (both of which I still do). This summer, I was invited to join the Unite Carers Board of Trustees and on 12th August, I was elected.
Do you have any interests and hobbies? What are your passions?
With a background in farming, I love living in the countryside and feel so lucky to live in beautiful, rural Devon. I am passionate about helping and supporting carers and the people they care for, particularly those living with dementia.
What’s the worst thing about being a Trustee?
I can’t think of anything I don’t like about being a Trustee. Perhaps a shortage of time to do everything that I’d like to do.
What’s the best thing?
I am delighted to be a Trustee with Unite Carers with a particular focus on dementia and peer support groups. These support groups are such special places; it is a joy to see a smile on someone’s face, where before there had been anxiety or hopelessness. To see the light come back into their lives, giving hope and friendship at a time when they felt lost and alone, is a pleasure and an honour.