Plymouth University academic Ian Sherriff has been appointed by the UK’s leading dementia support and research charity, Alzheimer’s Society, as an Ambassador.
As an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Ian will support the charity in a variety of ways from speaking at events, raising awareness of dementia and using his expertise and professional contacts to support the work of the charity.
As Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Ian has been involved in numerous projects designed to improve the lives of people with dementia. His work includes an ambition to support communities to become more dementia-friendly. In particular he is passionate about supporting rural communities to better support people with dementia.
Ian is a member of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Friendly Communities Challenge Group and chairs the South and South West of England for this group. He is also a founder member and chair of the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance as well as chair of the Prime Minister’s Task and Finish group for Rural Dementia and the National Air Transport dementia group.
Speaking about his new appointment Ian Sherriff said:
“I am honoured to be joining this group of leading public figures and people affected by dementia to steer and support Alzheimer’s Society’s work nationally and internationally. I am committed to campaigning and working with people living with dementia, statutory health and social care agencies, Members of Parliament, Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers to improve the lives of people affected by the condition.”
Established in 2007, the Alzheimer’s Society Vice-presidents, patrons and ambassadors’ programme brings together key supporters in the fields of business, the arts, science, politics, the media and those living with dementia who are able to use their skills to champion the rights of people with dementia and their carers.
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“Ian has been, and remains, one of the foremost champions for our cause. We are therefore delighted to welcome Ian as a new member of our Ambassador team. The knowledge and experience that he brings is invaluable and over the years he has built up significant networks with people with dementia and their carers and families, volunteers, politicians, journalists, academics and health and social care professionals. Dementia is the biggest health and social care issue facing our society and there’s no question that it has a profound and devastating impact. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia in the UK. We are very grateful to all our Ambassadors who continually strive to improve the lives of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.”
Professor Robert Sneyd, Dean of Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, commented:
"Our congratulations go to Ian for this superb accolade. His work in the field of dementia is both tireless and effective and contributes greatly to our national and international standing in this area. Plymouth University was the first dementia-friendly university in the country, so it is highly fitting that one of our team should be an Alzheimer's Society Ambassador."