Staff, volunteers and member of Alzheimer's Support's day clubs have come together to bid farewell to Grant Newton, who retired yesterday as head of day care.
Grant has led the clubs for nearly 16 years. He started as manager of Sidmouth Street Club in Devizes in 2009, when it opened just two days a week.
Since then and under his leadership, the charity has opened clubs at Mill Street in Trowbridge, Old Silk Works in Warminster and most recently Scots Lane in Salisbury. They have all won national awards for their compassionate practices and innovative approach to dementia care, and Grant was shortlisted for Dementia Carer Manager of the Year in the 2014 National Dementia Care awards.
Saying goodbye at his retirement party, Alzheimer's Support CEO Sarah Marriott said: "You have never wavered from your vision that people coming to our day clubs leave dementia at the door. While they are with us they are themselves, their own person, and are not defined by their dementia. It runs through everything you have created. We will all miss you enormously and are thankful for everything you have contributed over the years."
Alzheimer's Support founder and first CEO Anna Littlechild recalled how shocked she had been when Grant first suggested bringing his dogs into the clubs to interact with members. "We had just redecorated! I was concerned about the hairs. But we gave it a go. Well, the dogs have been in ever since and have been a brilliant success, something that defines what we do and the approach that has done so much.
"When Grant first walked into our offices looking for support for a friend of his, I knew he was someone I wanted on the team. I just admired his attitude and am so glad he came to work for us then. I didn't know he would be here all these years later, and to have achieved so much."
Grant paid tribute to his team of day club managers, support workers and volunteers who he said were the real force behind the clubs. He promised to be back with the dogs before too long.
The clubs will now be led by Alzheimer's Support head of care services Monique Bentley.
