Sharon lives in Kirkintilloch with her two children Anthony (15) and Jessica (10), and two cats.

What does Ceartas mean?
Ceartas, (pronounced Kier-tis), is a Gaelic word for equity, fairness and right.

What does your job role involve?
I provide support and information to dementia sufferers, older people and their carers and families.
Advocacy is about representing what the person wants, making sure their views are heard and they are part of the decision making process. We make sure they know what's going on, explain what their rights are and advise them on current legislation.

How do people get in touch with the service?
People drop into the office or we take referrals from places like the local authority, a carer, or a GP.
We try to promote different routes into advocacy so people don't just contact us in times of crisis. Staff can visit people at home, in hospital or in a nursing home.

What is De Cafe?
De Cafe is a monthly group which meets in Kirkintilloch Baptist Church coffee shop, where dementia sufferers and their carers meet for a coffee and chat. It is a successful, informal support group where they can meet people who are going through similar experiences. We have guest speakers who can help give advice on a variety of subjects.

What has made De Cafe such a success?
It is very relaxed and people feel safe to ask questions. They get peer support from people in the same boat, which is important as there can be a lot of stigma attached to dementia.

What causes dementia?
There is lots of research going on into the causes of dementia. It is not something that just affects old people, there are a huge number of people under 60 who have it. There are also different types of dementia.

What are the symptoms?
Becoming forgetful, confused or having memory loss. However, there are other things that can cause these symptoms so it is important for people to speak to their GP if they are experiencing any of these or if they are worried.
They can come in to speak to us and get the ball rolling if they have any concerns.


What can be done to help sufferers?
There are different types of medication available depending on the type of dementia and the stage of the condition.
There are social improvements that can help people stay at home longer and groups like De Cafe can help them not feel so isolated.
There is a stereotype of sufferers being very old and unable to look after themselves, but dementia can progress over a number of years and people can still live an active and fulfilling life.

What are the main challenges in your job role?
Tackling the stereotype of old people and the lack of resources out there.
We would like to be involved earlier on to help people plan for their future, as sometimes we are brought in at a crisis stage when they are quite ill and confused, and that can be hard.

What are the best parts?
Helping someone through a major change in their life, by representing what they want in a positive way.
I have enjoyed my involvement with De Cafe - it is a very unique service.

How many people did Ceartas help last year?
Around 200 people approached the service.

Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy going to the gym and spending time with my children.
I have recently taken part in a glass-walk and fire-walk for charity which I really enjoyed.

What is your ambition?
I would like to complete a masters in dementia studies and I would like to conquer my fear of heights.

Getting to know you
First car: A white Lada
First record: Puppy Love by Donny Osmond
Book currently reading: Goodnight Lady by Martina Cole
Favourite TV programme: Any soap
Famous person most like to meet: Gordon Ramsey
Favourite holiday destination: Florida