[Webinar] Working with lived experience partners

Lived experience partners help spread awareness about dementia by sharing their personal stories and perspectives. We have invited Dr. Jim Mann, Granville Johnson, Geri Hinton and Ian Stewart to join our upcoming webinar – a panel of people living with dementia and caregivers – to share how partnering with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. has helped them find purpose and meaning on the dementia journey!

Webinar details

• Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
• Time: 2 p.m. PT (90 minutes)
• Click here to register!

About the panel speakers

Dr. Jim Mann, a retired Marketing & Communications professional from Surrey who has been a long-time supporter and volunteer with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. currently sitting on our board of directors and the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s committee for meaningful engagement of people with lived experience. Jim was first diagnosed with young onset dementia at the age of 58 and has been on a mission to make life better for others affected by dementia ever since. 

“Volunteering with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. has helped me learn more about my disease, which has helped me gain and retain confidence as I experience new and different outcomes from my dementia. My contributions have also allowed me to use my own skills and acquire new ones as the organization’s reach in our province expands. I think volunteering is a win-win.”  
– Jim Mann, person living with dementia and dementia advocate.  

Granville Johnson, a two-tour Vietnam veteran, artist, musician and author, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2011. Instead of letting his diagnosis define him, he turned to art and music to become an advocate for the dementia community. He is determined to be remembered for his talents, not just as “the guy who had dementia.”

“Dementia has given me a cause: being able to present myself through my art with the purpose of advocacy. Discovering that – wait a minute, I can actually help here!” 
– Granville Johnson, person living with dementia and dementia advocate.

Geri Hinton, is a passionate advocate for those living with dementia, driven by her experiences as a caregiver for her husband, Peter. Upon Peter’s diagnosis, Geri retired to care for him, keeping him at home for as long as possible. After Peter’s transition to long-term care, Geri remained a constant source of support. Since Peter’s passing in 2008, she has become a fierce advocate for dementia awareness, emphasizing the need for compassionate care.  Geri is currently a dedicated member of the our committee for meaningful engagement of people with lived experience.

“As a volunteer and a caregiver with lived experience, I strive to offer support and hope to others. My commitment to volunteering comes from my belief that volunteers can build compassion and community through participating and contributing to the work of an organization.”   
– Geri Hinton, caregiver and dementia advocate.

Ian Stewart, a devoted caregiver to his mother, who he has been supporting since 2017. Ian has leaned on the Society for support, participating in numerous programs and finding guidance through the First Link® Dementia Helpline. Despite facing misconceptions from close family and dealing with the challenges of caregiving, Ian remains committed to providing the best care for his mother. As an openly gay man, Ian brings a unique perspective to the dementia caregiving community, advocating for broader representation and support for the LGBTQ2S+ community facing dementia.  

“I hope sharing my experience can help bring broader representation into the dementia community, to highlight not only the diversity of caregiving relationships but also the differing needs of people living with dementia.”
– Ian Stewart, caregiver and LGBTQ2S+ advocate.
 

Register now and learn how you can join our community of courage!