High Sheriff Praises Local Charity Volunteers

In celebration of Volunteers’ Week, the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, made a special visit to local dementia charity Sage House, Tangmere. During the volunteers’ celebration event on Wednesday 4th June, the High Sheriff, praised the group of volunteers for their efforts and presented each with a certificate commending their dedication to the community.

Volunteers’ Week is an annual campaign which recognises the valuable contributions of volunteers and encourages others to donate their time to local charities and community projects.

The volunteers at Sage House help the charity provide vital support for people living with dementia, bringing together a range of services under one roof in Tangmere. Volunteering roles at the hub range from serving food and drinks in the dementia-friendly public café, lending a hand in the respite care rooms and collecting donations at fundraising events. Some volunteers donate their specialist skills to provide stimulating activities, hairdressing, and personal care services for people living with dementia and their carers.

The High Sheriff previously visited Sage House when he was working as a GP. He says that back in 2014, “the thought that there would be a specialist centre that would concentrate on the forefront of how to manage dementia in our community was an extremely exciting prospect.”

Now visiting again in his new esteemed role, the high sheriff was “Amazed by the care with which Sage House had been designed; A place that actually recognises that people who have been diagnosed with dementia are still people who have a right to a life which is rewarding and interesting, a right to have a place where they are cared for and dealt with compassionately.”

He acknowledged the stigma surrounding dementia in his speech, which can make it difficult for some people to reach out for help. The High Sheriff continued, “without volunteers, Sage House would be unable to be the place it is.”

“I can’t thank you enough on behalf of the king, myself as a medic, and frankly just as a member of this community… What you give to individuals with dementia here affects the whole family… you are doing an amazing job. Thank you.”

Emma Radley, COO of Sage House, thanked the volunteers for the impact they achieve for the Charity, and said “the value you add for our customers is immeasurable. It makes such a difference and supports us to provide the excellent service that we provide here, and we definitely couldn’t do it without all of you.”

The volunteers enjoyed an afternoon tea in Daisy’s Café, kindly sponsored by Monan Gozzett LLP.