Real stories

Spotlight: Paul Reynolds, Associate Director of Commercial and Partnerships

Why dementia, why the Society?

My lovely mum Gill was diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago.

It was a struggle to find the right support for her – first in her own home and then in a care home.

It was such an awful experience for our family that I wanted to help others have a better journey.

How to fill an unexpected day off?

An impromptu trip to London.

I love musical theatre so I would catch a West End show.

Tickets can be eye-wateringly expensive, but you can get some great deals on the day if you’re flexible.

I recently got a front row seat for Mary Poppins for £20 before the wind changed and it flew out of the West End! 

There are also some great dementia-friendly performances. My favourite was a ‘relaxed’ performance of White Christmas.

It was lovely to take my mum because she enjoys a good sing-along.

Proudest moment?

I appeared on BBC Breakfast in March to talk about the support available post diagnosis.

It was my first in-person television interview so to hear that I came across as calm and empathic was gratifying.

Calls to our support line doubled that day and there was an 800% increase in website hits.

People don’t always realise support is out there, so the fact that I was able to help them made me very proud.

Worst advice you’ve been given?

If you run out of dishwasher tablets, use washing-up liquid instead – a mistake I only made once!

A previous manager once said to me, ‘Winners never quit, stick to the plan and everything will be OK.’ That was horrible advice.

Identifying when you need to change track or quit is how you progress.

I didn’t follow the advice, instead proposing some sensible alternatives.

Biggest priority for coming months?

Supporting my team and working with partners to change dementia pathways to reflect local needs.

This is critical for us to deliver support in an equitable way.

It also ensures the Society is not perpetuating existing health inequalities.

No one should feel that our resources, tools and support are inaccessible.

Most important thing learned from a person with dementia?

Celebrate the moments when they happen.

Being told by a person with dementia to slow down and appreciate what is right in front of me  was such simple yet brilliant advice. 

I’ve used this with my mum by celebrating a hand hold, a small smile or tapping her foot to a beloved song. 

I’ve also used this at work, recognising that change doesn’t happen all at once and small successes are worth celebrating.

Most looking forward to?

Workwise, I’m looking forward to seeing how we continue to deliver our Help and Hope strategy.

We have a real opportunity to change how we deliver support and raise awareness of our research. 

Outside of work, I’m looking forward to turning 50 and going to Disneyland Paris.

My late dad designed the original benches, so it will be nice to see the legacy of his beloved carpentry work in person.