Dementia Carer Coordinator Appointed to advise Families in Northern Ireland

• 15 May 2023
• |
• N. Ireland

Praxis Care has appointed a new role in Tracy Smyth as Dementia Care Coordinator after securing a £75,000 boost from the Department of Health to help with the delivery of the Carers of People Living with Dementia Support Project.

Praxis are one of 27 organisations and charities providing vital support for carers on the ground and we were acknowledged in a recent funding round of £900,000 by the Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann MLA.

“I appreciate that the role of unpaid carers can be very challenging and this was particularly the case during the pandemic,” said Mr Swann. “That’s why establishing this fund and providing much needed help and support for carers was a priority for me.” 

Tracy Smyth has been appointed in her new role to help carers navigate the resources available and get support. Tracy says: “Carers are extremely committed and generally ask only to be given guidance and information. They often have to quickly learn how to cope practically and emotionally when a loved one is diagnosed or displaying signs of dementia.

“I would encourage carers to reach out for support, to not be shy in seeking help and guidance. Together we are stronger and by equipping yourself with information and support in your caring role, you will begin to see positive changes in your resilience, wellbeing and confidence.”

In Tracy’s decade of supporting people living with dementia and their carers, her commitment has been recognised with several awards, including the Alzheimer’s Society and the World Health Organisation.

Director of Care, Greer Wilson, expressed his appreciation now that funding is in place.

“Praxis Care is delighted to deliver this important service on behalf of the Department of Health and we thank them for their trust in us. This funding will allow us to equip carers with a view to sustaining their caring role with appropriate support” he says, “At the same time, we look forward to promoting carers’ personal wellbeing by providing much needed individual and peer support, respite opportunities and an advocacy service.”

Any carer of a loved one with dementia or early signs of dementia can contact Mrs Smyth at tracysmyth@praxiscare.org.uk or 07811585823 for support.